Important Information

Exum has been guiding in the Tetons for 90+ years and we've guided tens of thousands of climbers throughout those years. Chances are, you heard about Exum from one of our former climbers, and we're thrilled that so many of them come back year after year. We would much rather tell you about the fun and challenging climbing that you've planned, however it is also important that you understand our policies. Please take the time to read this information and call us if you have any questions.

Preparation

The Grand Teton and all multi-day climbs in the Tetons are strenuous and require a high level of physical fitness. You do not need to be an elite athlete, however training and preparation are required. In our 90+ years, we have found that the vast majority of individuals are capable of successfully climbing Teton peaks. We will teach you all of the technical skills you need to climb, but you must be in good physical condition to get the most out of your experience. All Grand Teton climbers must qualify for the climb during the days of instruction. The two reasons that someone might not qualify are 1) the inability to perform the skills required, and 2) a lack of aerobic conditioning. It is very rare for someone to be disqualified due to technical ability, however every summer, climbers are disqualified because they are not in good enough physical condition to attempt the climb. We don’t want you to be disappointed so please review our training information, begin a training program, and continue to train throughout the months/weeks leading up to your climb. There are no refunds if you do not qualify for the climb.

Reservation Changes

You may change your Grand Teton or other peak climb dates (within the current season), but only before June 1st, and only if space is available. If we are unable to schedule your trip within the same season, the appropriate cancellation charges will apply. It is typically NOT possible to change a Grand Teton climb from classic to private or from private to classic. Changes for all other activities can be made as long as space is available and a minimum of 24 hours notice is provided.

Travel Insurance

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. 

*Travelex Insurance Services provides a protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, visit Travelex Insurance Services or contact them at 800-228-9792. Please reference location number 27-0243 if you call so that the representative can easily help you.

Typically, activities such as mountain climbing are excluded from coverage on travel insurance plans. The Travelex Travel Select plan has an optional Adventure Sports Coverage upgrade which, if purchased, will waive the mountain climbing exclusion.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. V94

Covid-19 Coverage. It is important to note that fear of travel, travel advisories and destination being inaccessible due to this illness are not covered risks under the Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. (“Travelex”) protection plans. However, insureds are still eligible for Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage in the event they are prevented from taking their trip due to one of the other reasons listed in their Travelex plan.

To help you understand what Travelex protection plans will cover, please refer to these Frequently Asked Questions. Please click here to view a special notice for NY residents regarding coverage related to COVID-19.

*Exum does not receive commission, referral fees, or income of any kind based on the purchase of a Travelex protection plan.

Acknowledgement of Risk

There are inherent risks in all climbing, and all climbers will be required to read and sign an ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK form prior to participation in any activity. An email will be sent to you in June with a link to our online Acknowledgement of Risk Form. You will be able to read the document and sign it electronically. A parent or legal guardian must sign the form for any minor participant. 

You can review the Acknowledgement of Risk form now, but there is no need to sign the form until we contact you in June.

Medical Conditions

When we send you the link to our online Acknowledgement of Risk form, we will also send a link to our Registration/Medical form. It is important that you tell us about all medical conditions and medication being taken. Information is required for all climbers. 

The employees of Exum Mountain Guides are not qualified to evaluate medical conditions. As we advised previously, if you have any questions regarding your participation, we strongly recommend that you see your doctor for advice before you participate. The information you provide on this form will be provided to medical personnel, in the event of an injury or emergency.

Participant Responsibilities

Climbing a Teton peak is life changing for may of our participants and our goal is that every climber has a great time climbing and a rewarding experience. To that end, Exum expects that all participants:

  • will be in good health and will be at an appropriate level of fitness for the climb reserved. 
  • will bring everything listed as essential on the equipment list for their activity.
  • will work together as a team with consideration for fellow climbers.
  • will accept that safety and other factors will sometimes require that teams work together during the climb, regardless of whether a classic or private climb was reserved
  • will accept that participation in any Exum activity DOES NOT qualify any participant to climb without a guide.
  • will accept that the use of alcohol or drugs is prohibited before and during all activities.
  • will accept that the possession of firearms or weapons of any kind, is prohibited during all activities and in any Exum building.

Exum Discretion

  • Exum reserves the right to prohibit participation by any individual, who is not physically capable of attempting the climb, or based on other factors that could negatively affect participation. This rarely happens for reasons related to climbing skills, but does occasionally happen due to fitness. You should not be concerned if you have reviewed our training information and prepared accordingly. There are no refunds regardless of the reason.
  • Exum reserves the right to end any individual’s participation on a climb at any time, or to abort the climb when it is in the best interest of any participant or the team as a whole. Threatening weather is the most common reason for aborting a climb and this is a part of all mountaineering. An inadequate fitness level, inappropriate behavior or failure to follow guide instructions are examples of other reasons participation can be ended. It does not happen often, and again, there are no refunds regardless of the reason.
  • Exum reserves the right to change the program itinerary as necessary.
  • In the event of a natural disaster or significant event, it could be necessary for Exum to cancel your program. This has never happened, but should it be necessary, Exum is not responsible for any travel expenses incurred related to your Exum program.

Leave No Trace

Exum follows Leave No Trace principals during all activities, so please consider the environment when you pack for your climb. Reusable water bottles are highly recommended and available for purchase in our office. Anything carried in on our climbs is also carried out, so minimal packaging is in everyone’s best interest. Please call us if you need ideas regarding snacks and food, or products to purchase for your climb. Guides will also have ideas for you during your instruction.

Photo Release

Participation in an Exum activity grants permission to Exum Mountain Guides to use any photographs and/or videos of you or your minor children for marketing purposes, unless permission is withdrawn in writing.

How To Reach Us

Please call us at (307) 733-2297 if you have any questions. The best time to reach us during the summer season is between 10:00 and 2:00 Mountain Time, seven days a week. During these hours, we are not sending out or welcoming back schools and climbs. If you reach our voice mail, we will return your call as soon as possible. In the off season, the best time to reach us is between 9:00 and 4:00 Mountain Time, Monday through Friday. Again, if you do not reach us, please leave us a message so that we can call you back.

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