Terms & Conditions

Please read carefully before booking—your booking confirms that you understand and agree to all policies outlined below.

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Bookings and Payment

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1. Payment Terms:
    

   • For experiences or courses that cost less than $700 + applicable taxes: full payment is due at time of booking.
      

   • For courses or guiding services over $700 + applicable taxes: a 50% deposit is due at booking. The remaining balance is due no later than 4 weeks prior to the start date.
      

2. Confirmation: Bookings are not confirmed until full payment or the required deposit has been processed.

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Cancellation & Refund Policy

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We understand plans change—but because we incur costs in advance (guides, logistics, permits, etc.), cancellations are managed as follows:
 

1.      24-Hour Grace Period:
   You may modify or cancel within 24 hours of booking for a 100% refund.
    

2.      AST 1 Course Cancellations:
   o   More than 15 days before the start date: full refund less an administration fee of $45.
   o   Within 14 days of course start: no refund (fees are retained as liquidated damages).
   o   We will attempt to sell your spot for you, and we will also accept substitute participants.
   
        AST 2 Course Cancellations:
   o   More than 30 days before the start date: full refund less an administration fee of $45.
   o   Within 30 days of course start: no refund (fees are retained as liquidated damages).
   o   We will attempt to sell your spot for you, and we will also accept substitute participants.
    

3.      AST Course Rescheduling:
   You may request to reschedule within 14 days of an AST 1 course and 30 days of an AST 2 course. A rescheduling fee may apply, and we cannot guarantee availability on new dates.
    

4.      Provider Cancellations:
   Cold Smoke Backcountry Guides reserves the right to cancel any program. In such cases, you will receive a full refund of amounts paid directly to us. We are not responsible for any other costs (travel, accommodation, gear, etc.).

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Waiver / Release of Liability

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All participants are required to acknowledge and agree to Cold Smoke Backcountry Guides’ Waiver and Release of Liability prior to booking. You will also be required to sign a paper waiver/assumption of risk form on the day of your course or guided trip before participation is permitted. If the waiver is not completed, you may be refused participation.
(See your Cold Smoke Waiver page for details.)

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Travel, Insurance & Personal Expenses

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1. Cold Smoke Backcountry Guides is not responsible for any travel, accommodation, gear, or other personal expenses you incur should a course or trip be canceled or altered for any reason.
    

2. We strongly recommend that all participants obtain travel insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance that covers unforeseen events.

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Weather & Mountain Conditions

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Mountain weather and avalanche conditions are inherently unpredictable. Trip cancellations or alterations due to unsafe conditions are at our discretion. Where possible, we will offer rescheduling or alternative services. Compensation or refunds for discomfort due to weather conditions will only be issued under exceptional circumstances.

 

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Participant Responsibilities

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• You agree to follow all instructions from your guide or instructor.
   

• We ask that you let us know about any physical or medical considerations that may affect your day in the mountains. This helps our guides plan appropriately and support you on the trip—it is not intended to limit or exclude participation.
   

• You are responsible for bringing appropriate gear as outlined in your trip/course information.

 

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Contact Us

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If you have questions about these Terms & Conditions, please email:
coldsmokebackcountry@gmail.com