Adventures - FAQ

How do I register to an ACC course?

To begin your experience with the Alpine Club of Canada, you will need to log in to the member portal and complete your registration. This process ensures your information is up-to-date and enables you to access member benefits such as discounted hut bookings, participation in club activities, and our engaging mountain community programs.

If you encounter any challenges during registration, please feel free to contact our office for prompt assistance - our team is dedicated to supporting your journey into Canada’s vibrant alpine landscape.

Why is my payment non-refundable?

When you register for an Alpine Club of Canada camp or program, our journey together begins right away. Immediately, our team gets to work behind the scenes to create a remarkable and safe experience - this includes hiring additional guides to maintain small group sizes, carefully planning meals, securing comfortable accommodations, and managing a variety of important administrative tasks.

We also make commitments to our guides and partners once participant numbers reach key thresholds. Because so many arrangements are put in motion as soon as you sign up, cancellations often mean costs that cannot be recovered. The work and excitement don’t start on the first day of camp - they start the moment you register, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully prepared for your adventure.

What if a program starts late or finishes early?

In the event that a program is disrupted by circumstances such as inclement weather, the Alpine Club of Canada is committed to supporting participants wherever possible. If costs like hut bookings or food can be recouped under these circumstances, participants will receive a refund for those amounts. For programs where the first day’s travel involves a helicopter or airplane flight and is delayed due to weather, participants are responsible for their own accommodation and meal expenses during the delay period.

However, if weather causes a delay at the end of a program, the ACC will provide extra guide support, meals, or lodging at no additional cost, ensuring continued comfort, safety, and peace of mind in the mountain environment.

What if the program staff feel I am not suitably experienced or qualified for the program I have registered for?

In rare cases where a program cannot proceed as planned, the Alpine Club of Canada is committed to supporting your mountain experience.

We will do our utmost to help you find a suitable alternative program that aligns with your goals and interests. If the alternative you select has a higher fee, you will be asked to pay the difference; if it costs less, we will promptly refund you the balance.

Should an alternative not be available, you will receive a refund of your program fee, less a $100 administration fee to cover essential processing costs. If you have any uncertainties or need further guidance, we encourage you to reach out to our office before registering - we are here to help ensure your journey with us is memorable and worry-free.

Can I move my registration to the same program on a different date?

Please note that if you request a change to the dates of your program registration, it will be treated as a cancellation of your current spot. We understand that plans can shift, and while we cannot guarantee availability, our office team will do their best - whenever possible - to assist with transferring your registration to another date. We encourage you to reach out promptly if you require any changes, so we can support you in finding an alternative solution and help ensure your mountain adventure with the Alpine Club of Canada is everything you hope for.

What if the ACC cancels or changes the itinerary of the program?

At the Alpine Club of Canada, we are committed to delivering memorable and safe mountain experiences. However, the nature of outdoor adventure sometimes brings unavoidable challenges, such as weather-related road closures, guide illness, low participant registration, or backcountry hut closures. In these circumstances, we may adapt your itinerary to ensure the trip remains true to its original spirit.

If these changes do not alter the basic nature of the program, refunds will not be provided. Should modifications fundamentally change your experience, we will reach out directly to discuss your options, including the possibility to continue or receive a full program refund. Our priority is always your comfort, safety, and satisfaction as we navigate the unique realities of mountain travel together.

Can someone take my spot if I cancel?

We understand that plans can change, and we are committed to supporting your journey in the mountains. If you are unable to attend your registered camp, we may be able to transfer your registration to another participant who meets the program requirements.

Once we have confirmed their registration, both you and the replacement participant will be responsible for arranging any differences in camp fees between yourselves. Our team is here to help guide you through this process, ensuring a smooth transition so you and your fellow adventurers can enjoy meaningful experiences in Canada’s alpine landscapes.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

We strongly encourage all participants to consider purchasing cancellation insurance when registering for any program offered by The Alpine Club of Canada. This added protection ensures peace of mind, helping to safeguard your investment in case unexpected circumstances prevent you from attending. While we make every effort to deliver exceptional experiences, unforeseen changes can occur, and cancellation insurance adds an important layer of reassurance.

For full details on our cancellation and refund policies, please refer to our Cancellations/Refund policy.

Do I need to pay the full program fees up front to hold a camp spot?

Your spot in an Alpine Club of Canada program is confirmed once your registration fee has been received in full. For programs lasting five days or less, payment of the entire non-refundable program fee is required at the time of booking to reserve your spot.

If your chosen program extends beyond five days, your registration will be confirmed once full payment has been processed. Refunds are available only in accordance with our cancellation policy, so we encourage you to review this policy before completing your registration. By securing your booking, you ensure access to a meaningful and well-supported mountain experience with fellow adventurers.