What is Everest in the Alps and why is it such a unique challenge?
Everest in the Alps is a young, bold adventure challenge company. It is unique because it is a ski tour challenge that is tough and will test you but at the same time is achievable for anyone active who can ski – as long as you prepare! You get the opportunity to tackle your own Everest while raising money for important causes close to your heart.
Why should I choose EIA?
EIA enables you to really find out what you are made off, in a safe, professionally supported environment. Every aspect of the expedition has been planned with military precision by the expert people at Secret Compass, whose pioneering approach to travel has put them at the forefront of expedition planning, risk management and leadership.
Who takes part?
Everest in the Alps is for anyone who loves ski touring, skiing, the mountains, or simply loves a challenge, and wants to put hard effort into making a difference. Whether you want to escape the desk, do something unique or just challenge yourself – Everest in the Alps is your opportunity to be a part of something incredible.
Why is it so tough?
Firstly, the altitude gain each day is a lot! We average 2300m of height gain each day. This is tough, normally when ski touring 1000m of gain is a good day. As a result this takes time and you will be out skiing for 10-12 hours a day.
The cumulative effect of doing this over multiple days wears the body and mind down. After day 1 you will be thinking how can I do this for another 3 days! In addition to this, staying in the mountain hut at altitude means that you are in an unfamiliar environment with reduced oxygen and so your body’s recovery system is not as efficient. This contributes to the degradation of body and mind!
However, the nature of this means that if you are determined and keep going, keep putting one foot in front of the other, you will be able to do it!!
What is the minimum age to take part?
The minimum age is 18 but there’s no upper age limit – the only limit is that you can physically prepare for the challenge. And when it kicks off you won’t be alone. We’ll be with you the whole way to the top.
How fit do I need to be?
We’ve made it difficult for a reason, but we’ve also made it achievable. You don’t have to be a brilliant skier, you don’t need to be a triathlete, but you need to be determined to get fit, really fit. You don’t need to be fast, you just need to keep going! As a result cardio fitness, running, swimming and biking are really beneficial, steady state for extended periods. Any time spent walking for long periods in the hills is really helpful. Not only will you get into the best shape of your life, you’ll be making a difference.
How much support do I receive leading up to the challenge?
We’ll be with you every step of the way. Whether you need help choosing your charity, organising your fundraising or fitness and training advice, we can point you in the right direction.
How much support will I receive on the challenge?
Everything is taken care of by professionals. Each team will have an extremely experienced mountain guide, able to adjust routes and timings each day based on the individuals in that team, weather conditions and any number of variables.
What about Travel Insurance?
You need to make sure to have suitable cover. You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects this challenge and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
Check-list:
- Emergency medical repatriation (to home country) including any associated expenses abroad of at least $500,000.
- Activities – ensure that any activities carried out on the expedition are included – in this case, ski touring with a guide – we will be within the ski area the whole time.
- Dates – make sure the period of cover begins at the departure and ends at the return to your home country. Many flights take a day or two and time zones vary. Insurance companies may prejudice your claims due to this.
- Pre-existing medical conditions – if you have any pre-existing medical conditions please ensure you disclose this to your insurance company.
Can I support any charity?
We have a strong link with The Brain Tumor Charity, but you can choose any cause close to your heart. When you have decided on your chosen charity, just get in touch and they will be happy to assist you with more information on how the process works as well as fundraising ideas and any other support you might need.
How do I raise sponsorship to take part?
You decide which charity you would like to raise money for. Speak with the charity as they are often a fantastic resource for fundraising and will be able to provide help and advice for you. You then need to set up a fundraising vehicle or place whereby people can pledge donations. There are a number of options such as:
Just Giving, Virgin Money Giving, MyDonate. You can then populate these pages and start speaking to people for donations. Click here for a great article explaining how to choose the best fundraising site.
HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO RAISE?
This is totally up to you, we do not specify a minimum amount and each person has their own different set of circumstances, personal networks and ability to raise money.
CAN THE MONEY I RAISE HELP PAY FOR THE EVENT?
Typically there are two funding options for charity challenges. Most people self-fund and pay the costs of the trip themselves and raise money separately, with 100% of donations going straight to their chosen charity. With this option, 100% of gift aid can be claimed for the charity.
Then there’s the fundraising option, in which case you will raise a target figure – agreed with your charity– to cover your travel costs as well as sponsorship. You will need to speak to your chosen charity to see if they can support you in this way. Most (but not all) charities are comfortable with this concept as it helps charities raise valuable funds they wouldn’t otherwise get and helps people take on challenges they couldn’t otherwise afford.
What happens if I can’t raise the minimum sponsorship specified by my charity?
This is different for each charity so you need to clarify the arrangement with them. Normally there will be checkpoints along the way so for example, by 8 weeks before the trip you will need to have raised two thirds and so on.
What if I don’t want to fundraise?
If for whatever reason you don’t want to fundraise for a particular charity, it is of course possible to take on the challenge without supporting a charity.
Can I extend my stay in the country once the challenge has finished?
Of course! Many people like to do this with family once the challenge has finished and as you are responsible for your own flights, it is totally up to you!
