POLICIES 2007 — 2008

RATIOS

I've been guiding for quite some time now and one thing I dislike are high student/guide ratios. Putting more people on a clinic lowers the individual cost and makes it more affordable but it also lowers the overall quality and safety of the course. It is for this reason that I prefer to keep the clinics/courses/trips small, which generally means having a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio. How you benefit is that if two climbing partners are going to south America or another climbing destination together I can provide not only 100% of my attention to you but also tailor our time together to your needs. This approach may cost slightly more, but the learning experience is priceless, and paying the extra money buys you the maximum experience, which means you are that much more prepared for a successful trip.

TAILORING COURSES AND CLINICS

I have laid out a series of course and clinics that basically comprise what I think people are looking for. Nothing is stopping you from requesting for a course or clinic that specifically covers other topics or areas that you would like to practice of discuss. For instance we can begin the day practicing alpine self-rescue and finish by discussing and covering the fine art of bivouacking in the dark. It's up to you to tell me what you want and I will design a day tailored to your desire. And usually no extra cost.

COURSE DATES

Generally speaking there are no scheduled dates for clinics or course. Our guides are available year-round and we offer rock climbing clinics and guiding all the time. Ice climbing clinics are necessarily restricted to dates from Oct. 30 to April 15. Alpine is all year-round. Just contact us with a date you would like to book and if it is available we will hold it for you. As soon as we receive the 50% deposit from you we will reserve that date for you and send you a confirmation.

RESERVATION AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

You will need to contact us regarding the activity that you are interested in and you will be required to sign an acknowledgement of risk form and medical information form prior to participating in any activity.

Prices include the services of a professional guide and all technical gear except personal gear and group gear where indicated. Prices do not include personal accommodations, food or guide gratuity.

Your reservation is secured with a 50% deposit received at least fourteen days prior to the clinic, program or as soon as possible if there are fewer than fourteen days before the clinic at the time you sing up. The balance is due seven days prior to the start of the program or clinic or on the day the clinic is to take place if the reservation is made less than one week from the requested date. Deposits are forfeited for cancellations, for any reason, with less than seven days notice before the start of the clinic or program. You are liable for the entire clinic or course fee for cancellations, for any reason, with less than five days notice before the start of the reserved date. We will try and work with you to reschedule your course with more than seven days notice. If conditions or circumstances preclude running a scheduled program or clinic we reserve the right to make the decision as to whether the program will be canceled, rescheduled, or an alternative provided. In the rare instance where we need to cancel a program or clinic you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit.

Payment for any clinics, course, guiding or services may be paid for in cash or personal check only.

We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, lost wages or other arrangements. We recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.