Dear Climbers,
While the implications of COVID-19 are changing daily, we want to provide information about how Alpine Ascents is handling the novel coronavirus. When reviewing health and safety guidelines, we always aim to exceed county and national requirements.
Upcoming Bookings
Following this morning’s conference with the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, we can report that parks plan to stay open and maintain operations. For trips departing in May, we look to provide an update on or about April 1 based on the most current information.
Any contingency plan, which may include postponing your booking until later in the year or to the following season, will be noted in the April 1 update. For June departures we will provide an update around May 1, for July we will provide an update around June 1, etc. Our offices remain open for phone or email contact, and we are happy to speak with you.
At Headquarters
While rental equipment care practices, expedition supply practices, and food preparation practices at our Seattle HQ continue to proceed with strict attention to health and safety, we are taking extra precautions to prevent the spread of disease. A few of these measures include:
- Daily cleaning of all office surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectant
- Additional employee education concerning mitigating the spread of disease
- Maximizing work-from-home options for office employees
- Complete disinfection of each Alpine Ascents vehicle pre and
post-trip
Alpine Ascents follows King County Public Health Guidelines at our Queen Anne headquarters. Residents of King County who suspect they are ill or have come into contact with the coronavirus are advised to use the county hotline: 206-477-3977.
In the Field
Operating on all seven continents Alpine Ascents is committed to health and safety in the field. Regardless of whether we are in high-altitude, technical terrain or lower-altitude trekking terrain, we undertake measures to combat illness and the transmission of illness on every trip. However, we are implementing additional measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. These measures include:
- Additional training for guide staff regarding the coronavirus
- Issuing additional cleaning products (such as Clorox wipes) with field kits
- Group teaching practices designed around “minimum distance”
guidelines
- Evaluation and close monitoring of campsites
- Planning for single-occupancy tents where requested
Final Notes
Alpine Ascents operates trips in small groups. A more intimate group size not only allows for excellent teaching and group dynamics, but also allows us to better prevent the spread of illness - be it the flu, the Khumbu Cough, or COVID-19. We remain committed to this ethos and its benefits throughout the impact of the novel coronavirus across the globe.
We remain optimistic that governmental organizations, in partnership with a vigorous commitment to excellent hand washing practices, will affect a positive global health outcome.
With thanks,
Alpine Ascents International
Questions?
Email Gordon Janow, Director of Programs, or dial (206) 378-1927.