Cougar Crags

Equipment List for Rock Climbing

Smith Rock Climbing School (Timberline Mountain Guides) reserves the right to cancel or modify a trip due to circumstances beyond our control, including COVID, world events and acts of God. Payments are always non-refundable, even under these circumstances.

• A 20% deposit per booking is required to reserve your trip. This deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances because we begin to spend this money on your behalf right away.
• Full payment is due 60 days before your program’s start date. This payment is non-refundable under all circumstances. No cancellations, group-size changes, or date-changes are allowed after this date. (International programs are due in full 120 days prior to start date.)
• Date-change requests are subject to availability and cost $50 per booking. Date-changes are not allowed within 60 days of your program’s start date, and must be within the same calendar year. 

We adhere to these policies under all circumstances, and therefore we recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance or wait to register until closer to your desired date.

Private Group Registration:

If you plan to schedule a private group climb, the Group Leader will be responsible for all deposits and payments for the entire group. Each individual must still complete our Registration Form. We require younger climbers (under 16 years) to join us in a private setting.

Acknowledgement of Risk Forms:

At the start of your program you will be asked to sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form. We recommend that you take the time to read this form prior to arriving, and we invite you to call our office in advance if you have any questions about it.

Climbing and mountaineering involve inherent risks  – many that we can manage to a degree – some that are beyond our control. By signing, you assume responsibility for all the risks associated with this activity, and you acknowledge the hazards that are beyond our control. We do not assume liability for injuries or death. All participants are completely responsible for all medical and hospital costs associated with any injury, rescue or evacuation. You go at your own risk.

FITNESS AND TRAINING

Rock Climbing can be a physically challenging activity. We will choose climbing routes that are suitable to your fitness level and experience. As you develop skill, you may climb routes of increasing difficulty. In the meantime, to prepare for the best climbing experience we recommend focusing on overall fitness. Activites like running, swimming, yoga and weightlifting can help you build general strength and stamina, as well as balance and the mental fortitude to push through difficulties.

MEDICAL HISTORY

First and foremost, it is imperative that you inform your guide of all your medical history and current physical condition. This information helps your guide to make informed decisions about your program, and in the event of an emergency, potentially life-saving decisions. Our programs operate in remote locations where advanced medical care and evacuation may not be available for hours.

If you have any long-term side-effects from past injuries or illness please include these in your medical history. Any current injuries or conditions that could impact your performance should be disclosed, as well as a list of all medications that you are taking. Any asthma or allergies to food, animals or the environment should be included in your form.

WEATHER

Though it is relatively uncommon to have rain at Smith Rock, we do experience all types of weather during our rock climbing trips. We can usually wait out the short squalls that are characteristic of Spring in the High Desert. In the rare event that we will be unable to climb due to inclement weather your guide will contact you directly to discuss your options.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Climbing is a dangerous activity. While our job is to guide you through the technical activities, our guides cannot completely shield you from every possible hazard. Each person who enters a natural area like Smith Rock or the other locations that we guide must recognize that there are inherent hazards. Not all of those hazards can be mitigated or avoided in the course of rock climbing. Some hazards may be unobvious. Climbing is a fun sport that challenges the mind and body. It also has the potential to injure and kill. Therefore every participant should take personal responsibility for looking out for the well-being of the entire group, and exercising care throughout the climb.