What shoes to choose?
The footwear must cover the ankle as it will strengthen the snowshoes. Hiking is not possible with barefoot, sandals, booties, high heel shoes and high heel boots.
In autumn and spring, as well as in winter, when temperatures are above 0 degrees, it is advisable to wear rubber boots, which will protect against moisture in the marsh, allow you to fall into more intense and interesting areas, and overcome some shallow ditch or beaver flooded meadow. Hiking boots with a waterproof membrane like Gore-tex can be worn all year round. In winter, when the upper layer of the marsh is frozen, you can also wear regular winter boots that are warm and not afraid to soak or shoe with snow. In the summer, when it’s warm enough, you can also wear sneakers to cool your feet in wet water.
How to dress?
Dress according to the weather. It is better to dress warmer, as you can always remove excess clothing during the hike and put it in your carry-on bag. Light and comfortable clothing is recommended. Hiking can splash your pants or get wet in the moss, so changing clothes can be useful, especially for children.
Why do I need bog / snow shoes?
Bog/snow shoes provide safe movement in the swamp, where without such equipment you can not only slip your boot, but also sink into the rush to your underarms. The swamp shoes make it easier to move around because the feet are much less immersed in the moss and the boots no longer need to be held by hand. This movement is more environmentally friendly as mosses are less mature and are able to regain their original appearance after the upcoming rainfall.
When and how to pay for a hike?
After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a prepaid invoice at least one day before the event. If you make a payment on the weekend or the day before the event, you should send the completed payment order to info@purvubrideji.lv
What is included in the event fee?
The event fee includes equipment rental, route preparation and guide services that will introduce you to the most beautiful and cool areas of the swamp and tell you in a fascinating way about the flora and fauna, history and geology, myths and truth about the swamps. If the weather is favorable, the guide will take care of the photos or video that will be sent to you by email.
How to get to the venue if there is no private vehicle?
The most convenient and successful way is to post a comment in the event section of the Facebook page that you are looking for a fellow traveler or chauffeur. This will give you a better chance to get to the event and make new friends.
Why do I need to provide my contact phone and email when applying for a hike?
A contact phone is required to be able to communicate operatively with participants during the day of the hike, for example if one of the participants is delayed or lost during the event. A prepaid invoice will be sent to the email, along with a link to the photos we take on the hike.
When will I receive my registration confirmation?
We usually send confirmation 24 hours a day, unless it is a longer holiday. If you have not received your confirmation within 24 hours of submitting your application, or have not found it in spam (Spam, Junkmail, etc.), please contact us at info@purvubrideji.lv
Are there any discounts on hiking registration fees?
For public events for young people under the age of 17, the entry fee will be lower and will be included in the description of the specific event. Discounts are not applied for group hikes.
Do students qualify for a discount?
Unfortunately, no. Discounts are only available for young people under the age of 17 traveling with their parents to the event.
Can children participate in the hike for free?
Children up to the age of 6 can take part in the hike free of charge if we are unable to provide a suitable sized shoe and one of the parents will be able to carry the child for a while. Not all routes are suitable for children, so alert the organizer that you want to take a child to the event when registering.
Is there an age limit for participants?
It is not strictly defined. It is up to you to evaluate your own abilities. Longer itineraries are not suitable for younger children, so alert the organizer that you want to take your child to the event when registering. Age ceilings are only approximate, if you are an active hiker and you can climb up to the fifth floor without additional breaks then most of the hike will be by force. Keep in mind that good coordination is required and that moving in the swamp is ~ 3 times harder than a normal hike.
Can I go hiking with my snow shoes?
Yes. Please inform the organizer for a discount.
Can a dog participate in the event?
We love dogs and allow us to participate in events, but the dog must be on a leash, well socialized with people and other dogs, and vaccinated against rabies so as not to endanger the health of anyone. Please inform the organizer that you will be attending the event with the dog.
Will the hike take place if it is raining or very cold on the day of the event?
Hiking takes place regardless of the weather.
Do I need to prepay when booking a date for a group hike?
Yes. We’ll send you a prepaid invoice.
How big should a group be to apply for a group hike?
The minimum group size can be found in the price list. The group may also have a smaller number of participants than specified in the pricelist, in which case the minimum group fee will apply.
Can registration be suspended as the event approaches?
Yes, due to too many participants, registration may be suspended long before the hike. We will inform about this in advance on the event’s Facebook page and website.
I can’t (don’t want to) participate. Can I get my membership fee refunded?
The membership fee is non-refundable, but you can sell, gift or otherwise transfer your registration to another person. If you decide to do so, please let us know at info@purvubrideji.lv. Include the invoice number, the route chosen and the new member’s registration information (name, surname, e-mail, mobile phone number, shoe size) in the letter.
It is reminded that the participant, when transferring his registration to another person, undertakes to acquaint him / her with the rules of the hike, and the new participant, by accepting the registration, agrees.
Is it possible to rent bog / snow shoes?
We rent bog / snow shoes only in bulk, at least 2 pcs. For availability and prices of snow shoes, write to info@purvubrideji.lv