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COVID-19 modifications to our winter program

It is clear that COVID-19 will remain a challenge for the upcoming winter, and that diligent planning and attention to detail are paramount in managing the spread of the disease. After a busy summer of guiding and teaching here in Lake Tahoe, we have settled into our “new normal” way of running our business, and want to share a peek at what a day will look like with us this winter. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned from the last 8 months is that we need to be flexible and responsive in how we react to the virus, local and state guidelines, and most of all, our guests. With that in mind, it is likely that some of the topics below will change at some point throughout the winter.

 

Check-In Process

Our office has been rebuilt to offer a dedicated area for guests to check-in and pick up rental equipment. This area is physically separated from the office with plexiglass shields and has a socially-distanced capacity of 6 guests at a time. Masks are required for guests and staff alike, and once checked in and rentals are taken care of, all groups move outside for the remainder of the day. Due to the uncertain nature of the winter, we have contingency plans to easily turn the check-in into a “curbside pick up” process if needed.

All liability waivers will be touchless with a link sent to each participant’s phone or email.

 

Individual Control Measures & Screening

The health and safety of our clients and staff is of the utmost importance to us. With that in mind, health screenings are now required for all clients prior to joining a program. One of the most important aspects of the reopening of our economy is to stay home if you are sick. These health screenings will check for COVID-19 symptoms as well as exposure history. If a client doesn’t pass the screening, they will retain full credit for their adventure, good for use anytime after 2 weeks have passed. This same policy applies to all guides and staff. Anyone that doesn’t pass the daily screening will not be allowed to work until cleared by a medical doctor.

 

Ramping Up Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols

At the close of each day, our team will disinfect all used rental items including skis, boots, split boards and avalanche rescue equipment. Hand sanitizer will be readily available in the office, vehicles and with every guide.

 

Physical Distancing and Mask use

Guests, guides, and office staff are required to maintain a minimum 6-foot distance at all times. Members of a private/family/close-contact group are not required to maintain 6-foot distance among themselves if they wish. All guests, guides, and office staff must be prepared to wear facemasks as directed, including at check-in, rental return whenever inside a building or company vehicle, or whenever directed to by a guide/instructor. If guests do not have their own mask, Alpenglow Expeditions will provide one at no cost.

 

Group size

We have a maximum group size of 6 guests for all programs, including AIARE courses. Even though we might have up to 24 students in one AIARE course, these groups will spread out in the field and adhere to the 6 person group size.

 

Lets ride!

We are excited to get outside with you this winter! We’re confident that the measures we are taking will protect our staff and climbers alike and will not significantly take away from the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment that we all get from playing in the mountains. If you have any questions about our precautions, please feel free to contact the office.

 

Ready to book?

Our reservation system is open and accepting bookings for AIARE 1 avalanche courses, Backcountry 1.0, 2.0 & 3.0, as well as our full menu of winter adventure and education. If you are still feeling uncertain, we’ve relaxed our cancellation policy to make booking worry-free. Book a day out with us and if we can’t be open due to COVID-19, you’ll get a credit to use at a later date or a full refund.