Frequently Asked Questions about KMAC Guides
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. For all single day adventures we will give a full refund if you can cancel with 3 weeks notice before the adventure date. For multiday adventures such as our youth camps we have much more logistically invested and need at least 3 weeks notice to give a full refund. Inside of those times we cannot offer a refund.
Q. Do I need experience to participate?
A. Most of the people we take out have never been Rock Climbing before! Previous climbing and outdoor experience is not required for participation. However, it’s important that all students have a genuine interest in the outdoors and a capacity for strenuous activity.
Q. Can I use my own gear?
A. You bet. KMAC Guides encourages guests to use their own climbing equipment. Our only stipulation is that we inspect it for suitability when you arrive.
Q. Where do Youth Program campers stay?
Depending on the programming, we have different sites that we use within the area. Our Climbing Camp participants stay at a private campground that borders Rocky Mountain National Park.
Q. Where do participants come from?
A. All over the world. We’ve had students enroll from as far away as France and as close as just over the ridge from our headquarters here in Estes Park.
Q. What are staff qualifications?
A. The minimum age for a KMAC Guides lead guide is 23. They possess current certifications in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, and all have a keen interest in climbing. Youth Program guides are hired for their ability to relate to young people. Every staff member has demonstrated proficiency in hiking, climbing, route finding, camping, and group management. They also must possess a strict safety constitution and adhere personally to the KMAC Guides approach and philosophy in climbing and working with young people.
Q. What kind of training do your guides and instructors have?
A. All KMAC Guides guides participate in multi-day staff training clinics at the start of every season. These clinics address specific sites and terrain that KMAC Guides operates on. For rock climbing we simulate classes and set up “top rope” anchors and systems for peer critique and evaluation. We often work off of handouts and discuss all aspects of KMAC risk management from the emotional safety of students, to “escaping the belay” at the top of a rappel. Our guides have received training and/or certifications form the American Mountain Guides Association appropriate to the AMGA’s Scope of Practice.
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. Since 1987. Through our Youth Climbing Programs we’ve taught tens of thousands of young adults how to belay!
Q. Can I talk to a student or a parent of a student who has participated?
A. Yes. You’re also welcome to talk to teachers, administrators, and other educators. We’ll be happy to send you a complete reference list. Click Contact Us and ask for a reference list in the comments section.
Q. How safe is this?
A. Outdoor wilderness activities and rock climbing have inherent risks that are different from normal day to day living. KMAC Guides works to minimize these risks through safety conscious staff, experience, proper equipment management, and regular meetings and staff training.
Q. Do you use radios and cell phones?
A. Use of emergency communication equipment depends on the course. Many of the locations where KMAC Guides conducts its programming are not serviced by cell phone towers. In addition, many of the course locations are unable to make use of two-way radios due to the immediate terrain. However, there is always a cell phone packed for courses especially for ones that involve transportation. Guides working in the backcountry are required to carry satellite communication devices.
Q. What do you use for transportation?
A. KMAC Guides uses 15 passenger vans to transport participants and equipment. Some of our vans have been converted adding a stabilizing bar on the rear axle to enhance their stability. KMAC Guides instructors take seriously their driving responsibilities and participate in driver training clinics and training.
Q. What’s the food like?
A. Wholesome and nutritious foods are used on KMAC Guides courses. “Freeze dried” foods are not used. A brief sample meal might include: Breakfast – hot chocolate, tea, porridge, granola, pancakes. Maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to bake cinnamon rolls! Lunch – bagels, tortillas, peanut butter, cheeses and cream cheese, gorp, raisins, carrots and something sweet. Dinner – pasta, beans, rice, canned meat, soup, chili, potatoes, cheesecakes and pudding.