Embarking on a guided mountain trip with American Mountain School is an exhilarating adventure, and your safety is our foremost priority. To ensure a secure and enjoyable experience, we have implemented comprehensive preventative measures addressing specific hazards that may be encountered during our trips. Your guides are trained to navigate these challenges, and your cooperation is crucial for a safe and successful journey.

Terrain Management:
Navigating diverse terrain is an integral part of mountain trips. We manage terrain-related hazards by:

• Expert Guidance:
•  Our guides are certified professionals with extensive experience in managing varied terrains. They make real-time decisions to ensure the group’s safety.
• Customers Education:
•  Customers receive briefings on navigating different types of terrain, including potential challenges and safety precautions.

Environmental and Weather Considerations:

Mountain environments are dynamic, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Our approach includes:

• Weather Monitoring:
•  Guides closely monitor weather forecasts and adjust plans accordingly. Changes to the itinerary may be made to avoid adverse conditions.
• Communication:
•  Open communication between guides and clients is encouraged. Guides provide regular updates on weather conditions and any necessary adjustments to the trip plan.

Environmental Hazards and Fire Safety:

Mountain environments may pose fire hazards, and we address these concerns through:

• Strict Fire Safety Protocols:
•  Open fires are prohibited in certain areas, and our guides adhere to strict fire safety guidelines. Customers are educated on fire safety practices, including proper disposal of cigarette butts and other potential fire sources.
• Emergency Response Plan:
•  In the event of a fire, guides are trained to enact emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures and communication protocols.

Avalanche Safety:

 Avalanches are a natural hazard in mountainous terrain, and our guides are equipped with the knowledge and tools to assess and mitigate this risk. We follow strict avalanche safety protocols, including:

• Pre-Trip Assessment:
•  Before each trip, our guides conduct thorough assessments of avalanche conditions, considering factors such as snowpack stability, recent weather patterns, and terrain features.
• Route Planning:
•  Our experienced guides select routes that minimize exposure to avalanche-prone areas whenever possible. They constantly evaluate changing conditions and adjust the itinerary accordingly.
• Avalanche Safety Gear:
•  Customers are reminded to cary and learn how to use essential avalanche safety gear, including transceivers, probes, and shovels. Our guides conduct hands-on training sessions to ensure everyone is familiar with these tool.

Winter Survival:

Mountain environments can present unpredictable weather conditions. To address winter survival concerns, we emphasize:

• Layered Clothing:
•  Customers are advised to wear layered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures. Our guides provide guidance on appropriate gear to enhance comfort and safety.
• Emergency Shelter:
•  Guides carry emergency shelter equipment, such as bivouac sacks, in case unexpected weather changes require temporary protection. In the event of a fire, guides are trained to enact emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures and communication protocols.

By adhering to these preventative actions and working collaboratively with our experienced guides, you play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and memorable mountain experience. We prioritize your safety above all else, and our commitment to thorough planning and risk management reflects our dedication to providing you with a rewarding and secure adventure in the mountains.

American Mountain School is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in outdoor activities. While our guided rock, ice, and alpine climbing programs are inherently challenging and may not be suitable for individuals with certain disabilities due to safety concerns, we actively seek to create an inclusive environment.

Our commitment to diversity is reflected in the following ways:

• Inclusive Communication:
• We provide clear and inclusive communication about the nature and requirements of our activities. This helps potential participants make informed decisions based on their capabilities.
• Consultation and Customization:
• Our team engages in personalized consultations with participants to assess individual abilities and preferences. We explore potential adaptations or modifications that could enhance the experience for individuals with varying abilities, ensuring that everyone feels welcome to inquire about our programs.
• Promoting Diversity:
• American Mountain School actively encourages individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages to participate in our activities. We foster a welcoming and respectful environment that values diversity among our participants and staff.
• Continuous Evaluation:
• We continually evaluate our programs and practices to identify opportunities for improvement in inclusivity. While certain activities may have inherent limitations, we strive to find innovative ways to make outdoor experiences more accessible without compromising safety.

While our primary focus is on providing safe and exciting experiences for    
participants in rock, ice, and alpine climbing, we remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture and exploring possibilities for expanding our offerings to a diverse audience in the future.

Payment is required in full before the trip to the mountains. If you need to determine your payment method with American Mountain School, please contact us during the booking process.

• 10% of the total cost of your trip is non-refundable upon purchase.
• 50% of the total cost of your trip is non-refundable but can be rescheduled at any time if you notify us 14 to 7 days in advance..
• 100% of the total cost of your trip is non-refundable but may be rescheduled if you notify us 7 days or less.
• No calls or showings on the day of programming will be refunded or rescheduled.

As with any outdoor activity, weather plays a big role in your decisions for the day. If a trip is canceled by American Mountain School due to weather, the participant has the option of rescheduling the day or receiving a full refund. We do our best to provide the best possible service to our guests and start times may be adjusted to give the team the best chance of success depending on weather and conditions.