In consideration of the services of the Adirondack Mountain Club, their employees, members, trip leaders,
chapters, groups, representatives or agents and all other persons or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf
(collectively referred to as ADK), I agree as follows:
I acknowledge that this program entails known and unanticipated risks, which cannot be eliminated without
destroying the unique character of this activity. The same elements that contribute to the unique character of this activity
can be causes of loss or damage to my equipment, accidental injury, illness, or in extreme cases, permanent trauma,
disability, or death.
I understand that ADK does not want to frighten me or reduce my enthusiasm for this activity, but thinks it is
important for me to know in advance what to expect and to be informed of the activities’ inherent risks. The following
describes some, but not all, of those risks:
ADK programs camp and travel out of doors, where they are subject to numerous risks, environmental and
otherwise. Activities vary from program to program, and include hiking and backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering,
whitewater and flat water canoeing and kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, and trail work. In the backcountry, meals
are prepared over gas stoves and water requires disinfection before use. Camping risks and hazards includes burns, cuts,
diarrhea and flu-like illness. ADK programs occur in remote places, many hours from medical facilities. Communication
and transportation can be difficult and sometimes evacuations and medical care may be delayed. Travel is by vehicle,
canoe, kayak, skis, on foot and by other means, over rugged unpredictable terrain, including stream crossings, snow and
ice, steep slopes, slippery rocks, and downed timber. Environmental risks and hazards include rapidly moving, deep, or
cold water, insects, falling or rolling rock, lightening, avalanches, floods, and unpredictable forces of nature, including
weather which may change to extreme conditions without notice. Possible injuries and illnesses include hypothermia,
frostbite, sunburn, heatstroke, dehydration, and other mild or serious conditions. Decisions are made by the instructor(s)
and participants in a wilderness setting, based on a variety of perceptions and evaluations which by their nature are
imprecise and subject to errors in judgment. Throughout the course, participants are responsible for their own safety and
for the safety of other members of their course.
I am aware that ADK programs include risks of injury or death to myself. I understand the description above of
these risks is not complete and that other unknown or unanticipated risks may result in property loss, injury, or death. I
expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all the inherent risks identified herein and those inherent risks not
specifically identified. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, no one is forcing me to participate, and I elect
to participate in spite of and with full knowledge of the inherent risks. I agree to be solely responsible for my own safety
and to take every precaution to provide for my own safety and well-being.
I have read, understood, and accepted the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement
shall be effective and binding upon myself, my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and estate and all members of my
family. With full knowledge of these dangers, I hereby agree for myself, all of my family members and heirs to
RELEASE ADK and any of its employees, members, trip leaders, chapters, officers, directors, governors, or agents
liability claims demands or any causes of action and agree NOT TO MAKE ANY CLAIM against ADK or any of its
chapters, representatives or agents whatsoever which may arise during my participation in the program stated above.
