As we navigate the world of the coronavirus pandemic, the AMC and your Adventure Travel leaders are committed to your personal and financial security. We will abide by all AMC, CDC, and destination protocols before and during our trips. No funds will be committed until we are confident the trip is viable.

LikeaSiren’ssong,NewZealandcallstoeveryadventuretravelerwithitsseductivepromiseofpristinelandscapesandalpinevistas.Historicallythoughtofasatrampingandthrill-seeker’sparadise,bicyclinghaslatelystakeditsclaimontheLandoftheLongWhiteCloudwithanationalnetworkofonandoff-roadtrails.WewillprimarilymakeuseofTheAlpinetoOceanTrailtotakeusfromthehighestmountainsinAorakiNationalPark,featuringAorakiMtCook,throughageo-parkofnaturalandhydro-harnessingwonders,aroundbrilliantglaciallakesandrivers,andlushvineyards,withanever-changingviewdominatedbythegloriousSouthernAlps.ThesecondpartofourtripenjoysthetrailsandotherdelightsofquaintWanaka(oneofNewZealand’spremierealpineresorttowns)andthehistoricgold-rushvillageofArrowtown.

Ourbikeridesforthiseasy-moderatetriptravelonlowtrafficquietroadwaysandbiketrailsthattakeusgentlyoffroadtoexploretheSouthIsland’spristineregionnestledbetweenAlpsandoceans.

BookendingourbikeitineraryaretwoofNewZealand’smoststrikinganddynamiccities:ChristchurchandQueenstown.

Biking About. New Zealand's Dazzling Lakes

February 6-17, 2022, AT Trip No. 2220

AMC-AT Leaders: Merri Fox, Janis Stahlhut

Photo by Miles Holden, used by permission of Tourism New Zealand

ItineraryDay/Date/Keytimes Activity/Logistics Meals/Lodgings

CHRISTCHURCH Day1:Sun,6February

ArriveChristchurch.

5pm:groupwelcomeintroductions&tripbriefinginhotellounge-bar

Pleasearrangeyourowntransportintothecityfromtheairport.AMCLeaderswillassistyouinthis.Forthosewhowishtostretchtheirlegsaftertheirlongflight,ourhotelislocatedintheheartofChristchurch’sdining,artandcultureprecinct.Enjoyanyoftheshopsandsitesasourgroupgathersandgetssettledinthehotel.

Breakfast/lunchonyourown

GroupDinnerafterbriefing(includedintripprice)

Lodging:4startwin/doublehotelroomswithen-suitebathrooms,centrallylocatedinChristchurch.

Day2:Mon,7February

Morning:Wewillenjoyaguidedwalk(2hours)aroundthecitycenter,takinginpost-earthquakerestorationprojects,HagleyParkandtheAvonRiverpromenade.Afternoon:Transfer(30minutes)toGodleyHead,overlookingthePacificOceanandLyttletonHarbor.Hike(2hours)alongthecoasttoTaylorsMistakebeachandontoSumner,finishingwithaswimandrefreshmentsata seasidecafe-bar.20minutesreturntothelodging.

Breakfast:availableathotelfrom6am.

Lunchanddinner:youareonyourowntoexploreChristchurch’swideselectionofurbaneateries.

Lodging:2ndnightinChristchurchlodging.

LAKE TEKAPO Day3:Tuesday,8February

DarkskiesoverLakeTekapo

At9am,aftercheckingoutofthehotel:wewilltransfer(2hour)tothesmalltownofFairlieforawalkandlunch.At1pmthedrivecontinuesanotherhourtoLakeTekapo.3pm:AlpstoOceanride#1,wewillridefromLakeTekapotoLakePukaki(20miles/2hours),thenreturnbyvantoourlodging.Intheevening,youcansoakinLakeTekapo’shotpoolsorvisittheUniversityofPennsylvania’snight-skyobservatoryatopnearbyMountSt.John.

Breakfast:availableathotelfrom6am.Lunch:wewillstopinFairlie.Dinner:thehotelhasanicerestaurant,orthereisanynumberoflocalchoices.Lodging:LakeTekapo,twin/doublehotelroomswithen-suitebathrooms.

AlpstoOceanTrail:Off-roadtrailsareusuallywideandsmooth(firmgravelorsealedsurface),withsomegentleclimbsrewardedwithlongdescents.Thesetrailsarepredictable,i.e.nonastysurprises.On-roadsectionsgenerally

followquietroadswithlittletrafficbutattimesmayincludesectionswithmoderatetrafficlevels(upto100vehiclesaday).Ridingsurfaceswillbeacombinationofpaved,sealed,gravel,packedor“loose”shingle,andgrass/dirt.

AORAKI/MOUNT COOK VILLAGE Day4:Wed,9February

At10am,aftercheckingoutofthehotel:wewillhavea20minutetransfertowhereyesterday'srideendedandthestartoftheA2OTrailride#2:LakePukakitoLakeOhau(30miles/3-4hours).Onaneasyoff-roadtrack,wefollowtheLakePukakishorelinewithAoraki/MtCookasabackdrop.Thetrailpassesthroughanexpansiveareaofdrygrasslands

Breakfastisavailableatthehotelfrom7am.Lunch:choosealocaleateryinTwizel.Dinner:1MtCookdinnerwillbeagroupdinner,theother

MackenzieLandscape

characteristicoftheMackenzielandscape,andintothehighcountrytownofTwizel.Wewillfindaselectionoflocalcafesandbistrosforourlunch.Afterlunch,wecontinueourridetoLakeOhauVillage(18miles),withthestunningBenOhauRangeonourrightshoulder.Attheendoftherideit’sascenicone-hourdrivetoMountCookVillage,nestledatthefootofNZ’shighestmountains.

self-provisioned.GroceriesareavailableatasmallgeneralstoreinMountCookVillage.Youcanstorethingsinyourroomrefrigeratorforpackedlunches.Lodging:MountCookLodge,twin/doubleroomswithen-suitebathrooms,smallrefrigerators,andtea-coffeemakingfacilities.

Day5:Thurs,10February

Afreeday,withshortandlonghikingoptionsinAorakiMountCookNationalPark.AnopportunitytovisittheSirEdmundHillaryMuseumandtheNationalParkVisitorCenter,andtobookascenicflightaroundNZ'shighestmountains.Forbreakfast,lunchanddinnerMountCookVillagehasasmallgeneralstoreandvariouseateriestosuitarangeofbudgets.

<Photo,AorakiMountCook,byPabloHeimplatzonUnsplash

Breakfast/Lunch:selfcateredfromlocallypurchasedgroceriesorlocaleateries.Dinner:1MtCookdinnerwillbeagroupdinner,theotherself-provisioned.Lodging:2ndnightatMountCookLodge

OMARAMA Day6:Fri,11FebruaryAttheendoftoday’sride(andtomorrow’s)therewillbetimetovisitOmarama’shotpoolsforasoak,saunaand/ortherapeuticmassage.

9am:One-hourtransferfromMountCookvillagetoLakeOhauVillage,whereday4'srideended.Ride#3:WecontinueontheA2OTrail,climbingtoLakeOhauLodge.TheTrailtraversesthelowerslopesoftheOhauRange,withstunningviewsbackacrossthebasintotheBenOhauRange. Thereisplentyofcleandrinkingwateravailablefromthevariousstreamsthatflowdownfromthemountains.WethenhavearollingdescenttoanhistoricwoolshedbeforefinishingourdayatOmarama(32miles),finishingatourlodging.

Breakfast/Lunch:self-cateredfromlocallypurchasedgroceries,packedlunch.Dinner:selfcaterordineoutLodging:Omarama,twin/doublemotelunitswithen-suitebathroomsandsmallkitchens.

Day7:Sat,12February

SoakintheviewandunwindinOmarama’shotpools.

Ride#4followstheA2OTrailfromourlodginginOmaramatoKurow(43miles/6-7hours).Theoff-roadtrailtakesuseastdowntheWaitakiValleyandalongtheedgeofLakeBenmore.Afterashorton-roadclimbuptoOtematatasaddlewithviewsofLakeAviemoreandthevalleybeyond,weheaddownhillallthewaytoOtematata.Thenextsectionhasaninterestinghydrohistoryaswerideoverthreeimportantdams:themassiveBenmoreHydroDam(it'sasteeproaduptothedam,soyoumayneedtowalkthelast800meters),theAviemoreDam,andtheWaitakiDam.ThosepreferringashorterridecangoaheadinthesupportvehiclethenridetheOtematatatoKurowsection(28miles/4-5hours).VanreturntoOmaramalodging.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner:Self-caterordineoutLodging:2ndnightatOmarama.

Hotpoolsopenuntil10pm!

WANAKA Day8:Sun,13February

Afterbreakfastascenicone-hour30driveleadsthroughsparselypopulatedhigh-country,acrossLindisPasstothealpineresorttownofWanaka.Ride#5followstheshorelineofLakeWanakatotheCluthaRiver,thenrunsalongtheriverbanktoAlbertTownbeforeloopingbacktoWanaka.(12.5miles/2-3hourswithstopsforoverlooksalongtheway).<PhotobyTylerLastovichonUnsplash

Breakfast:Self-cater

Lunch:selfcaterorenjoyalocalcaféen-routeDinner:chooseamongstlocaleateriestosuityourtasteandbudgets–tobedeterminedLodging:Wanaka, twin/doubleroomsin1-,2-and3-bedroomapartments,eachwith1or2bathroomsandfullkitchens.

Day9:Mon,14February

AfreedayinWanaka.Localactivityoptionsincludebiking,hiking,sea-kayakingandnumerousotheractivities<PhotobyTimothyChanononUnsplash

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner:Supermarketavailablenearthelodgingandnumerouseateriestosuitarangeofbudgets.Dinnertobedetermined.Lodging:2ndnightinWanaka

ARROWTOWN & QUEENSTOWN Day10:Tues,15February

FromWanakaaspectacularone-hourdriveleadsovertheCrownRangetoQueenstownvalleyandArrowtown.Ride#6followstheQueenstownTrailaroundLakeHayesandSpeargrassFlat,loopingbacktoendinArrowtown.(12.5miles/2-3hourswithoverlookstops).ThisisoneofthemostscenicshortloopsinNewZealand’sGreatRides’network.Thelakeisoftenverycalm,producingincrediblereflectionsofthemountainrangesthatsurroundit.Theformergold-rushtownofArrowtownistodayoneofNZ’smostattractivecommunities-especiallyforthosestayingovernightwhentheday-trippershavedeparted.< PhotobyCaseyHorneronUnsplash

Breakfast,Lunch&Dinner:Self-caterorchooseamongstlocaleateriestosuityourtasteandbudgets.InArrowtownthereareseveralexcellentdiningoptionsnearthelodgingandawell-stockedgeneralstoreforthosepreferringtoself-cater.Lodging:2nightsatArrowtownmotelwith1and2bedroomwithprivatebathroomsineachroom,allunitsincludekitchens.

Day11:Weds,16February

ViewfromthehistoricShotoverRiverBridge

Afterbreakfast:ride#7(14miles/3hourswithoverlookstops)followstheQueenstownTrailalongtheArrowRiverthroughthevineyardsoftheGibbstonValley,pastNZ’sfamousbungy-bridge,tofinishinarusticcountrycafé-barforlunch.A20minutedrivetakesustoQueenstown.TheafternoonisfreetoenjoyQueenstown’smanyattractionsandactivitiesbeforethedrivebacktoArrowtownandanend-of-tourgroupmealatalocalrestaurant.

Breakfast:Self-caterorcafé.Lunch:attheendofourmorningridewewillvisitalocalrusticcafé-barinGibbstonValley.GroupDinner:FarewellgroupmealatanArrowtownrestaurant.Lodging:2ndnightatArrrowtownmotel

Accommodations&MealsThetrippriceisbasedondoubleoccupancyroomsinacombinationoftwin/doublebedhotelroomswithen-suitebathrooms(Christchurch,LakeTekapo);twin/doublebedmotelunitswithen-suitebathroomsandsmallkitchens(MountCook,Omarama,Wanaka);and1bedroom/1bathroomand2bedroom/1bathroommotelunitswithfullkitchens(Arrowtown).Lodgingratingsdifferbetweencountries.Wewilluse3and4staraccommodations,byNewZealand’sQualmarkstandard.Wedoourbesttoassurethataccommodationsmeetabasicstandardofcleanliness,comfort,amenities,andconvenience.Privateen-suitebathroomsaregenerallythenorm,thoughsomeapartmentstyleaccommodationsmayshareabathroombetweenmultiplebedrooms.Inmanyfacilities,especiallythoseofahistoricnature,roomsmayvaryintermsofsizeoramenities.Everyattemptismadetoassignroomsequitably;ifaroomislackingatonelocationeffortswillbemadeatotherlocationstoassignanicerroom.Singlesupplementsmaybeavailable.Pleaseinquireastopriceandconditions.Ifyouhaveaspecialcircumstancepleasetalktotheleadersbeforeapplyingforthetrip.

Wewillhavefourgroupdinnersincludingawelcomeandfarewelldinner.Allothermealswillbeonyourown,thoughweencouragegroupdiningandasleaderswilljoinyouandhelpmakerecommendationsandarrangements.Manyofouraccommodationshavefullorpartialkitchensso

Day12:Thurs,17February

AfreemorningtowalkaroundpicturesqueArrowtownbeforemidafternoondeparturetransport(5min)forQueenstownAirport,wherethetripends.Pleasescheduledeparturesaccordingly.

Breakfast:Self-cateredorcaféLunch:inArrowtown,orattheairportcafe

New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality, Qualmark is applied to all accommodations types and tourism businesses. This means they have been independently assessed as professional and trustworthy and graded one star (acceptable), two stars (good), three stars (very good), four stars (excellent), and five stars (exceptional, among the best in New Zealand).

thatyoumaychoosetoself-catermealsfromgroceriespurchsaedalongtheway.Onmostdaysyouwillbeabletomakecoffee,teaandbreakfastfromyourpersonalgroceries,aswellasprepareapackedlunchforourbikerides.Youwillbeabletotransportyourlunchandsparegroceriesbetweenlocations,inthesupportvehicle.Pleasebemindfulofoutsidetemperaturesandthepotentialforspoilageinchoosinggroceriesthatwillaccompanyyouinthevan.Therearealsoavarietyofrestaurantsandeateriesinthetownswherewestay.PleaserefertotheItineraryforspecificdaysandarrangements.

ActivityRating,FitnessLevelandBikingExperienceThetripisratedeasy-moderate(3-4ona6scale),andthetrailswewillrideareclassifiedEasyandIntermediate.PleaseseetheItineraryfordailydistancesandridedescriptions.DescriptionsoftheAMCactivityratingsystemcanbefoundintheAMCATTerms&Conditionsdocument.Wewillrideataleisurelypace,stoppingforsnacks,lunch,andpointsofinterest.Participantsonthistripshouldbecomfortableandcompetentonabikefortheconditionsdescribed,andhaveanappropriateleveloffitnessforthedistancesandelevatiosndescribed.Someridescanbeshortenedbyridinginthevantoadifferentstartpoint.

Participantsmustbeexperiencedinridingonbothquietandmoderate-trafficroadwaysandgravel/shingletrails,andhavealevelofenduranceappropriatetothedailymileageandelevationsshownintheItinerary.Day8atLakeOhuaincludesasteepascent/descentonsingleandaroughshinglesurface.Youhavetheoptiontooptoutofridingthissection.Itislightlytechnicalbutultimately“doable”foranyonewhohasexperiencedabitofoff-road(unpavedroad)biking.Thesteepestsection,about800m,canbewalkedwithyourbike.ThedirectionoftrafficinNewZealandisontheleftsideoftheroad.Thiswilltakealittlegettingusedto,buttheroadwayswillbequietandlightlytrafficked.Wewillproceedcautiouslythroughsmalltownsorintersections,remainingalertandattentive.

Alpine to Ocean elevations in meters and kilometers. (1km = .62 mi, 1m = 3.28 ft)

Equipment Wewillusehybridstylebikesappropriateforboththepavedandgravelsurfaceswewillencounter.Theyhavegrippyyetsmoothrollingtireswithacomfortablehandlebarposition.Thelateststyle1x10gearing(whichcouldevolveby2022)iseasytouseandidealforcyclingatanenjoyablepace.Flatpedalsarestandard.Thoughwedonotadvisecliplesspedals,ifyoufeelthatisbestforyou,pleasediscussitwiththeleaderspriortothetrip.Ifyoufeelyoumustbringyourownbike,pleasetalktotheleadersbeforeapplyingforthetrip.Thoughingeneralthisisaneasyitinerary,e-bikesare

availableasanupgrade.Theymustbereservedinadvancewiththeleaders.(SeepricingunderNotIncludedinTripPrice.)Thoseupgradingtoe-bikesshouldbecomfortablewiththedistancesandterrainandcapableofcompletingtheridewithoutbatterypowerifnecessary.

Pleasebringyourownhelmet.Withoutahelmetyouwillnotbeallowedtoride.Nospecialequipmentisneeded.Thebikesareequippedwithahandlebarbagandarackonthereartiretowhichyoucansecurelyattachanadditionalsmallpackorbag(ofyourown).Youwillhaveaccesstoadaypackfromthesupportvehiclealongtheway.Ifyouuseacamelback-typehydrationsystem,besuretocontainitinapackthatsecurestightlytoyourbodywithachestandwaiststrap.

Youwillneedsturdysoledshoesandclothingthatwillbecomfortableinavarietyofconditionsandtemperatures.Thesesaonwillbelatesummer,butwewillbealternatelyinalpineandhighplainsareas.ForourfreedayatMountCook/Aorakiyouwillwantsturdywalking/hikingshoes(whichcanalsodoubleasyourbikeshoes),awarmlayer,andraingear(whichmayalsobeneededonourridedays).Ourluggage/supportvehiclewillbeamid-sizevan.Pleaserestrictyourluggagetoasmall-midsizesuitcaseordufflebagandadaybag.Apackinglistwillbeprovidedaswegetclosertoourdeparture.

TripPrice:AMCMembers$4,995,Non-members$5,095Seethemembershippageathttps://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/join-appalachian-mountain-club-today forcurrentinformationonhowtojointheAMCincludingmembershipfees.

Priceincludes:• 11nightslodgingaccommodationand4groupdinners.• 7daysstandardbike-hire.• Trail-notesandmaps.• Allnecessaryvehicletransportandluggagetransfer(exceptairporttransferfromChristchurch

airporttohotelonDay1)throughtoQueenstownInternationalAirport(day12),includingalocaltourmanager/guide/driver.

• Emergencymedicalandevacuationinsurance(tripdoesNOTincludetravelinsuranceforcancellation,interruption,lostordamagedbaggage,tripdelay,etc.Westronglyrecommendallparticipantspurchasetripandairlineticketinsurance.

• TwoCPRandWildernessFirstAidcertifiedAMCAdventureTraveltripandbikeleaders.

NotincludedinTripPrice:• InternationalairtraveltoChristchurch,NewZealandandreturnfromQueenstown.Though

yourairfareisnotincludedinthetripprice,theleaderswillassistyouinchoosingaflightthatfitsyourneedsanddeliversyouontimeforourintroductionsandtripbriefingonSunday,February6,2022.AsyouwillcrosstheInternationalDateLineduringyourflight,youwillloseonecalendarday.Averylonglayovermayaddanotherdaytoyourtravelandarrivaltime.

• HometoairportandChristchurchairporttohoteltransfers.• Tripinsuranceforcancellation,interuption,lostordamagedluggage,traveldelays,airline

tickets,etc.Westronglysuggestparticipantspurchasetripandairlineticketinsurance.• Extrabikerentaldaysore-bikeupgrade($40perday,mustbereservedinadvanceforentire

tour).• Museumandattractionentriesoradmissions;optionalexcursionssuchasa

flighttoseeMtCook/AorakiatAorakiNationalPark,kayaking,etc.• Mealsotherthan4groupdinnersasdesignatedinItinerary.• Personalgroceriesanditems.• Singlesupplement(pleaseinquireforpriceandconditions).

Application&Payment Toapply,pleasecompleteandsubmitaParticipantApplicationpackage,whichwillbesuppliedtoyouonrequest,witharegistrationdepositof$1,500(+$100ifyouarenotanAMCmemberatthetimeyouapply).Allapplicationswillbescreened,includingcontactingreferencesyouwillbeaskedtoprovide.Tripleadersmayconductabriefphone(Zoom)interviewwithyou.Aspotontherosterisnotassureduntilthisprocesshasbeencompletedandyouhavebeennotifiedofarosterposition.Youwillalsobeaskedtocompleteanonline(google)informationformthatprovidesleaderswithanaccuratedatabaseofparticipantkeyinformationandemergencycontacts.Oncethetripisdeclareda‘go’,therewillbea$100non-refundablecancellationfee,andthecancellationpolicystatedbelowwillapply.Whenyourrosterspotisconfirmed,yourcheckwillbedepositedintothetripaccountforsecurekeepingandtoavoidanychecktimelimitsimposedbyyourbank.Oncethetriphasreacheditsminimumnumberofscreenedparticipantstoassurefinancialviability,youwillreceiveaLetterofAcceptanceandTripGoDeclaration.Atthattime,yourdepositwillbesubjecttotheCancellationPolicy.Alleffortsarebeingmadetodelaycancellationpenaltiesaslongaspossiblewhileweawaitsafetravelclearances.Ifyoufeelyoumustcancelonceyouhavebeenacceptedontothetriproster,pleasecontactusimmediately.Asecondpaymentof$2,000isduewhenthetripisdeclaredago.FinalpaymentisdueSeptember1,2021.IfyoujointhetripafterthetripisdeclaredaGo,yourdepositwillbe$3,500formembers($3,600fornon-members).Pleasemakepaymentsbycheckpayabletothe“AppalachianMountainClub”,writeNewZealand2022onthememoline,andmailthecompleteapplicationpackagetotheaddressshownontheParticipantApplication.

YourAMCLeadersMerriFoxretiredfromPratt&Whitneyafter35years,wheresheworkedasaDigitalTechnologyprojectmanagerandFinancialbusinesssystemsanalyst.Becauseshelovessharingherfavoriteoutdoordestinations,overthepast22yearsshehasledhiking,snorkelingandculturalexcursionsinBelize,Paris,Hawaii,Arizona,theTetons,Switzerland,California,Utah,NewZealand,andtheVirginIslands.MerrileadsAMChikesinCT,weekendtrips,andisavolunteermanageratAMCFireIscamp.SheliveswithhusbandRanceinNWConnecticut,wheresheenjoysgardening,cooking,andentertainingguests.

JanisStahlhut,alifelongoutdoorsenthusiast,hasbeenanAMC-ATleadersince2009.ShehasledAThikingandbikingtripsintheNEUS,Alaska,Europe,SouthAmerica,NewZealand,Australia,andtheSouthPacificIslands(kayakingandswimmingwithwhales).Janishadacareerinmarketingandpublicpolicyforglobaltelecommunicationsfirms,beforesemi-retiringasanexerciseprogrammingspecialistandinstructor.Sheisnowfullyretiredandenjoyswriting,practicinghealingenergytechniques,golf,andactivity-basedtravel.Bytheendof2021,Janishopestohavesetfootonallsevencontinents!Followhertravelsandtripsatwww.jasjourneys.wordpress.com.

Please review the AMC Adventure Travel Program Terms and Conditions below. By submitting an application for this trip, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the Program, including the Cancellation Policy.

Leader Contact information: Merri Fox, fmerri99@gmail.com, 860-485-1697; Janis Stahlhut, jstahlhut@icloud.com, 203-820-9275. If telephoning, please call between the hours of 9am and 9pm.

Terms & Conditions AMC Adventure Travel offers domestic and international trips throughout the year. Experienced volunteer leaders create, plan, and lead each excursion, fostering a dynamic and active group environment. Though each trip is unique, all strive to fulfill AMC’s mission of promoting stewardship and appreciation of the natural world.

By booking a trip with us, you agree with the following terms and conditions:

Cancellation Policy The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the premise that your cancellation may not raise the cost to the other participants or to the leaders. After notification that the trip will run as scheduled, the minimum cancellation fee specified in the prospectus will apply. The prospectus in some cases may also specify a schedule of cancellation fees in relation to the date of cancellation. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration and cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead, unless they can be applied toward another acceptable participant. Should the leaders be able to replace you, you may be charged a reduced penalty. The cancellation fee will generally not be determined until after the trip. Failure to make trip payment(s) in a timely manner will be considered a cancellation. On rare occasions AMC Adventure Travel may need to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to force majeure [e.g. terrorism, local health conditions, natural disaster, changes in local regulatory environment, etc.] In the event of such a cancellation, your trip fee will be refunded less any trip expenses already incurred plus any non-cancellable future trip expenditures. AMC Adventure Travel is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip, including nonrefundable air tickets, visa fees, gear, and medical expenses.

Leaders’ Right to Change Itinerary While the itinerary in the prospectus is what the leaders have planned at the time of writing, various factors may require changes for reasons of group ability, safety, transportation or lodging availability, and unforeseeable circumstances such as weather considerations, natural disasters in the areas to be visited, or recommendations of governmental agencies. The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip.

Leaders’ Expectations of Participants When you participate in this activity, you should be in proper condition for the challenges outlined in the prospectus and equipped with the appropriate gear as stated. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Prior to your acceptance as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experiences with the leader. The leader may also request references to confirm your fitness level and suitability for participating in trip activities. It may happen on any trip that a participant is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it is of the group or of the individual. Examples of conditions that might result in an individual being unable to participate in one or more activities of the trip include Illness, injury, lack of proper gear, or fitness. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible. AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the conservation, recreational, and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles, and local regulations and customs.

This trip is designed so that everyone may experience adventure through shared participation in activities and tasks in an organized group environment. AMC travelers are known for their

cooperative efforts, and expectations are that all participants will be considerate of others sharing this experience. You should enjoy traveling and be comfortable traveling in areas, which are unfamiliar to you. You should recognize that you may find yourself in closer quarters or be less comfortable than you are used to at home. You should make it a priority to help others on the trip and contribute to their having a great time.

Trip Price The price for this excursion is based on quotes or estimates obtained at the time the trip was submitted to the Adventure Travel Committee for approval. The final price of the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. Trip participants will share any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases we incur. Refunds, if any, are issued after the trip’s accounting is complete. AMC Adventure Travel trips are run on a nonprofit basis. Leaders are not compensated except for their travel and administrative expenses associated with the trip. A program fee is assessed toward AMC Adventure Travel programs and administrative expenses. The price for a non-member to join a trip is $100 over the member trip price. See the membership page on outdoors.org for current information on membership fees and how to join the AMC. The trip fee includes limited emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage, which is required by the AMC. Participants must have their own primary medical insurance. The fee does not include insurance for travel delay, interruption, or cancellation, or for baggage loss. If these possibilities concern you, individual travel insurance is recommended. More information about included emergency medical and evacuation insurance, as well as about optional and recommended travel insurance, is available on our website’s trip resources page. While participant airfare is generally not included in the trip price, leaders may assist participants in making suitable reservations. At a minimum, participants will be told when and where they must join the group for the official start of the trip’s planned activities. Once your air tickets are purchased, they are your responsibility – do not make any non-refundable travel plans until told to do so by the leaders.

Travel Documents Domestic flights may only accept REAL-ID driver’s licenses and identification cards for TSA airport security checkpoints. International travel requires a passport that is valid for up to several months after the completion of your trip; check with your host country’s travel website for current requirements. If your international destination requires a health certificate, visa, or visa-waiver, you are responsible for obtaining these documents prior to departure.

Safety Participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events. Procedures, and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with volunteer leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be aware there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to, adverse weather and environmental conditions, delayed medical care in remote locations, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, by boat, or on a bike. There may be participant and leader drivers on domestic trips and their state DMV driving record will be verified prior to the trip. When you apply for acceptance onto a trip, please carefully read and sign the Adventure Travel Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity agreement and call the leader if you have any questions.

AMC Activity Rating System AMC activities are rated using a scale of six levels described below. Consult with the trip leader or trip prospectus for details including the intended group pace and equipment requirements. Use this link for more information including charts on moving time, distance, and more: AMC Activity Rating System:

1. Accessible: Suitable for stroller, wheelchair, or other wheel assisted travel. Paved, hardened gravel, or ADA listed terrain or approach. The distance travelled and anticipated timing of the

activity are detailed in the activity description. This rating is employed across activities and is not broken out in each of the tables below. Please direct any inquiries for reasonable accommodation to the trip leader in advance of the trip.

2. Relaxed: Suitable for most active participants with full mobility and participants new to the activity described. Expect to be actively on the move for about 3 hours/day. You may be on the trail, slopes or water for a longer time, but there will be plenty of rest breaks.

3. Easy: Reasonable fitness for the expected activity is needed, but the trip is designed for those new to the activity. Expect to be active up to 4 hours/day. A bit more active time than the relaxed rating, but with generous breaks.

4. Moderate: Fitness level and/or past experience to sustain the activity at a moderate pace is required. Expect to be active up to 4-6 hours per day. Reasonable breaks in the action.

5. Vigorous: Suitable for those with recent similar experience and/or demonstrated proficiency, such as being active in sports or often (regular) engagement in vigorous physical activity. Ability to perform at the expected level for back-to-back days for multi- day trips. Expect to be active up to 5-6 hours per day, with brief breaks.

6. Strenuous: Most physically demanding. Fitness for the specific activity is required with direct experience in the activity highly recommended and potentially mandatory (see the activity description). Expect to be active 6+ hours per day for back-to-back days if it is a multi-day trip. Breaks will be shorter/fewer than for other levels of trips.