The safety of our clients is the single most important consideration in everything we do. This policy outlines how Dumont Mountaineering identifies, manages, and mitigates risk in Scotland's mountain environment.
At Dumont Mountaineering, safety is not an afterthought — it is the foundation upon which every experience is built. We believe that the mountains can and should be enjoyed safely, and that proper preparation, qualified instruction, and sound decision-making are what make that possible.
Our instructors hold Mountain Training qualifications and operate in full compliance with industry standards set by Mountain Training UK and the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) where applicable.
All Dumont Mountaineering instructors hold current, recognised Mountain Training qualifications appropriate to the activities they deliver. These include:
Qualifications are reviewed and renewed in line with Mountain Training UK guidelines. Clients are welcome to request confirmation of instructor qualifications prior to any experience.
Before every experience, your instructor will carry out a thorough risk assessment covering terrain, weather conditions, client ability, group size, and available equipment. This assessment is dynamic and updated throughout the day as conditions change.
We monitor weather forecasts from multiple sources in the 48 hours leading up to every experience, including the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) and the Met Office Mountain forecasts. Activities will be adapted, postponed, or cancelled if conditions present an unacceptable level of risk.
Routes are selected based on current conditions, client experience, and the stated objectives for the day. Escape routes are always identified in advance, and turnaround times are set before setting out. No route is ever fixed — conditions on the day always take precedence.
Risk assessment is a continuous process throughout every experience. Your instructor will constantly evaluate terrain, conditions, client wellbeing, and changing circumstances, and will adjust the plan accordingly. Clients are encouraged to raise any concerns at any point during the day.
All Dumont Mountaineering instructors carry a comprehensive emergency kit on every experience, including:
In the event of an emergency requiring outside assistance, your instructor will contact the emergency services by calling 999 and requesting Police Scotland, who coordinate Mountain Rescue in Scotland. Clients should note the location of the nearest phone signal areas discussed during the pre-activity briefing.
All accidents, near misses, and incidents are recorded and reviewed by Dumont Mountaineering. Lessons learned are incorporated into our safety management processes on an ongoing basis.
Safety in the mountains is a shared responsibility. Clients are expected to:
All technical equipment used by Dumont Mountaineering — including ropes, harnesses, ice axes, crampons, and helmets — is inspected before each use, maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, and retired from service at the end of its safe working life.
Clients using their own technical equipment must ensure it is in good condition and fit for purpose. Your instructor reserves the right to refuse the use of equipment deemed unsafe.
Winter mountain activities carry significantly elevated risk compared to summer equivalents. Dumont Mountaineering takes the following precautions on all winter experiences:
Winter experiences will be modified or cancelled where avalanche risk is rated High (4) or Very High (5) on the SAIS scale for the planned terrain.
Dumont Mountaineering holds full public liability insurance for all guided activities. Clients are strongly advised to hold their own personal accident insurance and mountain rescue insurance prior to participating in any experience.
Mountain Rescue in Scotland is provided free of charge as a voluntary service, however personal accident and helicopter rescue cover is recommended for all mountain activities. Policies are available through providers such as British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or Mountaineering Scotland.
This Safety Policy is reviewed annually and following any significant incident or near miss. Updates are made to reflect changes in best practice, Mountain Training guidelines, and the findings of any incident reviews.
For any questions regarding this policy or our safety practices, please do not hesitate to get in touch before your experience.
Dumont Mountaineering · Scotland · Contact Us