As in the mountains we know that unpredictability is part of everyday life and best-laid-plans don’t always progress as expected. To best manage the unexpected we have developed the following policies. Please review them carefully. We strictly adhere to our policies.
As a primary mitigation tactic to unforeseen variables we strongly encourage you to pursue Travel and Rescue Insurance to protect your investment. You can see our recommendations in our Adventure FAQs.
Cancellation and Booking Changes – Northeast Programs
Weather
Unpredictable and challenging weather are an inherent part of the mountain experience and such conditions often lead to an exciting adventure and more potent learning outcomes. Of course, your safety is our top priority. If the weather and/or conditions for your objective do not provide the appropriate margin of safety, we will contact you as soon as possible to determine a suitable alternative. If the weather is deteriorating dramatically and there are no suitable alternatives in the region you may reschedule your adventure up to one year from the original date for no extra cost.
Personal
- Please let us know as soon as possible if you have to cancel or adjust your booking so we have ample time to work with you to determine a solution.
- If you must change the date(s) of your booking for personal reasons we will work with you to find a new booking within 30 days of your original start date for a service fee of $50. This option is only available if we are notified of the change more than 30 days out from your original start date. If you cannot reschedule your booking to within 30 days of your original start date, the full payment will be put towards a credit for an adventure within one year of the original booking.
- If you need to change or cancel within 30 days of your booking the following policies apply:
- 3-4+ Weeks Out: 70% of your total adventure payment will be used as credit towards rescheduling within one year of the original booking.
- 2-3 Weeks Out: 40% of your total adventure payment will be used as credit towards rescheduling within one year of the original booking.
- 2 Weeks or Less Out: No refund or credit will be issued.
Cancellation and Booking Changes – Domestic Programs Outside of the Northeast and International Programs*
Weather
No matter the region weather can be variable and it is impossible to predict weather and conditions several months out. Part of the mountain climbing process is flexibility and adaptation. All scheduled programs will take place regardless of the weather. If route conditions are unsafe for an attempt of our primary objective we will consult with you to adjust itinerary and objectives to make the best of conditions and regional weather variations.
Personal
- No refunds or credits of the 30% Deposit will be issued
- For cancellations made more than 90 days out we will refund 100% of the 70% remainder if it has already been paid.
- No refund or credit will be issued within 90 days of your adventure.
- If we need to cancel your trip or request a schedule change we will notify you as soon as possible. If rescheduling is not possible we will issue a full refund including the 30% deposit and connect you with one of the many reputable guides and guide services in our network.
*Unless otherwise noted in direct written communication with a representative of MSA.
General Policies
MSA’s program schedule and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, group strength, terrain, or other environmental factors, and many other factors. MSA has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including but not limited to increases in program fees, changes to program schedule or itinerary, and changes to guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. Once the program has started, the Lead Guide will decide on any changes to the itinerary, including ending the program early if the continuation of the program may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the group.
We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather, route conditions, or for any other reason. In such a case, we will make every effort to reschedule the Participant on a different program date. If rescheduling is not possible, we will issue the Participant a refund for all program fees paid to MSA, less any non-refundable payments made on behalf of the Participant to secure any of the included land costs provided for this program, including but not limited to, hotel accommodations, transportation, transfers, tours, group equipment and food, permits, and local outfitter services, prior to the cancellation of the program. Additionally, MSA cannot be responsible for any non-refundable expenses the Participant incurred in preparation for the program (i.e., airline tickets, hotel reservations, rental cars, equipment purchases or rentals, etc.).
Once a program begins, there are no refunds or credits for weather-related cancellations or for a program that may end early due to weather, route conditions, or any other circumstances that may compromise the health, safety, or well-being of the group. Furthermore, if the Participant decides for any reason not to begin a program or to discontinue a program at any time, no refunds or credits will be issued. The Participant will be responsible for all additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, meals, etc.
The Participant is responsible for any costs due to COVID-19, including but not limited to, any testing fees to enter another country, tests required to return to the US, and/or costs associated with medical care and/or quarantine such as hotel accommodations, meals, separate transportation, etc.
Land Costs are provided as a package, and refunds or credits will not be issued for any unused meals, accommodations, group transportation, or other unused costs. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those Participants occupying single accommodations either by choice or circumstance. If you are willing to share a room, we will make every effort to pair you with another same-gender team member. We will match willing same-gender team members based on the order of registration date. If we are unable to match you with another same-gender team member, a single supplement fee will be charged. The availability of single accommodations is limited in most of the hotels where we stay, and single accommodations are not available while in the mountains.
The Participant understands and agrees that MSA assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality services provided to the Participant by other companies in connection with the program, including but not limited to, the services provided by airlines, hotels, rental cars, and transportation companies and that MSA is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the Participant in connection with the MSA program. The Participant will be responsible for all costs associated with any travel delays, missed connections, or missing baggage that requires additional arrangements (separate transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, etc.) to be made on your behalf for you or your baggage to rejoin the program.