Climber Profile Confirmation

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American Alpine Institute, Ltd.

Assumption of Risk & Release from Liability Agreement

Please read this form carefully. It must be signed by all participants. “Participant” includes both adults and minors, as well as program observers. If a participant is a minor, at least one parent or guardian must sign.

Do not sign this form without reading it carefully. If you do not understand it or have any questions, please inquire.

As used in this acknowledgement of risk (hereinafter “Agreement”), “AAI” means American Alpine Institute Ltd., its directors, officers, administrators, instructors, guides, employees, medical advisors, and agents.

1. Activities and Risks

I understand that AAI guided and instructional programs include hazardous outdoor, mountain, mountain-related and wilderness activities. I further understand and acknowledge that the activities within these programs have risks, including risks which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activities. The same elements that contribute to the unique character of these activities can cause loss or damage to equipment, accidental injury, illness, infectious disease, permanent trauma (including paralysis and traumatic brain injury), disability or death.

These risks include, but are not limited to, cold or freezing weather, sunburn or heat stroke/heat exhaustion, high winds, rain or snow, lightning, slipping, tripping and/or falling, being hit by a falling object, dangerous plants and/or animals, wildfire, wildfire smoke, flooding, avalanches, rockfall, icefall, crevasses, hypothermia, frostbite, altitude illness, and snow blindness, burns or other injuries sustained while cooking or tending a campfire, trees or branches falling, and/or poor tent ventilation that may lead to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide poisoning, water and/or foodborne hazards that result in illness, exposure to infectious diseases, equipment failure, the failure of a belays or anchors, injury induced by crampons or ice axe, the failure of other participants or employees to take needed actions or perform certain skills, exercise-induced or sport-induced injuries, negative psychological and/or physical effects from the stresses inherent in travel in adverse environments, witnessing an accident or group cohesion, accidents sustained during travel by any mode of transportation, drowning, and all risks – when applicable – presented by an artificial or indoor climbing facility.

There are additional inherent risks in foreign adventure travel. Foreign travelers may experience illness, crime or political instability, underdeveloped emergency care and/or meager third-party rescue services.

Equipment used on programs – including rental equipment – may not always operate as intended and may fail, even when used properly. Equipment failure may lead to injury or death. Rental equipment may need to be readjusted after initial use for it to continue to be effective. It is the user’s responsibility to adjust equipment in the field.

I have read and understand the written materials provided to me in the registration confirmation of my program, and within my online program packet. I agree to the terms and policies stated in all the above-mentioned materials. AAI staff members have been made available to more fully explain the inherent risks and physical demands of the activities in which I (or the minor participant) will be engaged.

2. Acknowledgement and Assumption of Inherent or Other Risks

I understand and acknowledge that the description above (“Activities and Risks”) of the inherent risks of my activities is not complete and that other, including unknown or unanticipated risks, inherent and otherwise, may result in property loss, injury, illness or death. I acknowledge that my (or the minor participant’s) inclusion and participation in this program is purely voluntary, and I wish to (or have the minor participant) participate in spite of and with knowledge of the inherent and other risks involved. I acknowledge and assume the inherent risks described above and all other inherent risks of my activity as well as any other risks of enrolling in, participating in, or being present on an AAI program. In addition to this, I expressly assume ALL risks of enrolling in or participating in a program, inherent or otherwise, whether described above or not.

3. Agreements of Release and Indemnity

I hereby release, hold harmless and agree not to sue AAI, its officers, trustees, agents and staff, including employees, volunteers and interns (“released parties”) for negligence, with respect to any and all claims of loss or damage to person or property by reason of injury, disability, death or otherwise, suffered by me or by a minor participant for whom I sign, arising in whole or part from my (or the minor participant’s) enrollment, participation, or presence on an AAI program. I agree further to indemnify (“indemnify” meaning to defend, and to pay or reimburse, including costs and attorney’s fees) Released Parties against any claim of negligence by a member of my, or the participant’s, family, a rescuer, another participant, or any other person arising in whole or part from an injury or other loss suffered by me or caused by me, or by the minor participant, in connection with my (or the minor participant’s) enrollment, participation in, or presence on a program. For domestic programs, the undersigned further waives liability of the United States and acknowledges and agrees that the United States and its officers and employees are fully released from any liability for injuries, damages, or losses that the undersigned sustains as a result of or in connection with the undersigned’s participation in this activity.

4. Transportation, Accommodation, and Other Non-AAI Services

I understand that AAI acts not as agent, but only as coordinator between myself (or the minor participant) and the companies providing transportation, accommodations, and other services (including subcontracted guide services) used in conjunction with my program, and that all these services are subject to terms and conditions set by those companies. In accepting such services, I agree that AAI shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims, damages, liability, expense, or cost of any kind that may arise out of those services.

4. Other Provisions

I certify that I (or the minor participant) have no past or current physical or psychological condition that might affect my (or the minor’s) participation in the program, other than as described in the health form submitted. I am (or the minor is) able to participate without causing harm to myself (themself), or to others. The medical information provided is accurate and all pertinent medical conditions have been disclosed (or will be disclosed prior to the start of the program). I understand that admission to a program is not intended as a representation that AAI’s staff will be able to successfully manage a medical event or emergency related to a disclosed, or undisclosed, medical condition. The responsibility for determining the suitability of a program is not AAI’s, but rather the participant’s. AAI reserves the right to remove a participant from a program for any reason.

AAI is authorized to obtain or provide emergency hospitalization, surgical or other medical care for me (or for the minor participant). I understand that situations may arise in which third-party medical care is not available and which require staff to provide first aid and possibly more advanced procedures. I authorize my (or the minor participant’s) instructor, guide, and other AAI personnel to administer first aid without the direct supervision of a physician and according to their own judgment, including but not limited to, any or all of the following: the dispensing and administration of prescription drugs; the cleaning, closure, and bandaging of wounds; the splinting and bandaging of strains, sprains, and breaks; the administration of cardio/pulmonary resuscitation; the administration of artificial respiration; the application of tourniquets; and moving me (or the minor participant) to another place to increase safety or to facilitate evacuation, notwithstanding my (or the minor participant’s) injured condition. Any third-party medical provider is authorized to exchange pertinent medical information with AAI. Costs associated with medical services, including evacuation (ambulance/life-flight) transportation, shall be borne by me.

I agree to be responsible for any damage I (or the minor participant) may cause to facilities or gear, including the accidental loss of a staff member’s personal gear. AAI is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to a participant’s personal belongings stored at AAI headquarters, at a satellite base of operations, in a storage space managed by AAI or an AAI partner, in a vehicle, or in a campsite. Furthermore, AAI is not liable for the return of equipment/luggage left behind in the mountains, at a base of operations, at a hotel or in a vehicle.

I have been advised to buy travel insurance to protect myself against any financial loss attending my program participation, including, but not limited to, costs of illness, injury, medical care, loss of property, or tuition forfeited as a result of early withdrawal or non-attendance. I agree to self-insure for any losses not covered by my travel insurance policy.

If AAI incurs attorney’s fees or costs to enforce this Agreement (whether or not suit is brought), I agree that AAI shall be entitled to recover from me all such fees and costs.

I agree that in the event any part or portion of this Agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, then such part or portion will be stricken, but the rest of the agreement will be given full force and effect.

In any legal action arising out of this Agreement and/or my participation in this program (including all supervised or unsupervised activity in preparation for, during, following, or resulting from it), I agree irrevocably to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Whatcom County. Any such action shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington.

THE PARTICIPANT AND THE PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) OF A MINOR PARTICIPANT HAVE READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT. THE PARTICIPANT (PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S)) UNDERSTAND AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO ITS TERMS, WHICH SHALL BE BINDING ON THEM, THEIR HEIRS, ESTATE, EXECUTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS. THIS AGREEMENT MAY ONLY BE MODIFIED IN WRITING.