Club Policies

All participants acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with hiking, outdoor activities, transportation, and wilderness exploration. Hikes may involve steep terrain, uneven surfaces, falling rocks, slippery conditions, river crossings, rapidly changing weather, remote locations with limited access to emergency services, physical exertion, and exposure to wildlife including bears, cougars, wolves, elk, and other wild animals commonly found in the Canadian Rockies. Participants understand that injuries, illness, property damage, permanent disability, or death may occur as a result of these activities. Each participant is solely responsible for assessing their own physical fitness, preparedness, equipment, and ability to safely participate in club activities. By participating in any hike, event, or associated carpooling activity organized by Duronto Hikers, participants voluntarily assume all risks and agree that the club, its organizers, volunteers, drivers, and members shall not be held liable for any injury, accident, illness, loss, damage to property, or death arising from participation in club activities, regardless of cause.

The club is intended for members who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and challenging adventures. The club will remain exclusively for male members. All participants must be registered members of the hiking club and must confirm their intent to join a hike by submitting the required hiking fee at least 24 hours before the scheduled hike. The standard fee is typically around $15, but may vary depending on parking, pass, or special access fees related to specific trails or parks. Fees are used to cover group expenses such as shared permits, equipment, or food. Refunds will not be issued within 24 hours of the hike, as pre-hike planning and shared purchases are already made by that time.

All minors below the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or by a legal guardian with the parent's written permission. The accompanying adult is fully responsible for the minor's safety and conduct during the hike and any related activities.

Carpooling is coordinated to reduce costs and environmental impact. A gas allowance is provided to the designated driver(s) who transport hikers from the meetup location to the trailhead and back. When multiple vehicles are available, priority is assigned as follows: Vehicles that already possess the required park pass (e.g., Parks Canada or Kananaskis). Vehicles that can accommodate the most passengers. Extra carpooling vehicles are designated only if the current ones cannot accommodate all participants.

All hikers must arrive at the designated meetup point by the scheduled time. Carpooling vehicles may wait up to 10 minutes before departing for the trailhead. Exceptions may be made if a hiker communicates in advance that they are running late and the delay is reasonable. Hikers meeting directly at the trailhead should arrive by the agreed-upon time; the group will wait for a maximum of 10 minutes, unless further delay has been communicated. Waiting beyond this period is at the group's discretion and not an obligation.

Duronto Hikers may pre-determine hiking trails, schedules, and seasonal plans in advance to help organize club activities and improve participation throughout the hiking season. While member feedback and suggestions are encouraged, final decisions regarding hike dates, trails, pace, group limits, and overall planning remain at the discretion of the club administrators and core organizers. Scheduled hikes, routes, meeting points, or dates may be modified, postponed, or cancelled at any time due to weather conditions, trail conditions, safety concerns, park advisories, wildfire risks, wildlife activity, logistical limitations, or other unforeseen circumstances. The club reserves the right to prioritize safety, group readiness, experience level, and overall club objectives when making scheduling and trail selection decisions. In case of a close vote or disagreements in trail and date selection, priority is given to members who regularly participate in hikes and contribute to the group through experience and involvement.

Our club welcomes hikers of all skill levels who share a love for the outdoors and a commitment to group safety and respect. Members are encouraged to: Participate regularly and support fellow hikers. Share their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to enhance the group experience. Communicate clearly and courteously during planning, carpooling, and on the trail. Disruptive, disrespectful, or unsafe behaviour may result in removal from the group at the admins' discretion.

Our club is a non-profit community group. All fees go directly toward supporting our activities — including hikes, shared expenses, and social gatherings that bring our members together. A summary of expenses and collections is shared with members after each hike, as well as during our meet-ups. Transparency and trust are key values of our community.

We do our best to provide food and beverages during hikes and social gatherings. However, we cannot guarantee their freshness, quality, or suitability for all individuals. Please consume any provided items at your own risk. The club will not be held responsible for any illness, allergic reaction, or discomfort arising from consumption.

By joining or participating in any hike organized by the club, each member agrees to the following: I understand and accept that participation is voluntary and at my own risk. I release and hold harmless the Hiking Club, its organizers, and volunteers from any and all liability for personal injury, property damage, or death that may occur before, during, or after the activity. I am physically capable of completing the selected hike and will bring appropriate gear, clothing, and supplies. Participation constitutes acceptance of these terms and acknowledgment of the associated risks.

These policies are subject to change at the discretion of the club organizers. Members will be notified of any updates or revisions to ensure transparency and continued safety.