Global Pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States and similar organizations from countries across the world have been working to educate the public prevent rapid growth of cases and limit the number of deaths.

Virus Symptoms

The list of COVID-19 symptoms includes, but is not limited to:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever or chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• New loss of smell or taste

Please note, people may be carriers of COVID-19 without symptoms.

Transmission Principles

There are three main ways the virus can be transmitted in a guided setting:

• Airborne particles between individuals of the same or different parties
• Close physical contact between individuals of the same or different parties
• Contact with shared equipment or commonly used surfaces

In a guided setting reasonable mitigation measures will be imposed to reduce transmission modes. Even if best practices are observed the transmission of COVID-19 is possible between members of the same group or others on the same trail, route or climb. Physical distancing for the duration of the trip will likely not be possible. Ways you can reduce exposure to the virus:

• Maintain physical distancing of greater than 6 feet
• Washing/sanitizing your hands more than you would normally
• Guide or instruct outdoors and minimize exposure to others within 6 feet
• Wear a face covering to help avoid passing the virus to others
• Avoid touching your face
• Plan to limit your exposure before you are exposed
• Updated Screening Procedures

In addition to standard medical screening questions and procedures, you will be required to answer questions regarding symptoms of COVID 19. Anyone who exhibits any of these symptoms, has been around anyone who has these symptoms, or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 is asked to contact their guide as soon as possible and not participate in the guided activity. 

WMG Client Expectations

Day Trips:

• Face Covering(s)
• Personal bottle of hand sanitizer
• Biodegradable soap
• Personal packet of tissues
• Gallon size sealable plastic bag(s) for trash
• Personal climbing equipment
• Optional: Wag bag, Restop or similar

And in additon for Overnight Trips:

• Personal climbing equipment.
• Personal food
• Personal water purification system
• Individual tent*, pad and sleeping bag

*Tents may be shared by members of the same household

Guides and clients will attempt to maintain 6’ spacing during the trip. When this is not possible, guides and clients will employ face coverings whenever wearing face coverings would not compromise safety. On overnight trips, hand washing stations will be set up at each camp. On day trips, use of hand sanitizer is encouraged on a regular basis.

COVID-19 Acknowledgement and Agreement

By my signature below, I acknowledge and agree as follows:

That I have read and understand the accompanying COVID-19 Information Sheet

Although Wasatch Mountain Guides (“WMG”) has taken reasonable steps to provide me with information about novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and taken steps to mitigate the spread of the virus, I understand virus exposure to the virus may still occur during my participation in the Guided Activity. In addition, I understand I may contract COVID-19 and carry it back to my family and/or community whether or not I develop symptoms.

I am aware that the Guided Activity requires I may be in close proximity to my guide(s), other members of my own party and/or members of another party while in the course of conducting the Guided Activity, and that it is not possible to maintain the recommended six feet of physical distancing at all times during the Guided Activity. I am aware that the protocols employed by WMG guides may not be effective, and that equipment meant to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 may be ineffective or malfunction. I understand that WMG guides have difficult jobs to perform, and that while they seek to effectively mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19, they are not infallible, and mistakes can be made. I understand that it may be difficult or impossible for the WMG guide to secure a medical evacuation for me in the event I am exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, and that the guide may have limited or ineffective means to provide medical treatment for me in the field.

I acknowledge that engaging in the Guided Activity during the COVID-19 pandemic may require a degree of skill and knowledge beyond that to which I may be accustomed, and that I have responsibilities as a participant. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to; following all communicated protocols, and making all reasonable efforts to maintain physical distancing, wear a face covering at all reasonable times, and washing or sanitizing my hands regularly. I acknowledge that the WMG guide has been available to answer any questions I may have that are material to my decision to participate in the Guided Activity, and that I have the right and obligation to conduct all such research as may be relevant to my decision to participate.

I certify that I have not had any symptoms of COVID-19, as referenced by the COVID-19 Information Sheet provided me, for the 14 days preceding the Guided Activity, and that I have not knowingly been exposed to an individual with COVID-19. I understand that if I develop symptoms during the Guided Activity I may be required to leave.

I hereby knowingly assume the risk of exposure to COVID-19 during the Guided Activity, of contraction of the virus, and of any resulting or related complications or occurrences that may result.

I have carefully read, clearly understood and accepted the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon myself, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate and for all members of my family, including minors accompanying me.

In consideration of the services of Wasatch Mountain Guides LLC, their officers, agents, employees, and stockholders, and all other persons or entities associated with those businesses (hereinafter collectively referred to as (“WMG”) I agree as follows:

I am aware that outdoor based activities including but not limited to mountaineering, skiing, climbing, rappelling, and guided rock-climbing activities conducted on National Forest System (NFS) lands, entail risks of injury or death to any participant. I understand the description of these inherent risks is not complete and that other unknown or unanticipated inherent risks may result in injury or death. I agree to assume and accept full responsibility for the inherent risks identified herein and those inherent risks not specifically identified. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, no one is forcing me to participate, and I elect to participate in spite of and with full knowledge of the inherent risks.

The risks include, among other things: slipping and falling; loss or damage to equipment being used; being lost or separated from their guides or companions; the hazards of walking on uneven terrain; being struck by rock fall, icefall or other objects dislodged or thrown from above; the use of climbing ropes and equipment; rope burns; pinches, scrapes, twists and jolts that could result in scratches, bruises, sprains, lacerations, fractures, concussions, or even more severe life threatening hazards; the forces of nature, including lightning, weather changes and avalanches; weather and altitude can be extreme and can change rapidly without warning; the risks of falling off the rock or mountain; exposure to the elements of the outdoors and natural surroundings which could cause hypothermia, hyperthermia (heat related illnesses), heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sunburn, frostbite, frost nip, dehydration, acute mountain sickness, cerebral and pulmonary edema; exposure to potentially dangerous wild animals, insect bites, and hazardous plant life; the negligence of other participants or people who may be present; travel in remote areas with poor or no access to emergency and/or medical services; my own physical condition, and the physical exertion associated with this activity.

I certify that I am fully capable of participating in this activity on NFS lands. Therefore, I assume and accept full responsibility for myself, including all minor children in my care, custody, and control, for bodily injury, death or loss of personal property and expenses as a result of those inherent risks and dangers identified herein and those inherent risks and dangers not specifically identified, and as a result of my negligence in participating in this activity.

In the event that I file a lawsuit against WMG in connection with this activity conducted on NFS lands, I agree to do so solely in the state of Utah, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of laws rules of that state. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in effect. 

I have carefully read, clearly understood and accepted the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon myself, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate and for all members of my family, including minor children.

Signature of Parent of Guardian, if participant is under 18 years of age