FAQ General
What level of experience is required for your trips?
Experience requirements vary by trip. Some treks are suitable for fit beginners, while technical peaks require prior mountaineering experience. Each trip page lists minimum experience and fitness requirements.
Do I need to be extremely fit to join a trip?
You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you should be in excellent cardiovascular condition and comfortable with sustained physical effort over multiple days. Fitness expectations increase with altitude, terrain difficulty, and technical complexity. Contact us for training programs!
How many clients are on each trip?
Group sizes are intentionally small to maximize safety, efficiency, and individual attention. Technical climbs typically have lower client-to-guide ratios than trekking programs. If you prefer a very small group size we recommend booking a private trip.
Who are your guides?
Our guides are certified professionals with extensive experience in alpine, high-altitude, and technical terrain. Many hold AMGA or equivalent certifications and have guided across multiple continents. Our guide staff is hand selected by our founder Justin Sackett and are chosen for their safety records, technical abilities, and charismatic personalities.
What happens if weather or conditions change?
Safety is our top priority. Guides may adjust routes, schedules, or objectives due to weather, avalanche risk, or mountain conditions. Flexibility is essential in mountaineering, and decisions are always made in the best interest of the team. Our priority is safety, not the summit.
Is mountaineering dangerous?
Mountaineering involves objective risks, including weather, altitude, terrain, and environmental hazards. Our role as professional guides is to manage and mitigate those risks through route selection, conservative decision-making, proper pacing, technical systems, and constant assessment of conditions. While no mountain activity is risk-free, guided trips significantly reduce exposure through experience, planning, and disciplined safety protocols.
FAQ Preparation
How far in advance should I start training?
We recommend beginning focused training at least 3–6 months before your trip. Technical or high-altitude objectives may require more preparation. Please contact us if you would like to train with Skyline.
Do you provide training plans?
Yes. We offer many different training programs tailored to your specific needs. Visit our Training page for more information and to schedule a complementary call with our mountaineering trainer.
What about altitude acclimatization?
Our itineraries are designed with acclimatization in mind, including gradual ascents and rest days. Proper acclimatization is critical to safety and success.
What happens if I am not able to continue during the trip?
Guides will assess the situation and prioritize your safety. In some cases, descent or evacuation may be necessary. This is why proper insurance and preparation are essential.
Can I talk to a guide before booking?
Absolutely. We encourage prospective clients to speak with us to ensure the trip is a good fit for their experience, goals, and expectations.
Should I be prepared to tip?
While tipping isn't required, our guides put their hearts and souls into every trip and greatly appreciate any gratuity. 10-20% of the trip cost is a common tip in guiding.
FAQ Gear
Do I need to own all the required gear?
Not necessarily. Some technical equipment can be rented or provided depending on the trip and location. Personal items such as boots, clothing, and harnesses are usually best owned to ensure proper fit and familiarity. Check second hand sources, borrow, and keep an eye out for sales when acquiring gear.
What kind of boots do I need?
Boot requirements vary by objective and may include trekking boots, mountaineering boots, or double boots for high altitude. Each trip will include a gear list with a detailed boot recommendation.
Can you help me choose the right gear?
Yes. We provide detailed gear lists and are happy to review your setup or recommend specific items based on the objective, conditions, and your experience level. We love talking gear, just reach out!
How much weight will I carry?
This depends on the trip. On treks, porters or pack animals often carry group and personal gear. On technical climbs, you should expect to carry a heavier pack, including climbing equipment. For a trek we will carry daypacks ranging from 15-20lbs. On an expedition like Aconcagua our packs may weigh between 45-55lb without porter assistance.
FAQ Connect
Are you hiring guides?
We are a small team of guides that have spent years working together in the mountains. If you are interested in getting into the guiding world please contact us for opportunities!
Can I choose my guide?
Our guides are great people, and we understand you may want to climb with yours again and again! Please inform us of guide preference during your booking and we will do our best to accomodate.
Can I collaborate with Skyline?
We love growing our outdoor community and are always on the lookout for new connections with photographers, professional adventurers, content creators, brands, and more. Reach out to us if you would like to work together.
FAQ Discounts
Do you offer group discounts?
Joining a group climb is a great way to save on the cost of a trip. Private trips will have a higher price point, but the price per person decreases with more people added. If you have a large group looking to go on an adventure, shoot us a message and we can set you up with discounted rates.
Do you offer student discounts?
We are happy to offer students a 10% discount on any Skyline adventure. There's no better way to take a break from studying than to head into the mountains!
Do you offer early-booking discounts?
Some trips offer reduced pricing for early commitments. Availability and terms vary by program. Booking early is always encouraged, reach out to us to see if we are running an Alpine Start discount!
Do you offer a military discount?
We are happy to offer all military personnel 10% off Skyline programs.
What if I can't afford a Skyline trip?
We at Skyline are passionate about getting people outdoors and seek to minimize the barriers to climbing. If you are facing hardship or are a member of a community that is under represented in the climbing world please reach out to us, we would love to help you get outside!
FAQ Logistics
What travel documents do I need?
You will need a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity (often 6 months). Visa requirements vary by country and are the responsibility of the participant. We provide guidance, but you must secure all necessary visas.
Are permits required for these trips?
Yes. Many treks and peaks require government or park permits. These are usually arranged by us as part of the trip, unless otherwise noted.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended and should include emergency medical coverage, evacuation (including helicopter rescue where applicable), and trip interruption. We recommend the provider Faye.
Do I need a medical certificate to climb?
Some high-altitude or technical trips require a medical form or physician clearance. We will inform you well in advance if this applies to your program.
