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Policies for adventure

General Trip Policies:​

  • No use of judgement altering non-prescription substances will be used during an event.

  • Any person experiencing signs or symptoms of altitude sickness will be monitored by a guide for severity.  The lead guide will make determination of treatment and if group is to proceed.  If any person shows signs or symptoms of High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), group will evacuate immediately.​

  • All guests will demonstrate knowledge of, and proper use of their equipment.  Any guest using rental equipment will have a tutorial by a staff member prior to demonstration.

  • Sunglasses must be worn above tree line.  Sunscreen recommended.

  • Guests will be given the opportunity to borrow any non-essential company gear in order to supplement personal gear.  Guides may make suggestions while conducting equipment check. (Clothing, sunglasses, etc.)

  • Expectation lists will be posted on reservation web page and emailed to guests at time of reservation.  To include, but not limited to:

    • Required gear list

    • Recommended gear list

    • Skill level associated with selected trip

    • Current weather forecast

    • Unforeseen circumstance cancellation policy

    • Expedition behavior policy

  • Guides will be certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or above and carry appropriate medical equipment for their skill level and trip plan

  • Guides will carry company satellite communication device and (Family Radio Service) FRS radios.  Check in with basecamp will occur at a minimum:

    • Upon departure of Trail Head (TH)

    • Upon transition to downhill

    • Upon return to TH

  • Group member check in will be conducted prior to departure of TH.  This includes:

    • Transceiver check (winter)

    • Concerns upon arrival.

    • Forgotten gear.

    • Communications check.

  • Guests will be responsible for their own transportation, medicines, food, and hydration needs unless prior approval by the trip leader and confirmation by HCVA admin.​

  • Any medical conditions will be disclosed at time of registration via the notes section of the registration form.  This is to include any medications that will be carried and possibly administered by self or staff during the event.

 

Backcountry Winter Travel Policies:

  • Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) website will be used to track conditions.  Any recommendations made by CAIC will be strictly adhered to.  No Orange or above terrain of 30-45 degrees will be traveled other than to cross. No Red or above terrain of 30-45 degrees and of significant size will be crossed.

  • Weather conditions will be monitored before and during trips.

  • Crossing of acceptable avalanche terrain will be done so one at a time.  First person to cross will be a guide with a radio.  Communication will be maintained at all times to ensure each guest is clear of hazard before next person proceeds.

  • All persons will carry avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe while on winter trips

  • Winter sports helmets will be worn at all times while riding downhill without climbing skins.

  • If trip is overnight or greater than five miles one way, guides will carry:

    • Rescue bivy

    • Rescue sled

    • Snow melting stove kit (winter)​

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Hiking and Backpacking Policies:

  • All participants will wear close-toe shoes.

  • If needing to leave camp to use the facila-trees, check out and in with another person.

  • Guides will monitor weather for lightning or severe rain.

  • Any life threatening injuries will be immediately evacuated.

  • Lit stoves/fires will be attended until out and cool to touch.

  • LNT practices will be followed

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MTB/Bike Packing Policies:

  • All participants are required to use all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times while riding.

  • No-go weather conditions include rain, snow, lightning, tornadoes, Godzilla, mudslide.

  • Guides will bring a bicycle repair kit.

  • Guides will bring MTB specific first aid kit.

  • Group will participate in a pre-ride safety talk.

  • 1:4 guide/guest ratio

  • clothing list as per specific event page,

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Water based trip Policies:

  • PFD will be worn at all times while in the boat.

  • Pre trip brief will be conducted by the trip leader prior to put-in.

  • Sunscreen or sun protective clothing will be utilized.

  • No-go weather conditions include lightning or flood possibilities.

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These policies are for your safety, the safety of other participants as well as our staff.  Any person not able to adhere to these policies will need to leave the event by means of their own method.  Any disruptive behavior will be met by the associated law enforcement agency.  Behavior will be documented and reviewed by committee to determine if the person will be allowed to participate in future events.

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