Mountain Trek - Your Fitness & Weight Loss Spa

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What do we mean by: “Beginner”, “Intermediate”, and  “Advanced” Hiking Levels?
Flexibility is the key in meeting the needs of our hikers. We employ 3 guides to hike with each group of 14 guests each week, and we have between 15 and 20 different trails, of varying levels of difficulty, and different terrain, views, experiences. Our trails are mostly within a 45-minute to 1.5-hour drive of our lodge, in both the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain ranges, although some of the “Advanced” trails are 2-hours drive. These drives are well worth the opportunity to access these outstanding trails.

These are the different levels of hiking offered in a typical Mountain Hiking Week. Although this is not an exact science, we try, within the variables of the group and Mother Nature, to cater to these levels. Our guides are the final authority on who can hike in each group, and consider safety first. Guests may hire a private guide (see Extra Services) if they wish special attention for their hiking abilities.

Beginner:   Actual hiking time:  3 hours +
Steady slowest pace ... 500 - 1,000 feet elevation gain over length of hike.

Intermediate:   Actual hiking time:   3-5 hours +
Steady pace, longer distance ... 1,000 - 1,500 feet elevation gain.

Advanced:   Actual hiking time:   5+ hours
Harder, faster pace ... longer distance. 1,500 - 3,000 feet elevation gain. Part of the prerequisite to hiking in the advanced group is the ability to maintain a fast pace for the duration of the hike. Our guides have the final authority to determine who may hike with this group.    

Spring and Fall offer lower level "undulating" trails with continual up and down grades. Summer trails have more of a "steady up on the way in and steady down on the way out" orientation.

Want some more information? Check these links: How to buy hiking boots; Outdoor gear/clothing; Hiking Levels at Mountain Trek; Hiking tips; Hiking Trails at Mountain Trek.