FTA Philosophy

Our expeditions comprise a group of like-minded individuals pooling their efforts and talents to surmount a significant high altitude objective. Our climb members join us because they are looking for an organized effort but do not need the meticulous catering offered by many organizations n or the expense which comes with it. We believe in offering lower cost alternatives and sharing more responsibilities with our clients. That said you will find the services while in town, trekking and at base camp of the highest quality. In fact we stay in the same hotels and use many of the same local companies as significantly higher priced trips.

Our equipment too is of a high standard, and we use North Face, Mountain Hardwear or Eureka tents, and have at least 1 satellite phone at BC at all times. Our expedition managers and guides have extensive climbing CVs and guiding experience. Many of our guides have been to 8000m peaks previously and all possess medical training of the WEMT (wilderness medical technicians) or WFR (wilderness first responder) level.

We try to make all of our climbs as flexible as possible so that each member can maximize their safety, enjoyment and success. There is no regimented strategy in place, and members can often move at their own pace without the stress of having to keep up with a climbing line. It is required, however, that team members be able to maintain a degree of self-sufficiency, and understand that the climbing leader is there for the general leadership of the group, and not to devote all his resources to ensuring any single member reaches the top. The expedition manager will make all decisions in consultation with the group, however he retains the right to lead with safety as his foremost consideration, and this will be reinforced if any member appears overtaxed.