Thanks for making your reservation!
We look forward to climbing with you soon. In the meantime, we have a bit of homework for you so when your trip date arrives all our ducks are in line, expectations are clear, and we don't waste any time getting you to the alpine.
To the right is a check list of homework items which are found below. At any time don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions.
Sincerely,
The Altus Crew
Pre-Trip Check List
- Fill out the Participants Info (each participant)
- Read and Sign the Participant's Waiver
- Read and Sign the Health Waiver
- Check out The Gear List
- Review Prerequisites and Info Videos
- Make note of Meeting Time and Location
- The Details (cancellation policy and what's included & not included)
Step 1
Step 2
Read and Sign Participant's Waiver
Hit the link below and be transported to another tab where you will find our waiver. Please read, sign and submit the waiver-
Step 3
Read and Sign Participant Declaration of Health and Exposure
Hit the link below and be transported to another tab, where you will find our waiver. Review, sign, and submit the Declaration of Health and Exposure in regards to COVID-19 exposure. Once you are finished come on back to this page for the remaining riveting steps
Declaration of Health and Exposure
Step 4
The Gear List
Below is a sample gear list. Requirements may very according to trip length, conditions, weather, and objective. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questoins.
Equipment
Boots
These need to be sturdy leather or leather/cordura boots with lug soles and good ankle support. A good boot would be the La Sportiva Glacier Mountaineering boot (good for snow and ice climbs but not as good for alpine rock routes) or the La Sportiva Trango S Evo (good for alpine rock routes and OK for snow climbs). Light hiking boots, especially ones that are not leather, are not appropriate. Your boots are the single most important piece of gear for this trip, make sure you have the right kind and make sure they fit well and won’t give you blisters.
Crampons
These need to fit your boot well – when fitted properly they will stick to your boot without the straps or bindings. For steeper/longer ice routes a pair of heavier, rigid 12-point crampons are required, such as the Petzl Vasak.
Ice Axe
Your ice axe should be about 55 - 65cm long depending on height. Examples include the Black Diamond Venom, Petzl Sumtec or Summit, or Grivel Air Tech Evo.
Helmet
Designed for climbing. Petzl Ecrin Rock, Meteor, etc.
Harness
A sit harness with a belay loop is required. Your harness needs to be free of damage and excessive wear and less than 10 years old.
Backpack > 30L (> 50L for overnights)
Your pack needs to be big enough fit all your gear plus group gear and food. Make sure you can fit everything in before you leave home with room to spare for group gear.
Hiking poles
Collapsible poles with a summer, hiking basket. No fixed poles
Crevasse rescue kit (we can provide)
- 2x 5 meter - 6 mm prussics
- 2x 1.5 meter - 6mm prussics
- 1 x 120cm sewn sling
- 1 x Ice screw
- 4 x Locking carabiners
- 2 x Non locking carabiners
- 1 x Belay device
Clothing:
Base Layers
Thermals top/bottom, Socks - as we will be spending nights in huts or camping- I would recommend bringing extra socks but only 1 set of thermals should be sufficient for a 2 or 3 trip.
Climbing Layers
Mid-weight soft shell jacket and pants are recommended. Something that will provide protection from the elements but remain breathable.
Waterproof Shell (gore-tex), pants/jackets
Lightweight and packable. Often the waterproof jacket will be worn where the pants are often only worn in the most extreme conditions. Pants with full side zips are highly recommended.
Insulated Jacket
A midweight insulated jacket, either down or synthetic. I recommend synthetic and something with a hood.
Warm Headwear
Gloves
A least 2 pairs! One lighter weight for climbing and another heavier pair for cold temperatures.
Camping Gear (overnights only):
Sleeping Bag
Lightweight bag for sleeping in the hut. 0 to -5 degree rate back should be sufficient this time of year. -10 - 20 degree for camping.
Sleeping Pad
Inflatable or foam
Tent
3 or 4 season tent. 2 or 3 person (We will be sharing tents and coordinating this prior to the course)
Sandals or shoes for around camp
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection
At the very minimum, a 30 SPF sunscreen and lip protection is required. Full sunblock for your lips is recommended. Sunglasses with wrap-around coverage and dark lenses are required - Cat 3 or 4.
Small first aid and repair kit
Your guide will have a major first aid and repair kit but you should bring some band-aids, blister protection (include blister pads and duct tape), headache pills, head cold/antihistamine medication, cough drops, rash cream, pocket knife.
Water bottle and/or thermos
1 - 2 liters capacity
Headlamp
Bring extra batteries.
Camera
Step 5
Instructional Videos
Essential Knots
Climbing Anchors
Identifying Mountain Hazards
Setting Up Top Rope Anchors
Traditional Gear Climbing
Roping Up for Glacier Travel
Step 6
Meeting Place and Time
The meeting time and location will depend on your objective. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates!
Step 7
The Details
Cancellation PolicyClient Cancellation Policy
Making a booking
Greater than 14 days from start date
20% deposit is required to secured your guides and or trip. Remaining trip cost is due 14 days
Less than 14 days from start date
Trip cost must be paid in full
*Subject to change based on particular trip
Forms of payment
Credit card: Visa, Mastercard
Email transfer: info@altusmountainguides.com
Cheque: Only accepted 30 days prior to trip commencement
Cancellations
Greater than 30 days from start date
Deposit will be refunded in full
30 to 14 days prior to trip commencement
Deposit amount will be forfeited
Less than 14 days
Full trip amount will be forfeited
*Subject to change based on particular trip
*All cancellations must be received in writing
Cancellations by Altus Mountain Guides
Upon confirming your booking we guarantee the trip departure. If we cancel a trip for any reason prior to the start date a full refund will be provided. If we are 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.
Trip cancelation insurance
Upon confirmation of your trip Altus Mountain Guides enters into financial obligation and cannot refund payment or release you from your contractual obligation except for condition stated below in “Cancellations” Therefore in an effort to avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties, cancellation insurance is strongly recommended in the event you can not participate or if your trip is interrupted “for any reason”. This is available from most travel companies. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding our policy or obtaining insurance.
Tugo
Medical/Evacuation Insurance
All participants must have personal internationally accepted medical insurance for all activities pertaining to your trip that also includes emergency rescue and evacuation. With your insurance please ensure your will be covered for “roped travel” if booking a technical trip.
The required insurance depends on location
Canada – Insurance is free in entire country
USA – Private insurance is recommended
France – Mountain climbing rescue is free
Switzerland, Italy, Austria – Privates or alpine club insurance is required.
Europe: We recommend the following: Austrian alpine club membership, REGA
International: Global rescue??
Additional fees
Longer & more involved routes may have an additional premium Driving, accommodation,& food costs are trip dependent. Please contact us for details and a full quote.
What's Included
1 full day instruction with ACMG guide
All technical equipment
Still Have Questions or Concerns?
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns or requests on how we can make this the best trip ever!!!
Email Us Your Questions!