Terms of Service & Participant Agreement

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1. Introduction

These terms and conditions, which include our Participant Acknowledgement of Risk and Waiver of Liability, form the basis of your contract with Lagom Escapes (“we”, “us”, Our”), a partnership registered in the United Kingdom. Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations.

By making a booking with us (whether directly or via a third party) or submitting our booking form, you confirm that:

  • You are at least 18 years old and legally able to enter into a contract.

  • You have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions, including the inherent risks and liability waivers detailed below.

  • You have the authority to accept these terms on behalf of everyone named on the booking.

2. Booking and Payments

  • a. A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total booking is required at the time of booking, unless otherwise stated on the specific trip page.

  • b. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before the start date of your trip.

  • c. If the balance is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit.

  • d. Bookings made within 60 days of the start date must be paid in full at the time of booking.

  • e. Your place is not confirmed until we have received your deposit and you have received written confirmation from us.

3. Cancellations by You

  • a. Notice of Cancellation: If you need to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing via email. The cancellation date is recorded as the day we receive your written notice, and this date determines the applicable charges.

  • b. Non-Refundable Deposit: The deposit paid at the time of booking is non-refundable and non-transferable. This covers administrative costs and the immediate financial commitments we make to local partners and mountain hut networks.

  • c. Cancellation Schedule: In addition to the non-refundable deposit, the following charges apply based on when notice is received:

    • More than 60 days before start date: Full refund of the balance paid (excluding the non-refundable deposit).

    • Between 30 and 60 days before start date: 50% refund of the total trip cost.

    • Less than 30 days before start date: No refund.

  • d. Travel Insurance: Because our cancellation policy is strictly enforced to maintain the viability of our group hikes, we strongly recommend that you secure comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. Ensure your policy covers "cancellation for any reason" and medical emergencies to protect your investment.

4. Changes by You

  • a. If you wish to make changes to your booking (for example, change dates or transfer to another trip), we will do our best to accommodate you, subject to availability.

  • b. Changes may incur an administration fee of £50 per person, plus any additional costs charged by our suppliers (e.g. huts, hotels, local operators).

  • c. Changes requested within 60 days of the start date may be treated as a cancellation and re-booking, and the cancellation terms in Section 3 will apply.

5. Cancellations or Changes by Us

  • a. In the unlikely event that we need to cancel your booking, you will be offered:

    • A full refund of all monies paid to us for that trip; or

    • An alternative date or tour (with any price difference agreed and settled).

  • b. We may cancel or make significant changes due to circumstances beyond our control (“force majeure”), such as (but not limited to) natural disasters, severe weather, pandemics, war, civil unrest, or government restrictions.

  • c. In cases of cancellation or significant change due to force majeure, our responsibility is limited to the refund of payments made to us for the trip. We will not be liable for any additional costs you incur (for example: flights, insurance, extra accommodation, or other travel arrangements).

  • d. We reserve the right to make minor changes to the itinerary where reasonably required (for example, changing the order of days, swapping huts/hotels for similar alternatives, adjusting routes). Such changes will not entitle you to a refund.

6. Weather Conditions and Trip Amendments

  • a. The mountains are a dynamic environment where weather conditions (including wind, rain, snow, heat, and sudden temperature changes) can significantly impact safety.

  • b. We reserve the right at any time to amend the itinerary, alter routes, adjust the level of the challenge, or cancel certain activities if weather conditions, trail conditions, or other safety factors present a risk to the group.

  • c. In the event of such changes, we will make every reasonable effort to provide an alternative plan (for example, a lower-level route or alternative overnight location). However, no refunds or compensation will be offered if the trip is altered or curtailed due to weather or safety considerations.

  • d. Where an itinerary change leads to extra costs (for example additional accommodation, taxis, public transport, meals beyond what is normally included), these additional costs will be your responsibility. We strongly recommend that your travel insurance covers such situations.

  • e. All participants must be prepared for variable weather and carry appropriate clothing and equipment as specified in the kit list.

7. Participant Acknowledgement of Inherent Risks

By booking, you professionally acknowledge that participating in mountain trekking activities organised by Lagom Escapes involves inherent and unpredictable risks. These activities include, but are not limited to: single-day hikes, multi-day hut-to-hut treks, navigating steep, rugged, rocky, or exposed terrain, high-altitude travel, and unpredictable weather shifts.

You explicitly understand and accept that these risks include, but are not limited to:

  • Environmental Hazards: Sudden extreme weather changes (storms, heavy rain, snow, lightning, high winds), rockfall, scree slopes, slippery terrain, avalanches, and limited visibility.

  • Physical & Medical Hazards: Altitude sickness, hypothermia, hyperthermia (heat exhaustion), dehydration, physical fatigue, slips, trips, falls, and injuries resulting from remote travel where immediate medical evacuation may be delayed.

  • Hut-to-Hut & Remote Logistics: Staying in communal mountain refuges, which may involve shared sleeping quarters, limited amenities, variable dietary provisions, and remote locations far from standard emergency services.

8. Fitness, Ability, and Personal Responsibility

  • a. Medical & Physical Fitness Certification: You certify that you are physically fit, sufficiently trained, and medically capable of participating in the itinerary detailed by Lagom Escapes.

  • b. Participation in our trips requires a good level of physical fitness and, in some cases, a good head for heights. It is your responsibility to ensure you are adequately fit and prepared for the multi-day challenge or day hike you have booked.

  • c. Our itineraries may involve walking 8+ hours per day, with up to 2000 metres of ascent/descent per day on uneven mountain paths, sometimes at altitude. By booking, you confirm that you are physically capable of completing the activity as described. As a guide, you should be able to maintain an average pace of around 3–4 km per hour on hilly terrain while carrying a multi-day pack.

  • d. Guide Authority: You accept that the International Mountain Leader (IML) or designated guide retains absolute authority to modify the itinerary, deny your participation in specific sections of the trek, or require your evacuation if they deem your physical condition, conduct, or equipment to be a safety risk to yourself or the group.

  • e. If, in the opinion of the guide, you are unable to complete the hike safely or to maintain a reasonable pace (for example due to lack of fitness, fatigue, or discomfort with exposure/heights), we may adjust your participation (e.g., ask you to sit out certain days or stages) or ask you to leave the trip for your own safety and the welfare of the group.

  • f. If you are unable to complete the hike for reasons other than injury (e.g., lack of fitness, fear of heights, personal choice), or if you need to abandon the hike for any reason, you will be responsible for arranging and covering all costs incurred to return you to the nearest town or onward destination. This includes collection, transport, accommodation, meals, and any other additional expenses.

  • g. Injury-related issues will be dealt with with appropriate care and support, but general unpreparedness or fitness-related difficulties will not warrant any refund or compensation.

9. Health, Medical Disclosures, and Safety

  • a. Medical Disclosure: You agree to accurately disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, disabilities, allergies, or regular medications to the guiding team prior to departure. This includes (but is not limited to) cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, joint or mobility issues, and mental health conditions.

  • b. We reserve the right to request further information or a doctor’s note confirming your fitness to participate. If we reasonably believe that a condition makes participation unsafe, we may decline your booking or exclude you from the trip. In such cases, our standard cancellation terms will apply.

  • c. It is your responsibility to carry any personal medication you require and to ensure you know how and when to take it.

  • d. You agree to follow all safety instructions given by our guides, including on clothing, equipment, pace, route choice, and weather.

10. Insurance

  • a. It is a condition of joining any Lagom Escapes trip that you have suitable travel insurance in place before you travel.

  • b. Your policy must cover, as a minimum:

    • Hiking and trekking at the altitude and in the terrain specified for your trip

    • Medical expenses

    • Mountain rescue and evacuation

    • Repatriation

    • Trip cancellation, curtailment, and personal liability

  • c. You are responsible for checking that your insurance is adequate for your specific trip and activities. We are not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of inadequate or invalid insurance.

  • d. You should carry proof of your insurance with you on the trip and may be asked to provide policy details before or at the start of the tour. We reserve the right to refuse participation if you cannot provide evidence of suitable insurance, in which case no refund will be due.

11. What’s Included / Not Included

  • a. Your booking confirmation and trip information will set out what is included in the price of your tour. This typically includes items such as guiding services, specified accommodation, some meals, and local transport as described in the itinerary.

  • b. Anything not expressly listed as included is excluded. Typical exclusions are:

    • International and domestic flights

    • Travel to and from the trip start/finish points - unless specified on the specific trip page

    • Travel insurance

    • Drinks (unless specifically stated)

    • Personal equipment and clothing

    • Optional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary

    • Additional meals, snacks, and drinks outside those stated as included

    • Tips, souvenirs, and other personal expenses

  • c. If you are unsure whether something is included, please ask us before you book.

12. Late Arrival and Early Departure

  • a. It is your responsibility to arrive at the designated meeting point on time at the start of the trip.

  • b. If you arrive late and miss the start of the trip, we will do our best to help you catch up with the group where feasible, but we cannot guarantee that this will be possible, and any additional costs (e.g. extra accommodation, taxis, public transport) will be at your expense.

  • c. No refunds will be made for any part of the trip missed due to late arrival or early departure (including leaving the trip for personal reasons, illness, or injury).

  • d. If you need to leave the trip early, any arrangements and costs for your onward travel and accommodation will be your responsibility and should be claimed on your travel insurance where possible.

13. Waiver of Liability

  • a. By signing or agreeing to these terms, you acknowledge the risks associated with mountain trekking activities and agree to waive certain legal rights to sue Lagom Escapes, its directors, and its guides.

  • b. We will exercise reasonable skill and care in providing our services. We are not liable for any loss, damage, injury, illness, or death unless caused by our proven negligence or that of our employees acting within the scope of their duties.

  • c. Our total liability to you, except in cases of death or personal injury caused by our negligence, is limited to the total amount paid by you for the trip.

  • d. We do not accept responsibility for:

    • Any loss, damage, injury, or expense arising from circumstances beyond our reasonable control (including, but not limited to, extreme weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, war, civil unrest, or government actions).

    • The acts or omissions of any third parties, including airlines, transport providers, accommodation providers, or other travellers.

    • Loss or damage to personal property (including luggage, equipment, or valuables). You are advised not to bring expensive items and to ensure you have insurance cover for your belongings.

  • e. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall limit or exclude any liability which cannot be excluded under applicable law, including liability for fraud or for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

14. Behaviour and Guide Authority

  • a. You must behave in a way that is considerate of other group members, local communities, and the environment.

  • b. You agree to follow all reasonable instructions given by our guides, particularly those relating to safety, weather, pace, route choice, and group management.

  • c. We reserve the right to refuse to take you on a trip, or to remove you from a trip, if:

    • You act in a way that is, or is likely to be, unsafe or dangerous;

    • You significantly disrupt the enjoyment, safety, or comfort of other participants;

    • You repeatedly ignore guide instructions; or

    • You are under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a degree that, in the guide’s opinion, affects your safety or the safety of others.

  • d. If you are removed from a trip for behavioural reasons, no refund will be given, and you will be responsible for any additional costs you incur as a result.

15. Complaints

  • a. If you have a complaint during your trip, please inform your guide or contact us as soon as possible so we have the opportunity to put things right.

  • b. If your complaint is not resolved at the time, you must notify us in writing within 14 days of the end of your tour, providing full details.

  • c. Failure to raise an issue promptly during the trip may limit our ability to investigate and resolve it, and may affect any compensation you might otherwise be entitled to.

16. Data Protection and Privacy

  • a. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data in accordance with UK data protection laws.

  • b. We will use the personal information you provide to:

    • Process your booking and manage your trip

    • Contact you about your booking

    • Share relevant information with guides, accommodation providers, and other suppliers where necessary to deliver the services booked

  • c. We will not share your data with third parties for marketing purposes without your consent. Further details are set out in our Privacy Policy, available on request and/or on our website.

17. Photos and Marketing

  • a. During trips, we or other group members may take photos or short videos. We love to share the magic of the mountains and may use such images on our website, social media, or in promotional materials.

  • b. If you would prefer not to appear in any photos or marketing, please let us and your guide know at the start of the trip, and we will always respect your wishes.

  • c. You are welcome to tag us and share your own images of the trip on social media. Please always respect the privacy of other participants when posting photos online.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These terms and conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or your booking, are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any legal proceedings will be brought exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.

19. General

  • a. If any part of these terms and conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

  • b. These terms and conditions, together with your booking confirmation and any information provided to you about your specific trip, constitute the entire agreement between you and Lagom Escapes.

  • c. We may update these terms and conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time you make your booking will apply to your contract with us.

Version 19/06/26