IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Risks in mountain sports
Please read the following lines carefully.
These are important guidelines for all participants in our events, tours, and trips. The safety and health of all our customers who join us on mountain tours in the Alps or on trips to distant countries is our top priority.
Alpine hazards
Many of the activities in our program involve an increased risk. Rockfall, avalanches, falls, crevasse falls, altitude sickness, injuries, cold, and much more are alpine hazards that cannot be completely eliminated even with meticulous planning, careful execution, and a defensive approach. A residual risk will always remain in the mountains, which unfortunately can have serious consequences, including fatalities.
When traveling to remote regions, the overall risk is significantly increased by limited rescue options and rudimentary medical care. Even relatively minor injuries or incidents can have major consequences in these areas.
It is important that everyone who exposes themselves to nature, especially in the mountains or remote regions, is aware of this risk. Extensive training and years of experience in mountaineering and guided tours help us mountain guides to recognize as many risks as possible and act accordingly. However, we too are risk managers and are aware that we cannot control everything. Adverse weather conditions, snow or ice conditions, and local circumstances can lead to program changes, deviations, or even increased demands on participants. Clients who arrive well-prepared for the tours help us, as a community of mountaineers, to minimize these risks.
Minimize risk
For these reasons, we expect and demand the following from our customers who join our rope team or are part of our guided groups:
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You are familiar with the tour description and requirements that apply to the respective offer. You have taken note of and understood any instructions (written or verbal) from the mountain guides or from our official email address, and you are physically and mentally capable of meeting the described requirements.
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Before starting the tour or trip, you have no physical or health problems that could impair your performance. If in doubt, you have consulted a specialist to determine your fitness to participate. Your preparation for the tour was complete in every respect (training, medication, vaccinations, etc.).
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You have sufficient insurance coverage for the planned tour/trip. Furthermore, you have checked with your insurance company that the planned activities described in the tour description (alpine climbing, ski touring, ice climbing, mountaineering, etc.) are not excluded. Your complete personal insurance coverage includes the following: health insurance, repatriation, rescue, accident, and trip cancellation.
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You understand that we, as mountain guides, are not permitted to administer medication. You are responsible for your own personal first-aid kit and have already discussed any medications you carry for emergencies with your doctor. The mountain guide must be informed during the tour if you have taken any medication. This is especially important if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or vomiting), and particularly if the tour involves ascents to even higher altitudes.
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Your equipment, as listed on your packing list, is complete and in perfect condition. If in doubt, you have consulted with experts or your mountain guide.
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For you, it goes without saying that the entire rope team/group will focus on the weakest member, just as is customary in mountaineering. If a member of the group is unwell, injured, or unable to complete the entire tour, there is no question: the group will retreat together.
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You are aware of your role as a self-reliant and independent mountaineer and accept the remaining residual risk, which we unfortunately cannot eliminate.
Do your part to create the safest possible " risk community " that we are all entering into as a climbing team. With conscientious preparation from everyone, we will be safer on the trail.
