Safety & Risk Management

Safety and Risk Management

We are proud that our safety record stands as the finest in the guiding industry.  This is a testament to our conservative nature when it comes to decision-making. While mountaineering, climbing, and skiing has inherent risks, our route planning, camp selection, student instruction, technical skills, and leadership training starts with the well-being of clients and guides.  Every Alpine Ascents guide is trained to make judgment calls in the field, which includes hazard assessment and mitigation.  Guides assess each situation and adapt plans to minimize risk in the best interests of the group.

At each program’s conclusion, our risk management process is reviewed and updated. Climber and guide recommendations are implemented.  We’re in the interest of training competent, conscious, and cautious climbers. We believe that the safer each individual is on the mountain, the safer the sport becomes.

WILDFIRE SMOKE

In recent years wildfire smoke has emerged as a hazard in the Pacific Northwest.  Our team monitors wildfires and smoke situations daily to ensure the wellbeing of our climbers and guides top priority.  The following is a summary of the steps we are taking at Alpine Ascents to mitigate the risk of wildfire and wildfire smoke on our courses this summer.  On a daily basis throughout the wildfire season, we monitor:

● NASA/FIRMS Satellite Imagery (active fires and fire hazard forecast)
● State and regional wildfire maps (active fires and fire hazard forecast)
● Wildfire smoke forecast
● Regional short- and long-term weather forecasts (rain, humidity, wind)
● State and national air quality advisories
● State and federal government directives such as fire bans

We take a conservative approach to wildfire risk.  Individuals who partake in strenuous outdoor activities or work in the outdoors and/or are considered more vulnerable to wildfire smoke  We will relocate a group to an alternate area if the risk is deemed too high. If no suitable alternate area is available, we may cancel or reschedule the program.

If you have any questions about Alpine Ascents wildfire policy, please contact us at [email protected]

Age Requirements

We believe that spending time in the outdoors and mountains at a young age is incredibly valuable, offering meaningful personal growth, confidence, and connection to the natural world. Safety and group dynamics are our top priorities, and our age requirements reflect those considerations. The age requirement is based on the individual’s age at the start date of the program.

For all Washington State programs, participants must be at least 17 years old. Participants who are 16 years old or younger may be allowed to join only with prior approval from Alpine Ascents and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For all international and Alaska programs, participants must be at least 18 years old.  Individuals under 18 years old must be approved by Alpine Ascents only if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If you have any questions about Alpine Ascents age requirements, please contact us at [email protected]