Thin Air Club | Member Assessment hike

This is the first event of the Thin Air Club Mountain Development Programme – and the starting point for your individual journey.
This first hike is designed as a practical baseline assessment, giving Faisi an opportunity to understand where each member is starting from.

Throughout the hike, Faisi will assess your current hiking ability, fitness, movement across terrain, endurance, pacing, comfort with elevation gain and descent, and general mountain awareness.
The aim is not to pass or fail, but to understand where you are today and identify the areas that will be most valuable for you to work on throughout the programme.

Members join Thin Air Club with different levels of experience and fitness, so the programme is intentionally not a linear course. Your individual starting point and development priorities will help determine which skills, challenges and sessions will be most useful for you as you progress.

Your starting point is not a score.
It is a starting point. The assessment will help shape your individual development pathway and establish a clear baseline for your 12-month journey through the Mountain Development Programme.

This hike is exclusively for active Thin Air Club members.
The assessment is suitable for members with different levels of hiking experience and fitness. You do not need to be an elite hiker or an experienced mountaineer to take part.
What matters is your commitment to developing your mountain skills and working towards your high-altitude goals.

Detailed information will be shared exclusively with Thin Air Club members in the private WhatsApp group.

The list below is a general guide to help you prepare for the hike. Final recommendations may vary depending on the route and weather conditions and will be shared with confirmed participants before the event.

Please make sure to bring the following essentials:
– A small backpack with cushioned shoulder and waist straps
– Mid- to high-cut hiking boots or hiking shoes with good grip (avoid joggers/trainers)
– Comfortable, loose-fitting hiking trousers and a shirt
– Hydration bladder (mandatory)
– Energy bars and snacks
– At least 3 litres of water, plus electrolytes/hydration drinks
– Hiking poles (highly recommended)
– Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

Although any car can reach the hike starting point, 4x4s or SUVs are recommended. If you’re coming in a regular car, don’t worry – we’ll help arrange a seat with someone driving a 4×4 for the short off-road section.. If you’re coming in a regular car, don’t worry – we’ll help arrange a seat with someone driving a 4×4 for the short off-road section.

Carpooling is coordinated among confirmed participants through a dedicated WhatsApp group. While we do our best to help participants find a ride, carpooling availability cannot be guaranteed.

A WhatsApp group will be created 24-36 hours before the event for confirmed participants, where you may be able to find a ride partner. If you are unable to find a suitable carpool option, the full cost of the hike will be refunded.

All first-time participants must complete the AFT Waiver & Emergency Information Forms, which will be sent after payment is received.
Participants must carry their Emirates ID or a copy of their passport with them during the hike.

This event is exclusively available to active Thin Air Club members with a confirmed AFT member account. All bookings must be made separately through the AFT website. Your membership does not automatically register you for individual events. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your booking at least 48 hours in advance and notify the AFT team.

Not a member yet?

Learn more and apply for membership:
Thin Air Club Membership