Liability & Assumption of Risk

Last Updated: 22 July 2026

1. Introduction

At USVE, participant safety is our highest priority. We carefully plan our adventures, work with experienced guides and trusted partners, and aim to provide safe, enjoyable and memorable outdoor experiences.

However, outdoor activities involve inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated.

By booking or participating in a USVE activity, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

2. Nature of Outdoor Activities

USVE activities may include:

Guided hiking
Hill walking
Mountain walking
Camping
Mountaineering
Trekking
High-altitude expeditions
International adventure travel
water sports
Other outdoor activities

These activities often take place in remote environments where conditions can change rapidly.

3. Assumption of Risk

By participating, you understand that outdoor activities involve risks including, but not limited to:

Slips, trips and falls
Uneven or unstable terrain
Rockfall
Falling objects
Steep ground
River crossings
Extreme weather
Cold, heat or exposure
Altitude-related illness
Fatigue
Wildlife and insects
Equipment failure
Limited access to emergency medical assistance
Transport delays
Natural hazards

You voluntarily accept these risks when choosing to participate.

4. Your Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for:

Following all safety instructions.
Wearing suitable clothing and footwear.
Bringing the required equipment.
Staying with the group unless instructed otherwise.
Informing guides of any medical issues that may affect participation.
Acting responsibly towards other participants.
Looking after personal belongings.
Exercising reasonable care for their own safety.

5. Guide Authority

USVE leaders, mountain leaders, instructors and local guides have the authority to make decisions in the interests of safety.

This may include:

Changing routes
Adjusting the itinerary
Delaying activities
Cancelling activities
Turning participants around
Refusing participation where safety is compromised

These decisions are final and are made to protect participants, staff and the wider group.

6. Medical Emergencies

If a participant becomes injured or unwell, USVE and our partners will make reasonable efforts to arrange appropriate assistance.

Depending on the location, this may include:

Mountain Rescue
Emergency services
Local medical facilities
Helicopter evacuation (where available)

Participants remain responsible for any costs not covered by USVE or their insurance.

For international adventures, comprehensive travel insurance with appropriate medical and emergency evacuation cover is essential.

7. Personal Equipment

Participants are responsible for ensuring that all personal equipment is:

Suitable for the activity.
Properly maintained.
Used correctly.
Appropriate for the expected conditions.

Where specialist equipment is provided by USVE or a trusted partner, participants agree to use it responsibly and in accordance with any instructions given.

8. Personal Responsibility

Every participant is responsible for making sensible decisions throughout an activity.

If you feel unable to continue safely, you should inform your guide as soon as possible.

You should never continue beyond your own abilities simply to keep pace with the group.

9. Third-Party Providers

Some adventures involve independent guides, accommodation providers, transport companies or specialist expedition operators.

These organisations remain responsible for the services they provide.

USVE works with carefully selected partners but does not control their day-to-day operations.

10. Limitation of Liability

USVE takes reasonable care in planning and delivering its activities and complies with its legal responsibilities under the laws of England and Wales.

Nothing in this document excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

Subject to applicable law, USVE shall not be liable for losses arising from:

Risks that are inherent in outdoor activities.
A participant's failure to follow instructions.
Inadequate fitness or preparation.
Failure to disclose relevant medical conditions.
Equipment brought by participants.
Circumstances outside our reasonable control.
The acts or omissions of independent third parties where USVE is not legally responsible.