The following conditions form an integral part of the contract between you, as a client, and David Erard / Swiss Alpine Hiking.

Program

The program, itinerary, and cost correspond to the description provided on the website or to any written communication sent prior to the departure of each hike. Unless otherwise stated, transportation, insurance, meals, and drinks are not included.

For safety reasons—including unforeseen events along the route, adverse weather conditions, the physical condition of a participant, or force majeure—I reserve the right to modify or interrupt the hike. These changes may occur at any time, including during the hike, if the physical safety of the group or any of its members requires it.

This also includes the absence of adequate equipment (shoes, backpack, clothing, insufficient water or food, specific hiking equipment, sun protection, winter gear, avalanche transceiver, etc.).

Any disrespectful behavior toward other participants, toward myself, or toward the surrounding nature will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the case, immediate exclusion from the group may be decided. Political, racial, or sexist discussions or mockery likely to create discomfort within the group are prohibited.

Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who assumes full responsibility. No participation is permitted for children under 16 years of age in the hikes listed in the program. For younger children, a customized hike may be organized on an individual basis, after prior discussion, risk assessment, and selection of a suitable itinerary. The accompanying adult will bear full responsibility.

Dogs are strictly prohibited.

Disruptive equipment, such as drones, is prohibited unless prior agreement has been obtained and the rest of the group has given consent.

Any claim or request for reimbursement related to a modification of the hike is excluded.

Liability

For all hikes, you must be in good health, in physical condition appropriate to the itinerary, and equipped with suitable gear. By registering 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 take part.

Vertigo may be an issue on certain routes. It is therefore your responsibility to inform me in advance so that appropriate measures can be taken.

If you do not meet these conditions, or if I consider that your participation endangers your safety or that of the group, I reserve the right to exclude you from the hike. In this case, no refund will be granted.

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 practiced there, I cannot guarantee absolute safety.
By participating in a mountain activity, you accept the residual risks associated with it.

All hikes take place on officially marked trails and will never exceed a difficulty level of “T3” in summer or “WT2” in winter, according to the criteria of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC).

A T3-level trail is one where the path may not always be continuously visible. It may include steep slopes, rocky sections, and exposed passages that can be equipped with chains or ropes. The use of hands may be required in some exposed sections where there is a risk of falling.

For winter hikes, difficulty level WT2, according to the SAC, corresponds to routes where the slope does not exceed 25 degrees. There may be an avalanche risk, but no risk of falling due to rough terrain.

By registering for a hike, you explicitly acknowledge and accept these risks.

Equipment

You must have appropriate equipment, both 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 equipment. Sneakers or urban sports shoes are strictly prohibited. You must also be prepared for the elements—particularly cold, wind, and rain. A mid-layer garment and a waterproof/windproof jacket must be worn or carried at all times, even if weather conditions are favorable.

Your equipment must be in good condition. Any broken, worn, or incomplete gear may justify exclusion from the hike.

Insurance

You must be covered by health, accident, and civil liability insurance.
I strongly recommend taking out emergency air evacuation insurance, such as REGA or Air Glaciers.

In accordance with Swiss legislation relating to mountain activities, I hold civil liability insurance with La Mobilière, covering amounts up to CHF 10 million.

Cancellations and Refunds

A hike may be canceled due to force majeure or for safety reasons. In this case, the corresponding refund will be made. Rain or cloudy weather do not constitute sufficient grounds for cancellation, except in the case of storms or extreme weather conditions.

Cancellations or exclusions at the start of a hike due to lack of adequate equipment, undeclared health issues, or disrespectful behavior toward other participants will not result in any refund.

I may be required to cancel a trip before or on the registration deadline due to an insufficient number of participants. In this case, any amount already paid will be fully refunded. An alternative may be offered, such as a shorter trip or the same trip at an adjusted price.

If I am unable to lead a hike for unforeseen reasons (e.g., injury, illness, death of a relative), I will do my utmost to ensure that a qualified mountain guide replaces me. If this is not possible and the trip is canceled after the registration deadline, you will be fully refunded but will not be entitled to any additional compensation.

If, for safety reasons or force majeure, I must modify a program and the proposed alternative costs less than the initial itinerary, the difference corresponding to unused services (accommodation, meals, etc.) will be refunded.

No penalty applies if you cancel your participation in a hike (one or several days) before the registration deadline. From that date, the following fees apply for multi-day hikes:

From the registration deadline to 31 days before departure: 30% of the total price
30 to 21 days before departure: 50%
20 to 11 days before departure: 80%
10 to 0 days before departure: 100%

For day hikes, any cancellation made after 8:00 p.m., within 48 hours prior to the hike, will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

Payments

Payment for day hikes must be made at least 72 hours in advance via TWINT or bank transfer in order to secure your reservation.
No cash payments are accepted.

For multi-day hikes including accommodation, a deposit may be requested, particularly if I have had to make advance payments for overnight stays.
In all cases, full payment must be made by the date indicated on the invoice and no later than 15 days before departure.

For hikes of more than one day involving accommodation, transport, or additional services, payment must be made in advance according to the agreed terms.

Jurisdiction

In the event of a dispute, Swiss law applies, with jurisdiction in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland).

David Erard