COVID-19 Modifications to International Mountain Guiding Operations
This Blog was effective from Aug, 2020 to Aug, 2021. For current protocols, please contact your Expedition Coordinator.
Alpenglow Expeditions is committed to doing our part in the mitigation of COVID-19 and always takes the health and safety of our employees and guests very seriously. With the continued spread of COVID-19, Alpenglow has designed a COVID-19 International Expedition Operating Plan to allow expeditions to be resumed in countries and regions that are accepting tourism.
Below are the primary measures that will be taken to protect the health and safety of all International Expedition climbers and staff:
Pre-Trip Testing:
All climbers, guides and expedition staff must receive a negative COVID-19 test within 7 days of the start of an international expedition. If COVID-19 testing is not feasible or available (e.g. Tanzania), a 14 day at-home quarantine may replace the test.
Health Screening:
All climbers and staff shall undergo a self-administered health screening prior to arriving at the course venue, as well as ongoing daily screenings administered by the guide team throughout the expedition.
Face Coverings:
Cloth face coverings will be worn by all participants whenever 6-foot physical distancing cannot be maintained, while traveling in vehicles, and anytime an Alpenglow guide or employee deems it necessary.
Accommodations:
*Updated August 2021
On mountain: All guides and clients will be staying in group tents or mountain lodges/refugios. Single rooms (in mountain lodges/refugios) may be arranged for an added cost.
In cities/towns: All guides and clients will be booked in double occupancy rooms. Single rooms may be arranged for an added cost.
Food Services:
On international trips where there is a dedicated kitchen staff and ample supplies to ensure high quality food safety, cleanliness and disinfection procedures, Alpenglow will prepare the following:
-Separate dining and kitchen areas
-Handwashing station with soap and water for both clients and staff, AND alcohol based hand sanitizer readily available.
-3 stage dishwashing station (hot soapy wash, followed by a rinse, followed by a disinfection rinse in a water bleach solution of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water).
-Comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces with hot soap and water AND either an alcohol solution (greater than 60%) or bleach solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water).
On smaller, lighter trips where it’s not possible or desirable to have a dedicated kitchen and staff, guides and guests will handle and prepare their own foods and beverages separately. In addition, each participant will use their own cookware, containers, and utensils. Guides shall ensure that there is plenty of alcohol-based hand sanitizer available (individual containers, staff and clients shall not share hand sanitizer). Guides may provide kitchenware and food for clients to use at the beginning of the trip, but all food prep, cooking and washing shall be done separately.
Transportation:
Only Alpenglow vehicles or vehicles under Alpenglow’s control (eg. contracted transportation on an international expedition) shall be used for group transportation. These vehicles have drivers trained in COVID mitigation, undergo proper cleaning and disinfection procedures and have masks and hand sanitizer readily available.
During International Expeditions, guides and clients shall have an open seat in between each person. This potentially will result in larger vehicles or multiple vehicles being needed.
Equipment:
All company equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturers’ guidelines after each use.