Not Just a Walk in the Park

As members of Crag Crux Climbers, clearly we love climbing, and for those of us that climb outdoors, we love being outside, in nature, and experiencing climbing on real rock. It is a great thing!

That said, it isn't just a simple walk in the park. There are risks of which you should be aware, either as a beginner climber, or as an experienced one. There are serious dangers and risks inherent in travel to and in mountains and other remote places (mountaineering, hiking, mountain camping, skiing, sport climbing and mountain flying), including but not limited to the following:

1. TERRAIN - The areas used for activities sponsored or organized by Crag Crux Climbers or by its members on their own volition have steep slopes that in their natural state have many dangerous obstacles and hazards that may be hidden or covered by snow in winter, or grass and foliage in summer. Some of these obstacles and hazards include loose rocks, glacier crevasses, ice and snow cornices, tree walls, tree stumps, creeks, rocks and boulders, forest deadfalls, holes and depressions below the snow or ground surface, volcanic activity, water quality, and varying and difficult conditions. These areas also have dangerous man-made obstacles and hazards which may include logging and other roads, steep road banks and washouts, fences and other structures. The areas used for activities sponsored by Crag Crux Climbers may not have been climbed, travelled or skied previously, and are not regularly patrolled or examined. Because of forested areas, wild rugged terrain or bad weather, participants may become lost or separated from their guides or companions. Communication in such terrain is always difficult and, in the event of an accident, rescue and medical treatment may not be available.
2. AVALANCHES AND ROCKFALL - Avalanches can frequently occur in mountain terrain. Avalanches may be caused by natural forces including steepness of slopes, snow depth, instability of the snow-pack or changing weather conditions. Losses can occur from the actions of participants, helicopters or the failure, for any reason, of Crag Crux Climbers, its officers, volunteers, or participants to predict whether the terrain is safe for travel or skiing or where an avalanche may or may not occur. Participants can be overcome by rockfall at any time, without warning.
3. MOUNTAIN FLYING - Additional risks are posed by air plane and helicopter travel in mountainous areas and in varying weather conditions.
4. WEATHER - Weather conditions may be extreme and can change rapidly without warning.
5. CRAG CRUX CLIMBERS VOLUNTEERS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS - The conduct, including negligence, of the event organisers, the guides, and other staff of Crag Crux Climbers and or other participants.
6. CLIMBING ON NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL WALLS - Activities may include the use of natural or artificial
   structures to allow climbing, some hazards of which include protection or hardware failure, rope failure or structural failure of the natural or artificial surface.
7. EQUIPMENT FAILURE - Equipment used as an aid or safety measure while climbing or skiing (including
   hardware or ropes) may fail or break.

While Crag Crux Climbers will take reasonable precautions to ensure participants' safety and well-being, we nonetheless want to make sure that everyone is aware that climbing (and climbing-related activities) is not a "low-risk sport". You will be asked to sign a waiver and release form prior to any events conducted or sponsored by Crag Crux Climbers. If you choose not to do so, you will not be permitted to participate in the event.