Deposit & Cancellation Policy
At Sierra Mountain Center, we deeply value your trust and are committed to delivering the best possible service. We understand that plans can sometimes change unexpectedly, and we aim to be as accommodating as possible. As a small business that depends on the dedication of our local guides, we’ve established a cancellation policy to ensure fairness and sustainability for everyone. To help protect your investment and ensure peace of mind, we strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation or travel insurance.
Deposits
• A 50% deposit is due at the time of registration.
• Full payment will be automatically collected 30 days before your trip or course.
Cancellation Policy
During registration, every Sierra Mountain Center (SMC) program participant must sign acknowledgement they have read and understand this Deposit and Cancellation Policy, which addresses how deposits are collected and how cancellations are handled. Deposits and cancellation policies are crucial for operating “tour-type” programs with high up-front costs and overhead. SMC operates well within industry standards and we try to be fair; however, many things are out of our control. As a small business hoping to continue booking future programs for guests all over the world, we must adhere to this Deposit and Cancellation policy, and hope for your understanding.
By their very nature, mountaineering and other backcountry adventures are uncertain endeavors. Many factors can influence the arrival to, the running of, or the outcome of a SMC program. Therefore, SMC strongly suggests obtaining “cancel for any reason” travel insurance before embarking. Weather, route conditions, or your own abilities may create circumstances that make continuing a SMC program unsafe or unwise, and you and/or your party may have to exit early. No refunds are given if a program ends early due to weather or route conditions. If this occurs your guide will offer to spend your remaining time pursuing a different or more feasible – yet fun – hike, ski, climb, or summit. There is no credit for any days that go unused.
Travel Insurance
Unless you are willing to absorb the entire cost of your program in the event of a cancellation or early exit, it is essential that you obtain travel insurance to protect your investment. SMC is not liable for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or canceled flights, rentals, lodging, or other arrangements (travel insurance can cover those costs). We recommend you call and speak with agent(s) before purchasing. SMC is not liable for lack of coverage of a policy you select.
Our recommendations (we encourage you to do your own research as well):
- World Nomads or Travel Guard can be good choices for the activities we offer; there are other companies as well.
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage – it’s highly recommended you add this to your policy. You often need to purchase this coverage within a short timeframe of making your reservation (typically 1-2 weeks).
- Be sure to read the details and exclusions carefully when it comes to specific high risk activities (such as rock climbing, mountaineering, etc.).
Rescue Insurance
We do not provide or require rescue insurance. If interested, we suggest Global Rescue or membership in the American Alpine Club.
Guide to Guest Ratio
Scheduled programs are priced to run with a minimum number of participants. We keep guide-to-participant ratios low for our guests’ comfort and enjoyment, but too low means we run in the red. If the minimum ratio is not met for your booked program, we will offer to either: continue with adjusted (custom guiding) pricing, adapt the program length or inclusions, reschedule, or give you a full refund.
Cancellations, Changes, and Rescheduling
SMC is notified 4 weeks or more before the scheduled date:
• Cancellations: SMC will retain a 25% cancellation fee from the amount due at the time of cancellation.
• Rescheduling is possible at no charge, subject to date/permit/guide availability, and only within the same calendar year.
SMC notified within 2-4 weeks before the scheduled date:
• Cancellations: Your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable to another program.
• Rescheduling is possible with a 15% fee added to the full amount due at the time of rescheduling, subject to date/permit/guide availability, and only within the same calendar year. If rescheduling is not possible, you can keep your original dates, or cancel without a refund.
SMC notified within 14 days before the trip date:
• No rescheduling. Fees collected are non-refundable and non-transferable to another program.
We rarely cancel a program outright. However, should SMC need to cancel due to government orders, Acts of God etc., we will offer you the opportunity to change programs, reschedule, or refund without penalty. Refunds will be limited to monies paid directly to SMC and not ancillary expenses (hotels, airfares, vehicle rentals, equipment, etc).