SJMG Forms & Trip Policies
Reservations
All of our programs require advance registration, though in some circumstances we can accommodate “walk-in” guests – typically only during the high season times of December – March and June – September. Advance registration can mean as much as 1 year or 1 day prior to the trip.
Ouray Ice Festival Clinics: Full payment is required at the time of reservation for all clinics and seminars.
Domestic Trips and Courses: San Juan Mountain Guides requires full payment at the time of booking. HOWEVER, YOU MAY CANCEL THE TRIP FOR A FULL REFUND (minus the 3% tax/land use fee) AT ANY TIME UP TO 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TRIP START DATE. Inside of 30 days you may cancel the trip at any time up until 15 days prior to the trip start date retaining a full credit for a future trip, less a 15% rebooking fee. Cancellation within 15 days of the trip start date will result in the issuing of a credit for a future trip minus a 50% rebooking fee, so please consider purchasing travel insurance if you think short notice cancellation is a possibility. Participants may register by utilizing our Online Reservations System, or by submitting our Program Registration Form via email. All participants will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Risks / Liability Waiver prior to the the program start date.
Multi-Day Overnight Hut Trips (i.e. Million Dollar Traverse, 500k and any program requiring booking of a hut/lodge): San Juan Mountain Guides requires full payment at the time of booking. HOWEVER, YOU MAY CANCEL THE TRIP FOR A FULL REFUND (minus the 3% tax/land use fee) AT ANY TIME UP TO 60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TRIP START DATE. Inside of 60 days you may cancel the trip at any time up until 45 days prior to the trip start date retaining a full credit for a future trip, less a 15% rebooking fee. Cancellation within 45 days of the trip start date will result in the issuing of a credit for a future trip minus a 50% rebooking fee, so please consider purchasing travel insurance if you think short notice cancellation is a possibility. Participants may register by utilizing our Online Reservations System, or by submitting our Program Registration Form via email. All participants will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Risks / Liability Waiver prior to the the program start date.
Expeditions: A 50% deposit is required for all of our Expeditions (including Alaska). The balance will be due 60 days prior to the trip departure. For Expedition sign ups within 60 days of the program start date, the full balance will be due upon booking. Participants may register by utilizing our Online Reservations System, or by submitting our Program Registration Form via email or fax. All participants will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Risks / Liability Waiver prior to the the program start date. A 5% convenience fee may be added for credit card payments. All Expedition participants are required to purchase Trip Insurance to insure their trip.
Group Reservations: For organized groups of 6 or more people, a 50% deposit is required for all reservations. The balance will be due 30 days prior to the start of the trip. For program sign-ups within 30 days of the program start date, the full balance will be due upon booking. All participants will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Risks / Liability Waiver prior to the the program start date.
Cancellations
Ouray Ice Festival Clinics: Refunds are not available for Ouray Ice Festival clinics, unless we are able to fill your space in a clinic 1 week prior to the start of the ice fest. In that case a credit towards a future trip with San Juan Mountain Guides is available less a 15% handling fee.
Domestic Programs: YOU MAY CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR A FULL REFUND (minus the 3% tax/land use fee) AT ANY TIME UP TO 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TRIP START DATE, otherwise your payment will be forfeited according to the following schedule. Inside of 30 days you may cancel the trip at any time up until 15 days prior to the trip start date retaining a full credit for a future trip, less a 15% rebooking fee. Cancellation within 15 days of the trip start date will result in the issuing of a credit for a future trip minus a 50% rebooking fee, so please consider purchasing travel insurance if you think short notice cancellation is a possibility. No refunds for weather related delays or weather related changes in trip itineraries. No credits or refunds for no shows or those leaving early.
Multi-Day Overnight Hut Trips (i.e. Million Dollar Traverse, 500k and any program requiring booking of a hut/lodge): YOU MAY CANCEL THE TRIP FOR A FULL REFUND (minus the 3% tax/land use fee) AT ANY TIME UP TO 60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TRIP START DATE. Inside of 60 days you may cancel the trip at any time up until 45 days prior to the trip start date retaining a full credit for a future trip, less a 15% rebooking fee. Cancellation within 45 days of the trip start date will result in the issuing of a credit for a future trip minus a 50% rebooking fee, so please consider purchasing travel insurance if you think short notice cancellation is a possibility. No refunds for weather related delays or weather related changes in trip itineraries. No credits or refunds for no shows or those leaving early.
Expeditions: Cancellation must be made 120 days before the start date of the trip, otherwise your deposit will be forfeited in its entirety. No refunds for weather related delays or weather related changes in trip itineraries. For cancellations made 90 days before first day of trip or course there is a 15% non-refundable processing fee. All Expedition participants are required to purchase Trip Insurance as within 120 days from the start of your trip there are NO REFUNDS for any reason whatsoever.
Groups: Cancellation must be made 60 days before first day of trip or course, otherwise your deposit will be forfeited. You can apply your trip deposit or fee toward a future trip or course that takes place within one year for a 20% fee. No credits or refunds for no shows or those leaving early. For cancellations made 60 days before first day of trip or course there is a 15% non-refundable handling fee for credit card deposits and payments.
Cancellation by San Juan Mountain Guides
In rare circumstances, we may need to cancel a program. San Juan Mountain Guides reserves the right to cancel any program for any reason, at any time. Typically cancellations by San Juan Mountain Guides are the result of either extreme weather conditions, unavailability of instructors/guides (e.g. illness), or the inability to gather enough participants to run a course. In such cases, all participants who have signed up and paid deposits or full trip payments will first be offered a 100% credit towards a future trip/course with San Juan Mountain Guides. If that is not able to be agreed upon, participants will be refunded a portion of their payment, less any applicable credit card transaction fees incurred by San Juan Mountain Guides as a consequence of processing credit card transactions. We cannot refund travel arrangements (e.g. airline flights, rental cars, etc.) which is why we strongly recommend travel insurance. It is important to note that once you proceed on your trip and either attempt a route, climb, etc. and weather related factors necessitate a change to the trip itinerary or an early turn around there are no refunds given. No exceptions.
Inherent Risks and Hazards – All Programs
San Juan Mountain Guides makes every effort to insure that your trip is a successful and rewarding experience. Our staff will give instructions before each trip and it is important that you listen and follow their instructions. You will assume the responsibility for many decisions affecting risk during the trip. These activities can be physically demanding with inherent elements of risk and danger beyond our control that may cause injury or death, this is why we always suggest travelers to be covered by a travel insurance like the one at https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/. We do not assume liability for personal injury or death. You must sign a Liability Release form and go at your own risk. We offer trips requiring various degrees of fitness. We are not qualified to evaluate your fitness so you must evaluate your fitness as appropriate for any given trip. If you are overweight or in poor physical condition, you should consult with your physician before the trip.