Terms and Conditions

For terms and conditions for First Aid courses, please see here

All Trips, unless otherwise stated

Terms and Conditions

1. Booking: A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required to secure a booking.
2. Hut tours: Payment of the balance must be made 4 weeks before the start of the tour.
3. Based at Chalet L’Epicea, The balance is payable not later than 14 days before arrival.
4. Age: SwissMountainLeader only accepts bookings from persons over the age of 18 at the time of booking. Bookings by or on behalf of persons under the age of 18 may be accepted on certain trips when accompanied on the trip by another person over the age of 18 and subject to written parental consent.
5. Cancellation by you: and the following charges will apply: more than 7 days notice — deposit, less than 7 days — 100% of full fee. We recommend you arrange suitable travel insurance to cover any potential losses.
6. Cancellation by the Leader: If SwissMountainLeader has to cancel a tour for any reason an alternative will be offered or a full refund given. If SwissMountainLeader cancels a tour we will not be liable for any expenses which you may have incurred as a result of your booking or in expectation of the trip taking place.
7. Insurance: All clients must be insured for personal injury or illness, medical treatment, rescue and repatriation costs, including air rescue. It is recommended your insurance covers you for loss of earnings and/or cost of care in the event that you suffer injury or illness during the activity and while travelling; liability you might incur to third parties; and against costs you might incur in the event of cancellation or curtailment of the tour or your participation in it. You must ensure that your insurance covers you for alpine snowshoeing and trekking appropriate to the tour and the altitudes we are likely to visit. (Snowcard and the BMC offer this type of insurance). The leader reserves the right to exclude those without proper insurance from the tour without refund. You confirm that you will arrange adequate insurance against such risks. You must bring all insurance documents with you on the tour.
8. Damage or loss of loan or hire equipment: In the event of any damage or loss of loan or hire equipment the client will be responsible for repair or replacement.
9. Itinerary: Every effort will be made to adhere to the original itinerary for the trip but changes may occur to both travel and guiding itineraries due to external factors beyond SwissMountainLeader’s control. The Leader will consult the clients on this but you must accept that the final decision rests with the Leader. In particular, the Leader has total discretion to alter programs at any time in the interests of client safety, mountain or weather conditions. In the unlikely event that changes are made to the itinerary, any extra costs will be met by the client.
10. Leaving a trip: It is understood that if you decide to voluntarily leave a tour SwissMountainLeader has no responsibility for your safety or well-being or for any consequential expenses.
11. Risk Statement: SwissMountainLeader use only International Mountain Leaders, fully qualified and insured to lead groups snowshoeing and trekking in the Alps. We operate to high professional standards and you must understand that snowshoeing and trekking have inherent risks and may take place in hazardous mountain environments. Risks can be minimised through good judgement however certain dangers are unpredictable and cannot be eliminated. Your booking is accepted on the basis that participants are aware of and accept these risks and take responsibility for their own actions and involvement.
12. Accidents: You hereby agree that, except in respect of death or personal injury caused by the negligence of your leader, your leader will not have any liability for any loss, damage, injury or death which you may suffer in connection with this activity nor for any failure by you to take out adequate insurance.
13. Medical Disclosure: It is assumed by booking a trip that you are physically fit enough to participate in the activity. You are advised to seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner if you have any doubts or concerns about your health or fitness. Clients must provide the leader with information on any pre-existing medical conditions, medications taken and on their level of fitness and previous experience.
14. Complaints: If you have a complaint about the Leader or service you receive at any point during the tour, you must notify the Leader involved as soon as possible to give them the opportunity to rectify the situation to a mutual agreement. If the complaint is unresolved to your satisfaction during the trip you must put the details in writing within 28 days.
15. Unavoidable Occurrences: SwissMountainLeader does not accept liability for the consequences of strikes, riots, acts of war or terrorism, disease outbreaks, government intervention, natural disasters or adverse weather conditions. If such occurrences cause the Leader to have to cancel a course or trip the Leader will offer an alternative holiday if possible, but accept no liability for the return of fees paid prior to cancellation or curtailment.
16. Law: All legal matters relating to fall under Swiss Jurisdiction. The place of jurisdiction is the Canton of Vaud.

Please retain a copy of our Terms & Conditions for your records.

Last update: Nov 2021