Waivers, Trip Guidelines and Planning Resources

Alpine Club of Canada – Release of Liability/Waiver Form

The Alpine Club of Canada has switched to annual online waivers. This way
members can take their time to read and understand the waivers on their own without any
pressure. This is ideal over the situation of signing a waiver in a dark parking lot early in the
morning after driving 6 hours to get to a trail head. It also helps with waiver storage. The
online waivers are valid for one year and must be signed by every member (including trip
coordinators) upon their membership renewal.

For trip coordinators, this means that all members joining an ACC trip have signed their
waiver already, the ACC Vancouver website won’t allow a member to log in until they’ve
completed their waivers. So the trip coordinator does not need to deliver the waiver to
members on their outings.

However, it is still important to make sure that each participant has a clear idea of the risks
and hazards of the activity they are participating in. Have the hazards of the trip clearly outlined in layman terms on the
registration/description page of the event. E.g. terrain, avalanche risk, rockfall/icefall, fall & belay hazards, communication & rescue, etc.

• During trip registration have a question that asks the participant if they understand
  the hazards associated with the outing.

• At the start of each day of a trip have the trip coordinator go over the hazards for
  their outing. Share safety tips.

• Have a debrief of any close calls or incidents at the end of the day.

Non members on trips

Non members are sometimes welcome on ACC trips to “try out” the club and see if they
want to join. In this case the participant should sign a paper waiver before the trip heads
out. The trip coordinator should witness the waiver signing and ask the participant if they
have read and understood the waiver. The same process of going over the hazards apply
here as with any trip (outlined above).

Waivers for non-members are available on the ACC National website

Guidelines for Trip Coordinators

The guide at this link gives you some recommendations on how to plan and manage a trip safely.  The ACC Vancouver website provides you with a good list of participants and their emergency contacts.  Make sure you leave the trip plan with a responsible person who will ensure that you get back and contact 9-1-1 if you are late.  We have also prepared a website guide to help trip coordinators create trips and events.

Guidelines for Vehicle Expenses

Guidelines for Vehicle Expenses on ACC Vancouver Section Trips

AdventureSmart Trip Plan Form

Trip Plan – pdf format
This form has been developed by AdventureSmart and the BC Search and Rescue Association to assist people in preparing for a trip. It reminds us to record information thoroughly and identify an emergency contact person for each and every trip.  See the guideline for Trip Coordinators above for more details on how trip plans should be prepared on club trips.

Alpine Club of Canada – Accident Report Form

If you are the coordinator of a club trip where an accident occurs, please contact the Section Chair to report the accident.  They can supply you with a form to fill out.

1.  The Accident Reporting form.
2.  A form that allows the trip leader to capture emergency contact info from each participant.

More information can be found at the Alpine Club of Canada National office.

COVID Safety Plan

The COVID Safety Plan was updated on January 9, 2022.

Alpine Club of Canada – Declaration of health form

The Declaration of Health Form was updated on January 9, 2022.

Helpful planning resources

Guidebooks

David P. Jones has been a lifelong member of the ACC and his books have been used by countless people. The first 4 books are in print and can be obtained from the ACC main office in Canmore (members discount) and can be ordered online at the alpineclubofcanada.ca website under merchandise/store.  Some of the books are also available at Climb on in Squamish and at MEC.  Members should also check ebay and ABE books as they are possibly being offered there very soon.