Everything you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
Level of Difficulty
The Snowdon Challenge is graded as challenging. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind and who wish to push themselves in one of the UK's most iconic landscapes. You can tell your supporters that on your Snowdon Challenge you will be:
• Trekking for around 7-8 hours in a single day.
• Covering 15km of mountainous terrain.
• Trekking without support, carrying all your food and water for the entire day.
• Ascend 1000m in a single day.
• Summiting one of the UK's highest mountains, and the highest peak in Wales!
Level of Difficulty
The Snowdon Challenge is graded as challenging. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind and who wish to push themselves in one of the UK's most iconic landscapes. You can tell your supporters that on your Snowdon Challenge you will be:
• Trekking for around 7-8 hours in a single day.
• Covering 15km of mountainous terrain.
• Trekking without support, carrying all your food and water for the entire day.
• Ascend 1000m in a single day.
• Summiting one of the UK's highest mountains, and the highest peak in Wales!
Training
This challenge is a great adventure that will have you trekking up and down the highest mountain in Wales over one day, therefore requiring a moderate to good level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking. However, if you do not have the luxury of living near the hills, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training 2-4 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be wearing on the challenge in order to get them worn in, and take the daysack that you will be using during the challenge.
There is no substitute for walking in the hills so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an area with steep hills. You should progress to training with your boots on from week 4 at the latest, but preferably from week 1. The more you exercise before the expedition, the more you will get out of it.
Training
This challenge is a great adventure that will have you trekking up and down the highest mountain in Wales over one day, therefore requiring a moderate to good level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking. However, if you do not have the luxury of living near the hills, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training 2-4 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be wearing on the challenge in order to get them worn in, and take the daysack that you will be using during the challenge.
There is no substitute for walking in the hills so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an area with steep hills. You should progress to training with your boots on from week 4 at the latest, but preferably from week 1. The more you exercise before the expedition, the more you will get out of it.
Group size
This challenge will have a minimum group size of 100 people.
The aim of this challenge is to support each other to reach the summit, and descend. This challenge will not be run as a race and it is unsuitable to anyone wishing to see this as an individual challenge against the clock.
During the course of the trek it is very likely that you will split into smaller groups, but at all times you will be accompanied by one of our qualified mountain leaders.
Group size
This challenge will have a minimum group size of 100 people.
The aim of this challenge is to support each other to reach the summit, and descend. This challenge will not be run as a race and it is unsuitable to anyone wishing to see this as an individual challenge against the clock.
During the course of the trek it is very likely that you will split into smaller groups, but at all times you will be accompanied by one of our qualified mountain leaders.
Leadership
We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain expedition leaders to accompany and lead you. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading expeditions throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times.
Leadership
We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain expedition leaders to accompany and lead you. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading expeditions throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times.
Weather
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We run UK challenges between April and October, and although the summer months of June-August should be, in general, warmer, sunnier and more stable in terms of the weather conditions, we all know that this isn’t always the case. Please check the weather forecasts up to ensure that you bring clothing suitable for all weathers, including warm and sunny temperatures as well as wind and sudden downpours.
It is important to remember that the weather on the mountain is likely to be evry different to that down at the bottom. Therefore please alwasy ensure that you carry all of the kit listed as essential on your kit list.
Weather
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We run UK challenges between April and October, and although the summer months of June-August should be, in general, warmer, sunnier and more stable in terms of the weather conditions, we all know that this isn’t always the case. Please check the weather forecasts up to ensure that you bring clothing suitable for all weathers, including warm and sunny temperatures as well as wind and sudden downpours.
It is important to remember that the weather on the mountain is likely to be evry different to that down at the bottom. Therefore please alwasy ensure that you carry all of the kit listed as essential on your kit list.
Terrain
This challenge takes place on a well maintained footpath. However, the path is rocky in places and can be slippy if wet. Certain sections of the path are steeper than others but there are no sections that require you to use your hands to scramble.
Terrain
This challenge takes place on a well maintained footpath. However, the path is rocky in places and can be slippy if wet. Certain sections of the path are steeper than others but there are no sections that require you to use your hands to scramble.
Challenge Timings
Precise details and timings will be made available in your Final Details that are sent out 1 month prior to the challenge.
Your challenge begins early in the morning to meet your leader team and have a safety briefing.
The challenge itself commences at approximately 9am. Walking times on the mountain can vary enormously, but you should expect it to take approximately 7-8 hours. You will finish back where you started in Llanberis at approximately 5pm.
If you are travelling by public transport then please try to book a flexible ticket in case you finish earlier or later.
Please note: Whilst we shall do all we can to stick to this finish time, please make sure you book flexible return tickets as delays can happen and we cannot guarantee a precise finishing time or be held responsible for any missed transport.
Challenge Timings
Precise details and timings will be made available in your Final Details that are sent out 1 month prior to the challenge.
Your challenge begins early in the morning to meet your leader team and have a safety briefing.
The challenge itself commences at approximately 9am. Walking times on the mountain can vary enormously, but you should expect it to take approximately 7-8 hours. You will finish back where you started in Llanberis at approximately 5pm.
If you are travelling by public transport then please try to book a flexible ticket in case you finish earlier or later.
Please note: Whilst we shall do all we can to stick to this finish time, please make sure you book flexible return tickets as delays can happen and we cannot guarantee a precise finishing time or be held responsible for any missed transport.
Getting there
Precise details and timings will be made available in your Final Details that are sent out 1 month prior to the challenge.
The challenge will start close to the village of Llanberis.
Getting there
Precise details and timings will be made available in your Final Details that are sent out 1 month prior to the challenge.
The challenge will start close to the village of Llanberis.
Food and Drink
The following meals are included in the cost of this challenge:
- A packed lunch to take with you on the trek
We advise you to bring enough bottles to ensure you have 2 litres of water on you at all times. We would encourage you to also bring some of your own preferred snacks to keep you going during the challenge.
Please ensure you have had a substantial breakfast before arriving and that you arrive with your water bottles already filled.
If you have a severe allergy or dietary need, such as a severe nut allergy, please ensure you provide as much detail as possible about this when booking on the challenge (e.g. whether you need an epipen, whether it is an airborne allergy or not etc). If you have informed us of any allergies or special dietary needs as part of the challenge booking process, we will endeavour to ensure appropriate meals are available to you. However, we would encourage you to also bring your own favourite snacks with you to ensure your energy levels stay topped up throughout the challenge. Please be aware that it may not always be possible for us to cater to special dietary or allergy needs – we will get in touch if this is the case.
Food and Drink
The following meals are included in the cost of this challenge:
- A packed lunch to take with you on the trek
We advise you to bring enough bottles to ensure you have 2 litres of water on you at all times. We would encourage you to also bring some of your own preferred snacks to keep you going during the challenge.
Please ensure you have had a substantial breakfast before arriving and that you arrive with your water bottles already filled.
If you have a severe allergy or dietary need, such as a severe nut allergy, please ensure you provide as much detail as possible about this when booking on the challenge (e.g. whether you need an epipen, whether it is an airborne allergy or not etc). If you have informed us of any allergies or special dietary needs as part of the challenge booking process, we will endeavour to ensure appropriate meals are available to you. However, we would encourage you to also bring your own favourite snacks with you to ensure your energy levels stay topped up throughout the challenge. Please be aware that it may not always be possible for us to cater to special dietary or allergy needs – we will get in touch if this is the case.
Clothing and Equipment
Good quality and durable equipment could make the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof and well-worn in boots will be indispensable. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough, so it is vital that you use a strong pair of canvas or leather boots with good ankle support for this challenge, coupled with a pair of good quality walking socks. Trainers are not suitable. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated - so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, as well as technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. We would like to emphasize that jeans should not be worn on this challenge.
A full kit list for this challenge can be found here. As a Charity Challenge participant, you will get members only benefits and/or discounts at a wide range of clothing and equipment suppliers including Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Water to Go, Sporttape and Nomad & MASTA.
Clothing and Equipment
Good quality and durable equipment could make the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof and well-worn in boots will be indispensable. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough, so it is vital that you use a strong pair of canvas or leather boots with good ankle support for this challenge, coupled with a pair of good quality walking socks. Trainers are not suitable. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated - so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, as well as technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. We would like to emphasize that jeans should not be worn on this challenge.
A full kit list for this challenge can be found here. As a Charity Challenge participant, you will get members only benefits and/or discounts at a wide range of clothing and equipment suppliers including Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Water to Go, Sporttape and Nomad & MASTA.
Toilets
There will be toilet facilities at the start of the trek and at certain locations along the way. However, these toilets are frequently closed or unavailable so please be prepared to have to use more natural facilites.
Toilets
There will be toilet facilities at the start of the trek and at certain locations along the way. However, these toilets are frequently closed or unavailable so please be prepared to have to use more natural facilites.
Money
During the trek there are 2 points on the route where you are able to buy snacks and drinks. You therefore may like to bring some money to use at these opportunities.
Money
During the trek there are 2 points on the route where you are able to buy snacks and drinks. You therefore may like to bring some money to use at these opportunities.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
• The terrain on the challenge is often rocky and in wet conditions can be extremely slippery. Please make sure that your walking boots have good grip. Trainers are not appropriate as they lack grip.
• The weather on the summits of the hills can be very different to down in the valleys. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
• 7-8 hours is a long time to be out on the hills. Ensure that you eat lots throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
• The terrain on the challenge is often rocky and in wet conditions can be extremely slippery. Please make sure that your walking boots have good grip. Trainers are not appropriate as they lack grip.
• The weather on the summits of the hills can be very different to down in the valleys. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
• 7-8 hours is a long time to be out on the hills. Ensure that you eat lots throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
Emergencies
Your leading team are trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying a mobile phone and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leader team. This team will always keep the group together for maximum safety.
Emergencies
Your leading team are trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying a mobile phone and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leader team. This team will always keep the group together for maximum safety.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
