Safety Protocols
The adventure is real because the margins are.
How we manage risk, who leads your week, and what happens if something goes wrong in the backcountry.
Certified guides, every week
Every backcountry LUX week runs with IFMGA or ACMG-certified mountain guides. No exceptions, no subcontracting. The people leading your week are the people who built it.
Small groups, real margins
Six to eight women per week, with a guide-to-guest ratio that means you're never just a number. We build in the time and the margin to make sound decisions in the field.
Daily conditions review
Each morning starts with a guide-led briefing on the avalanche bulletin, weather, and route. If the call is to rest, we rest. The mountains will be there tomorrow.
Guide standards
Every guide carries this.
We never subcontract your week to strangers. Every LUX Life guide meets the same baseline of training and currency, and is personally vetted by founder Alenka Mali.
- IFMGA / ACMG Mountain Guide certification
- Wilderness First Responder (current)
- Avalanche Operations Level 1 or higher
- Technical rescue and crevasse training
- CPR + AED certification
- Backcountry radio and satellite communications
Emergency procedures
If something goes wrong.
Stop and assess
Guides secure the scene, account for all guests, and prevent further exposure. Group stays together in a safe position.
First response
On-site first aid and trauma care from certified guides. Wilderness First Responders lead until outside help arrives.
Evacuation
Satellite communication triggers rescue coordination. We carry registered PLBs and rehearse extraction plans for every zone we travel in.
Aftercare
Continuous check-ins through recovery, debrief with the full guiding team, and support with insurance and medical follow-up.
Travel and evacuation insurance is required for all backcountry weeks. We send a recommended provider list on booking and are happy to walk you through the options.