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Hiking Level Descriptions

HIKE LEVEL INFORMATION

In order for all hikers to have a safe and fun time, it is important that each participant make an informed decision to join the One Family Fund Hike upon understanding its physical demands.  Each level of hiking is strenuous.

The following descriptive summaries are designed to provide realistic descriptions of the challenge levels on the hike.

Note: Weather conditions can influence the route and hike performance (for instance, extreme heat of +40 degrees C). Each hiker will be carrying a backpack containing three to five litres of water and some food, which in total can weigh approximately 20-30 pounds.

Important: You will be placed by our hike guides into a group which will provide the appropriate level of challenge and safety for all.

ADVANCED LEVEL 1

This level is for experienced hikers who are in excellent condition and seek a long, extremely demanding set of physical challenges that involve fast-paced steep technical ascents and descents. Obstacles include boulders, steep ledges and edges, ladders and tricky footing over uneven wet and dry turf and rocky trails. Hiking will take place in potentially hot temperatures without shade for hours while carrying a heavy pack. This group may hike without stopping for an hour at a time. Hiking routes will generally take 6 – 7 hours to complete.

Advanced Level 1 requires superior cardio, endurance, strength and agility.

ADVANCED LEVEL 2

As above, but at a slower pace. Hikers in Advanced Level 2 will cover the same territory and follow the same route as Advanced 1, but will take approximately an hour longer to complete the day’s hike. There will be more frequent stops.

Advanced Level 2 requires excellent cardio, endurance, strength and agility. Hiking routes will generally take 7 – 8 hours to complete.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Hikers in this group will enjoy a comfortable trek at a moderate pace and a cover a shorter distance than those in the Advanced levels. There will still be plenty of extended ups and downs and challenges over uneven ground. Hiking will take place in potentially hot temperatures without shade for hours while carrying a heavy pack. Hiking routes will generally take 4 – 5 hours to complete.

Intermediate Level requires good cardio, endurance, strength and agility.

NOVICE

This is the appropriate level for participants who enjoy walking and exploring places of interest by foot in a more traditional and less challenging and physically taxing mode. There will still be some gentle grades and obstacles, but the distances will be shorter and hikes will be no longer than 2 – 3 hours a day.

Excursion Level  requires basic cardio, endurance, strength and agility.

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