Notice – By signing this document you may be waiving certain legal rights, including the right to sue. Please read thoroughly before signing. If you have any questions please ask us or consult an attorney. Adventure Travel Guides International, LLC, (dba “Vail Ice Guides”) have done everything possible to assure that our guests have a rewarding experience. We wish to inform our guests that climbing is not risk free. We do not want to heighten your fear or reduce your enthusiasm for the experience, but we do want you to know in advance what to expect, and to be informed of some of the possible risks.
Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk
In consideration of being allowed to participate in programs, events, and/or use the equipment of Adventure Travel Guides International, LLC , (dba “Vail Ice Guides”) their officers, agents, employees, volunteers, subsidiaries, and all other persons or entities associated (hereinafter referred collectively to as “AGTI”) I, the Participant, and the Participant’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if the Participant is a minor, agree as follows:
While ATGI has taken reasonable steps to provide me appropriate equipment and exercise sound judgment, the activities are not without risk. These risks are inherent in the type of activity ATGI is helping me enjoy, and all risk cannot be fully mitigated without destroying the very nature of the activity itself. The backcountry is a dynamic, unpredictable environment. The following describes some, but not all, of the risks, which may result in serious injury or death:
The presence of uneven terrain is a fundamental aspect of rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and the locations where such activities take place. Slips and falls may occur, as may rocks, ice, or other objects fall from above. Wintry environments present the constant threat of avalanches and crevasses; snow stability is incredibly difficult to predict and avalanche danger is present on all types of terrain. Weather may change suddenly, bringing with it severe hot or cold, lightning, and precipitation.
Participants should constantly self-evaluate their comfort and physical suitability for activities. Hot and cold related injuries such as hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke present a constant threat; traditionally correlated ‘hot’ injuries can occur in cold environments, and vice versa. Likewise, acute mountain sickness, cerebral and pulmonary edema, and other altitude-related issues can occur at any altitude, particularly for those living at much lower altitudes than the activities taking place. It is up to the Participant to monitor themselves and raise concerns with ATGI.
Nearly all of these activities rely on the use of equipment. ATGI undertakes reasonable measures to ensure its equipment is serviceable and suitable for use. However, it makes no warranties as to the condition, suitability, or proper use of said equipment. Any equipment can malfunction. Participants should inspect all equipment themselves and, as always, not hesitate to raise concerns with ATGI.
I acknowledge these risks, that this list is far from exhaustive and merely exemplary, and that the staff of ATGI has been available to me to explain the nature and demands of my program and the inherent risks, hazards, and dangers. I understand that I am the best judge of my own abilities and experience level, and that I, not ATGI, am responsible for the consequences of activities I choose to perform. I assume and accept full responsibility for myself for bodily injury, death, and loss of personal property and expenses as a result of these risks.
I thus certify that I have no physical or mental condition that precludes me from participating in the Programs and that I am not participating against medical advice. I certify that I am fully capable of participating in this activity.
