Pikes Peak Alpine School COVID-19 Management Plan
We are now living in the age of COVID-19. PPAS does not have all of the answers and we cannot remove the threat of COVID-19. We can however take steps to reduce our exposure to, and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease). As with many hazards in the mountains (such as rock fall, avalanches, and lightning), we will take steps to reduce our risk of exposure but we can not remove it all together.
We ask our clients and guides to help reduce our exposure. Your diligence and candor are required of you at each step of the process of climbing with PPAS.
Staff training:
Staff training to address and promote reduction practices will now be included in our guiding and business standards.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy:
All clients must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a negative PCR test prior to event. Your guide will be vaccinated per company policy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss our policy with you.
Transportation:
Carpooling may be one of the less desirable activities of a PPAS trip when it comes to COVID-19 management. Meeting clients/guides at the trailhead is recommended when feasible. If sharing a ride is required, vaccinated parties should use face coverings and window ventilation is recommended.
Physical distancing:
6 feet or greater between people is what we strive for when reasonable. This will be easier when skiing and hiking in non-technical terrain and will be more challenging in rock and more technical terrain. When physical distancing is not possible (when working at close proximity on sections of a route or trail), a face mask is our management tool.
Cloth Face Masks:
Cloth face masks (Buffs or neck gaiters are acceptable) are required for clients and guides when working in close proximity or when physical distancing can not be adhered to.
Hand sanitizer:
Hand sanitizer is required equipment for every trip. Each client and guide will carry hand sanitizer in their kits. It is important to use this throughout the day. Use of hand sanitizer is appropriate after sharing equipment.
Group Size:
Limiting the size of our groups in the field may be appropriate this season.
4:1 top rope (single pitch)
2:1 rock multi pitch
2:1 alpine climbing
3:1 non technical mountaineering and glacier travel
6:1 day hiking
4:1 ski touring
6:1 avalanche and SPI courses
Overnight trips:
Meals – No meal preparation by guides. Hot water will be supplied by the guide and the client will be responsible for preparing freeze-dried meals or otherwise.
Sleeping Arrangements – Client and guide separation will be required. This means no sharing of tents. Clients that are coming in as a group and have already been cohabiting together can share a tent or bunk.
Situation monitoring:
Since this pandemic is evolving, we will change this document as new information becomes relevant. We will continue to check in with the CDC and land managers, as well as adhere to closures due to COVID-19.
First Aid and Emergencies:
While we never invite an emergency we must plan for them. We have been advised that CPR masks are ineffective with respect to COVID-19. For someone requiring CPR, the standard care will be to cover the care provider’s mouth/nose with a cloth mask, do the same for the patient, and perform compressions-only CPR.
To facilitate this, guides will carry additional masks and gloves in the first aid kit. Masks and gloves will be placed in a plastic haz-mat bag after use.
If rescue is required, the patient will be masked.
Breaks on trail/route:
Make sure food and beverages or cameras/phones are not being passed or shared person to person (except people from the same household). Spacing out and keeping physical distancing is recommended.
Other parties on trail or route:
On narrow trails it may be necessary to communicate with the other party on who will pass through and who should stop. Donning masks may be necessary to manage the situation. On a climbing route communication with another team is critical. Requesting that their party maintains their distance may be required. Try to pass or be passed in open areas. If this is not possible, wearing masks is the appropriate way to manage this situation.