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TO: BALDFACE MOUNTAIN LODGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, o/a BALDFACE MOUNTAIN LODGE, BALDFACE MANAGEMENT (2004) INC., BALDFACE INVESTORS INC., GROHMAN CREEK DOCKING SOCIETY, HIGH TERRAIN HELICOPTERS LTD., HELICAT CANADA ASSOCIATION, HIS MAJESTY THE KING IN RIGHT OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, and all other individuals and entities that provide helicopter transportation and any other services as part of wilderness activities, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, guides, agents, independent contractors, subcontractors, representatives, successors, assigns, other guests and participants (all of whom are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Releasees" ).
DEFINITIONS
In this Release Agreement, the term "wilderness activities" shall include all activities, accommodation, transportation, events and services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall include but is not limited to: skiing, snowboarding, touring, snowmobiling, hiking, snowshoeing and all other forms of backcountry travel; use of terrain features; rental or use of skis, snowboards, split boards, avalanche safety equipment, or other equipment; demonstrations; orientation, training, and instructional sessions and courses; all outdoor activities and games; loading, unloading and travel by or movement in or around helicopters, snowcats, snowmobiles, and motor vehicles; use of the lodge, sauna and all other facilities; spa services; and other activities, events and services in any way connected with or related to wilderness activities. In this Release Agreement, the term "terrain features" shall include all natural, man-made and snowcat-enhanced jumps, boxes, rails, side hits, banked turns, rollers, drops, and other features used, hit or encountered while skiing or riding, including during guided descents or while free skiing or riding.
ASSUMPTION OF RISKS - AVALANCHES, ALPINE TERRAIN, WILDERNESS TRAVEL, WEATHER, TERRAIN FEATURES ETC. I am aware that wilderness activities involve risks, dangers and hazards that could result in physical injury, psychological injury, death, paralysis, property damage, or loss to me and others. Avalanches occur frequently in the terrain used for wilderness activities and may be caused by natural forces or by persons travelling through the terrain. I acknowledge and accept that the Releasees may fail to predict whether the alpine terrain is safe for wilderness activities or whether an avalanche may occur. The terrain used for many wilderness activities is uncontrolled, unmarked, not inspected and involves many risks, dangers and hazards in addition to that of avalanche. The risks, dangers, and hazards of participating in wilderness activities may include, but are not limited to: avalanches; uncontrolled, unmarked and uninspected terrain; failure to predict whether the terrain is safe; cornices; crevasses; cliffs; ice caves; trees, tree wells and tree stumps; open water and creeks; rocks; boulders; forest deadfall; holes and depressions on or below the snow surface; variable and difficult snow conditions; snowcat roads, resource roads, sled tracks, and road banks, fences, and other man-made structures; access to snowcat and helicopter pick up, drop off, and landing zones; snow immersion; extreme variations in terrain; impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects; encounters with domestic or wild animals; loss of balance or control; slips, trips and falls; falls from heights; extreme and rapidly changing weather; becoming lost or separated from one’s party or guide; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; allergic reaction; equipment failure; negligent first aid; failure to act safely within one’s own ability; use of terrain features; high-impact falls or landings; speed misjudgment; changing terrain feature conditions; improper landing; negligence, inattention, inexperience, or physical aggression of other persons, including other guests; witnessing or being involved in a traumatic or upsetting event; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES INCOMPLETE OR IMPROPER INSTRUCTIONS OR ADVICE AND FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES.
The added risks of travel by helicopter to wilderness activities locations include travel over mountainous or alpine environment; helicopter crashes; being struck by rotating helicopter blades and tail rotors; mechanical malfunction of helicopters; and pilot error. Communication in the alpine terrain is difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and medical treatment may not be available. Alpine weather conditions may be extreme and can change rapidly and without warning, making travel by helicopter, snowcat, snowmobile, or foot hazardous.
NOTICE TO SNOWBOARDERS AND TELEMARK SKIERS - INCREASED RISK
Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. I understand that as the boot/binding system is a non-release system, this system will not reduce the risk of injury during a fall and will increase the risk of not surviving an avalanche.
MANAGING TERRAIN FEATURE RISK
The terrain features vary in size and difficulty. I understand the terrain features are available as an option at my sole discretion and that the guides are not coaches. I AGREE I CONTROL THE DEGREE OF RISK I WILL ENCOUNTER IF I CHOOSE TO USE THE TERRAIN FEATURES. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE RISK OF INJURY INCREASES WITH THE SIZE AND DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY OF THE FEATURE AND TERRAIN AND MY LAUNCH SPEED AND COMPLEXITY OF ANY TRICK OR MANEUVER I CHOOSE TO DO.
HELMETS
I understand that a properly fitted, approved snow-sport helmet is strongly recommended when skiing or riding, including using the terrain features. I understand a helmet designed for skiing and snowboarding use may help reduce the risk of some types of injuries to the participant at slower speeds; however, serious injury or death can result from both low and high energy impacts, even when a helmet is worn.
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