Terms & Conditions
The following conditions are an integral part of the contract between you, as the client, and David Erard / Swiss Alpine Hiking.
Programme
The programme, itinerary, and cost correspond to the description on the website or to any written communication before embarking on each hike. Unless specified otherwise, the costs of transport, insurance, lunches, and drinks are not included.
For safety reasons — including unforeseen events on the route, weather conditions, the physical capacity of any participant, or force majeure — I reserve the right to modify or terminate the hike. Such modifications may be made at any time, even during the hike, if the physical integrity of the group or of any of its members so warrants.
This includes the lack of proper equipment (shoes, backpack, clothing, insufficient water or food, specified equipment for the hike, sun protection, winter gear, DVA, etc.).
Disrespectful behaviour towards other members, myself, or the nature around us will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the case, it may warrant the immediate dismissal of a member from the group. Political, racial, or gender-related discussions or mockery that result in the discomfort of the group are forbidden.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who will assume all responsibility. No children under the age of 16 will be allowed on the hikes stated in the programme. For younger children, a custom hike can be arranged on an individual basis, following prior discussion, risk evaluation, and route selection. The accompanying adult will bear full responsibility.
Dogs are strictly prohibited.
Disruptive equipment, such as drones, is forbidden unless prior agreement and the consent of the rest of the group have been obtained.
Any claim or refund for damages due to a modification of the hike is excluded.
Liability
For all hikes, you must be in good health, in appropriate physical condition for the route, and have suitable equipment. By signing up for a hike, you confirm that you are fit and properly equipped to participate. It is your responsibility to inform me of any illness or physical or mental condition that may affect your ability to participate in the hike.
Vertigo may be an issue on some routes, so it is your responsibility to let me know in advance in order to take the appropriate measures.
If you do not meet these requirements, or if I consider that your participation puts your safety or that of the group at risk, I reserve the right to exclude you from the hike. In such a case, there is no right to a refund.
You are also responsible for the people you register under your name.
Your safety is my priority. However, given the natural risks inherent to the mountains and the sports practised there, I cannot guarantee absolute safety. By participating in a mountain sport, you assume the residual risks of the activity. All hikes are planned only on officially marked trails and will never exceed a level of difficulty “T3” in summer or “WT2” in winter, according to the criteria of the Swiss Alpine Club (CAS).
A “T3” path is understood as one that is not necessarily continuously visible. It includes steep terrain, rocky areas, and exposed passages that may have ropes or chains for securing. Hand support may be necessary in some exposed places with a risk of falling.
For winter hikes, the level of difficulty “WT2”, according to the CAS, corresponds to trails where the slope does not exceed 25 degrees. There may be a risk of avalanche, but not of falling due to uneven terrain.
By registering for a tour, you explicitly acknowledge and accept these risks.
Equipment
You must have the appropriate equipment for your safety and that of the group. I reserve the right to exclude you from the hike if you do not have the minimum required to participate safely. Sneakers or urban sports shoes are strictly prohibited. You must also have protection against the elements — particularly temperature, wind, and rain. You must carry a mid-layer and a rain/wind jacket at all times, even if the weather conditions are favourable.
Your equipment must be in good condition. Any broken, worn, or incomplete equipment may be grounds for exclusion from the tour.
Insurance
You must have medical, accident, and liability insurance.
I strongly recommend having emergency airborne evacuation insurance such as REGA or Air Glaciers.
As required by Swiss law for mountain activities, I have civil liability insurance with La Mobilière covering amounts up to CHF 10 million.
Cancellations and Refunds
A hike may be cancelled due to force majeure or safety reasons. In this case, the corresponding refund will be issued. Rain or cloudy weather is not a sufficient reason for cancellation unless there are thunderstorms or extreme weather conditions.
Cancellations or exclusions at the beginning of a hike, due to lack of adequate equipment, undeclared health conditions, or disrespectful behaviour towards other participants, will not be refunded.
I may have to cancel a trip before or at the registration deadline because of an insufficient number of bookings. In this case, you will be fully reimbursed for any amounts already paid. An alternative arrangement may be proposed, e.g. a shorter trip or the planned trip at a higher cost.
If I am unable to lead your hiking trip for unexpected reasons (e.g. injury, illness, death of a close relative), I will do everything possible to ensure that another qualified Mountain Leader takes my place. If this is not possible and the trip is cancelled after the registration deadline, you will be fully reimbursed but will not be entitled to additional compensation.
If, for reasons of safety or force majeure, I need to modify a programme and the proposed alternative costs less than the planned itinerary, you will be reimbursed the amount of any savings (unused overnight stays, meals, etc.).
There is no penalty if you cancel your participation in a multi- or single-day hike before the registration deadline. From the registration deadline onwards, the following costs apply to cancellations for multi-day hikes:
- From the registration deadline until 31 days before the start of the trip: 30% of the full cost
- 30–21 days before the start of the trip: 50%
- 20–11 days before the start of the trip: 80%
- 10–0 days before the start of the trip: 100%
For single-day hikes, cancellation after 20:00, 48 hours before the hike, incurs a cancellation fee of 100%.
Payments
Payments for day trips must be made at least 72 hours in advance via TWINT or bank transfer to guarantee your reservation. No cash payments are allowed.
For multi-day trips with accommodation included, I may request a deposit, particularly if I have had to pay in advance for overnight stays. In all cases, full payment must be made by the date specified in my invoice and at the latest 15 days before the start of the trip.
For hikes lasting more than one day, which involve accommodation, transportation, or reservations for additional services, payment must be made in advance as agreed upon in each case.
Jurisdiction
In the event of a dispute, Swiss law applies, with jurisdiction in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.
David Erard
13.11.2025