Safety & Accreditation
Safety is our top priority.
We are committed to ensuring participants can confidently explore the outdoors while feeling supported and secure.
Our Alpenguides, certified in Wilderness First Aid and as Wilderness First Responders, Lifeguards, and Yoga Instructors, are nothing short of extraordinary, providing expert guidance and care throughout each adventure. We are proud to be American Camp Association accredited and to partner with Cornerstone Safety Group and AM Skier to offer 24/7 access to medical and mental health professionals, ensuring comprehensive support and expert oversight.
Our staff undergo thorough screening and extensive training to handle a variety of situations, and we implement proactive safety measures, including health screenings, protective gear, and adaptable itineraries.
Participants are empowered with essential outdoor safety skills, such as Leave No Trace principles and water purification, fostering confidence and responsibility.
How does Alpengirl ensure safety on adventures?
Alpengirl prioritizes safety by adhering to comprehensive risk management protocols. Our guides carry multiple safety certifications and undergo rigorous training as part of our program, and we partner with the Cornerstone Safety Group, the American Camp Association, and AM Skier to deliver industry leading safety protocols on all of our adventures. Please read more about our partners below.
Safety measures begin before the adventure starts, including pre-trip planning, emergency response protocols, and the use of appropriate safety equipment. We continuously monitor conditions and adjust itineraries as needed to minimize risks and maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
What certifications and qualifications do Alpenguides and Alpengirl staff have?
Certified as Wilderness First Aid providers, Wilderness First Responders, and Lifeguards, our Alpenguides are nothing short of extraordinary.
All Alpenguides undergo a thorough screening process, including background checks covering driving records, sexual offender status, references, and criminal history. Additionally, all staff are required to complete child abuse prevention training and sexual harassment prevention training. Before leading adventures, staff complete an intensive 9-day, on-site training that covers emergency procedures, participant care, equipment checks, and itinerary reviews. This rigorous preparation ensures that guides are well-equipped to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment for participants.
What supervision and safety rules are in place for participants?
Participants are supervised closely, with rules for safety reviewed verbally upon arrival and reinforced throughout the adventure. The “buddy system” is strictly followed, ensuring no one leaves the group without notifying an Alpenguide. Additionally, within the first 24 hours, campers learn about all emergency procedures such as lightning safety, wildlife encounters, and lost person protocols to ensure preparedness for various situations.
How are health and wellness monitored during adventures?
Health and wellness are closely monitored through ongoing check-ins where Alpenguides assess participants’ hydration, nutrition, sleep, and overall well-being. A health screening intake is conducted upon arrival to ensure every participant is fit to begin the adventure. Staff carry health forms and medications, ensuring that medical needs are addressed promptly and effectively throughout the experience.
How does Alpengirl ensure safety during adventurous activities?
In addition to our Alpenguide training and certifications, Alpengirl partners with professional outfitters for specialized activities, and Alpenguides accompany groups to ensure adherence to safety protocols. Before engaging in any activity, participants receive thorough safety briefings from outfitters to ensure they understand the necessary precautions and procedures. Participants wear protective safety equipment specific to each activity, such as helmets for rock climbing and PFDs for water-based adventures like rafting and kayaking.
What measures are in place for transportation safety?
Alpengirl uses newer-model 15-passenger vans, which undergo vehicle safety inspections prior to use. Alpenguides receive extensive behind-the-wheel training to ensure they are prepared for a variety of driving conditions. On all of our vans, we install advanced driver Electronic Monitoring Devices (ELD) to monitor driver behavior and vehicle stats while on adventures, to reduce the risk of driver-related incidents.
Participants are also part of transportation safety. Upon arrival, participants are instructed on transportation safety rules, including the mandatory use of seat belts at all times to maintain a safe journey between adventure destinations.
What emergency communication systems are in place?
Alpengirl carries Garmin Mini inReach devices on all trips to provide emergency communication between field staff, the Alpengirl office, and emergency services such as search and rescue. This device ensures that in the event of an emergency, rapid response and coordination can be achieved even in remote wilderness settings.
How does Alpengirl handle safety-related itinerary changes?
Flexibility is key to maintaining safety, and itineraries are adjusted as needed to avoid risks such as severe weather or changing trail conditions. For instance, if poor weather approaches, the group may stay an extra day at a safer location instead of proceeding to exposed areas. These proactive decisions help minimize risk and ensure participants remain safe and comfortable.
What permits and regulations does Alpengirl have to follow?
Alpengirl operates under federal permits in several national parks and forests, including Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Custer-Gallatin National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park. Permitting agencies provide up-to-date trail conditions, and all routes are carefully planned and reviewed before departure to ensure compliance with regulations and environmental standards.
How does Alpengirl approach environmental safety and stewardship?
Participants are taught Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, covering proper campsite selection, waste disposal, and minimizing environmental impact. When backpacking, they learn how to safely purify water using methods such as boiling or purification tablets. These skills empower participants to enjoy the outdoors responsibly while ensuring their safety and the preservation of natural environments.
Our Partners in Safety
Alpengirl partners with the Cornerstone Safety Group, the American Camp Association (ACA), and AM Skier to deliver industry leading safety protocols on all of our adventures.
The Cornerstone Safety Group provides expert risk management support for adventure travel by offering 24/7 access to medical and mental health professionals, developing comprehensive safety protocols, assisting with emergency response planning, and delivering ongoing staff training to ensure best practices in health, safety, and risk mitigation are followed throughout the adventure. Read more at The Cornerstone Safety Group website.
The American Camp Association accredits programs upon 300 national standards for health and safety. ACA accreditation indicates that a program has voluntarily allowed its practices to be compared with standards established by professionals in the industry. American Camp Association standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the industry. Read more about ACA at the American Camp Association – Camp Parents website.
AM Skier provides comprehensive risk management support, ensuring a safe experience for participants. They offer expert guidance on accident prevention and best practices for program operations, helping to safeguard participants, staff, and equipment. Additionally, AM Skier provides valuable resources, such as safety training materials and incident response planning, to support a culture of preparedness and security throughout any adventure. Read more about their services on the AM Skier – Meet the Team website.
