COVID 19 - UPDATE
As we all know COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our businesses and community. We have been working hard in this ever-changing environment to create a working policy to keep our clients, guides, and community safe while we begin to explore the mountains again.
During our recent hiatus we have had the opportunity to examine how we as a business, and as guides, engage with our guests; and how this will change. As always our driving mission is to deliver high-level education that is widely accessible and curated, inspiring backcountry adventures.
We are excited to continue to evolve the mountain guiding industry and look forward to seeing you all soon!
Please look over the following document outlining our policy to our clients, and what we are excited to offer. As always please reach out with any questions or comments!
Sincerely,
Ross Berg
IFMGA Mountain Guide
Director/Head Guide
Local Pledge
Be Respectful – Look out for other backcountry users and individuals, giving them space on the trailhead and on the skin track. Research alternative options in case your ideal area is busy.
Be Aware – If you are not feeling well or have been in contact with someone who is sick - STAY HOME.
Be Cool – Choose conservative routes and air on the side of caution. Respect and protect local SAR and healthcare workers by not putting yourself in a position where you will need them.
Guide Responsibilities
Health – All guides must ensure they are feeling well. Prior to the guiding day, they must disclose to management any symptoms of, or potential exposure to, COVID-19. Temperatures must be monitored.
Gear – All gear that will come in contact with the guide or guests will be disinfected/cleaned appropriately, or isolated for 72h prior to the guiding day.
Distance – Whenever applicable, guides will maintain proper physical distancing from guests and the public.
PPE – Whenever guides are in close proximity with guests or the general public i.e) Assisting with gear or explaining skills. They will use PPE in the form of a 3 ply face mask, cleaned/gloved hands, and eye protection.
Guest Responsibilities
Health – All guests must ensure they are feeling well and have no known exposure to or symptoms of COVID-19. Guests will be asked to complete a declaration of health and exposure prior to booking and also prior to the guiding day.
Gear – Wherever possible, guests will be asked to provide their own gear which will not be in contact with the guide or public i.e) Avalanche safety kit. Where cross-contamination is unavoidable, gear that must come into contact with both clients and guides will be provided by Altus i.e) Crevasse rescue kit, training gear.
Distance – Whenever applicable, guests will maintain proper physical distancing from the guide and public. In this outdoors this should be easy and your responsibility
PPE – Whenever guests are in close proximity with a guide or general public i.e) Assisting with gear or explaining skills, they will use PPE in the form of face mask, cleaned/gloved hands, and eye protection. Guests must provide their own PPE according to our guidelines, or will be available for purchase.
Operations
WorkSafeBC record-keeping - We commit to adhere to all guidelines set out by WorkSafeBC.
Guest documentation - Client’s records will be kept for the foreseeable future to ensure ease of case tracing if such information is required.
Guide documentation - Guide’s records will be kept for the foreseeable future to ensure ease of case tracing if such information is required.
Cleaning records - All gear that may come in a 2 member range or physical contact with any guest or guide will be cleaned to recommended specifications or isolated for 72h.
Winter Operations
In an effort to ensure the safety of our guests, guides, and community we have made the following adjustments to our standard operations and offerings.
Group Courses – All our standard group courses for avalanche and backcountry will be carefully run in an effort to avoid exposure to individuals outside of existing circles.
Private Courses – All courses and guiding will be available to be booked as a private course with your appropriate household or circle.
Mountain Consulting – Our head guide is available to consult on skills, route beta or outdoor plans to help you prepare and be safe on your own mountain adventure.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing by email to info@altusmountainguides.com, and will only be recognized once received by Altus Mountain Guides. Cancellation requests sent directly to guides in lieu of the office will not be recognized as guides are often in the field and unable to relay messages.
General Cancellations
Greater than 30 days from start date
- The deposit will be refunded in full
Less than 30 days
- The full trip amount will be forfeited
Altus will make all efforts to find a replacement for any cancelled spots and refunded the entire amount minus a $50 administration fee.
For larger trips where Altus Mountain Guides is contracting third party companies such as huts, helicopter, and transportation, associated costs will be forfeited based on the respective cancellation policy of each third party organization.
If Altus Mountain Guides cancels a trip for reason within their control prior to the start date, a full refund will be provided. If Altus Mountain Guides is forced to cancel a trip for any reason after the trip start date, a full refund for the unused portion of the trip will be provided.
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Altus mountain guides is a group of motivated professionals dedicated to providing our clients with outstanding quality in the mountains with safe adventurous trips. From our base in Squamish and Whistler BC we provide you access to the most amazing mountain experiences the West Coast has to offer. Our exciting itineraries showcase the Coast Range but reach beyond to the interior ranges of the Selkirkʼs and Purcellʼs and onto the Rockies. We also offer trips internationally from the historic and classic European Alps to the windswept wilds of Patagonia.