APPLICATION TO LEAD AN AMC MAJOR EXCURSION
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(Forms and General Information: <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/> )
SUMMARY INFORMATION
Trip Title:
Dayhiking In The Swiss Alps
Leader:
Merri Fox
Co-Leader(s):
Don Parker
Dates:
July 28-August 12, 2007
Total # of days:
Type of Trip:
Day hikes
Participants: (not counting leaders) Minimum:
12
Maximum: 14
Advertised Cost:
<$3700 including air estimated at $1300>
TRIP DETAILS
Executive Summary: Brief outline of trip and trip activities.
We will be visiting three regions in Switzerland: the Bernese Oberland, Zermatt and a
tiny village in the Valais, so we will be experiencing both the German and French cultural
influences as we move across the country between Zurich and Lake Geneva. This is
certainly part of our intent, as is the contrast between bustling, international Zermatt and
tiny Les Hauderes or Evolene in the Valais. Where possible we will take advantage of
the designated scenic train/bus routes between points on our itinerary. Our primary
activity however will be fairly strenuous day hikes at each location (6-10 miles, 10003000 feet elevation gain/loss). In both Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland we will have
options to reduce elevation gain/loss by using the many lifts into the mountains, and our
travel days between locations will give everyone a bit of a rest. In addition, we will have
swiss rail passes for everyone so if two or more wish to take a day off and travel, say, to a
nearby town to explore they can do so easily and safely. There are also many options for
commercial activities in Zermatt and the Grindenwald area for participants if they chose
not to hike every day.
Accommodations: Please describe your plans for accommodation(s).
2-3 star small hotels, double rooms with private bath. Possibility of staying 1 night in
a mountain hotel which may have shared bath. This will be noted in prospectus. This is
only a consideration at this time; logistics are still under consideration. But
experiencially it may prove to be a big plus, and it would only be a night, when we are
going to be hiking in that area anyway.
Meals: Please describe your plans for meals.
<Breakfasts and dinners will be provided by hotels where we stay (half board
included in cost estimate). Dinner on our last night in Zurich or Geneva is not included
so participants can explore the town. Most lunches are not included. We have options to
purchase trail lunches from hotels, local markets, at restaurants in villages we hike
through etc. Participants will be given an estimate of how much $$ to bring for these
meals well before the trip. >
Permits: Does the trip require special permits (required on all U.S. federal lands
NO
Equipment: Does the trip require special/technical equipment?
<No, but we will strongly recommend hiking sticks for participants and require
hiking boots.>
Pre-trip activities: Do you plan to get your group together before the major excursion
for an activity or social event? - for participants who live near CT offer pre-trip hike
and pizza social.
Conservation/Education/Recreation:: Given that the AMC Mission Statement is as
follows
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America's oldest conservation and
recreation organization. We promote the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the
mountains, rivers, and trails of the Appalachian region. We believe that the mountains and
rivers have an intrinsic worth and also provide recreational opportunity, spiritual renewal,
and ecological and economic health for the region. We encourage people to enjoy and
appreciate the natural world because we believe that successful conservation depends on
this experience. We fulfill our mission through the three interconnecting pillars of the AMC:
conservation, education, and recreation
How will this major excursion meet this mission of conservation, education, and
recreation? For examples, please see
<<http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/mission/>>
This is primarily a recreational trip to enjoy the beauties of the Swiss mountains
and how they have influenced the lives of the peoples who live there. We will also
provide participants with some historical, cultural and geographic information about
the country in advance of the trip as well as during it (particularly the regions we will
visit). We plan to spend part of a day in Sion, the capital of the French canton in
which the Valais is located. There is an interesting old section of the city, a market
and two 12th-13th century buildings to visit there as well as several vineyards. In
addition, we hope to visit Chateau Chillon in Montreaux at the end of our trip.
Outfitters: Will this trip require an outfitter? NO
Name: <If YES provide outfitter's name>
Safety record: <Provide information about their safety record>
Liability insurance: <Provide information about the oufitter's liability insurance>
Emergency response: <Describe the outfitters SOP in case of emergencies>
LEADER INFORMATION
Contact Information:
Leader:
Merri Fox
115 North Road
Harwinton, CT 06791
(home) 860-485-1697
(work) <860-731-5892
(e-mail) merri.fox@pw.utc.com
Co-Leader:
Don Parker
PO Box 239
320 Manchester Rd
Steep Falls ME 04085
(home) 207-642-4198
(e-mail) donp@pivot.net
(work) 207-642-4198
First Aid Training
To lead a Major Excursion, you must have current CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
or its equivalent at the time of your trip.
Leader:
CPR: 4/2007 - will recert prior to trip
WFA: 4/2007 - will recert prior to trip
Other: <Describe course; expiration date>
Co-Leader:
CPR: CPR: 3/2007 - will recert prior to trip
WFA: 5/2007 - will recert prior to trip
Other: <Describe course; expiration date>
If CPR and/or WFA certifications will expire before your trip starts, describe your plans
for re-certification:
Merri plans to recert in April in CT
Don plans to recert in May in ME
Leader Experience and Training
New Leaders: If you are a new leader or co-leader, you must have submitted the form
“Application to Become a Major Excursions Leader”.
Experienced Major Excursions Leaders: Please list below the last three trips you
have led for the AMC including destination, type of trip (backpacking, skiing, etc.),
dates, and number of participants. Feel free to list additional trips you have led,
particularly if they demonstrate experience related to the trip you are proposing.
1. Wyoming Wonders 2005 (similar degree of difficulty of hikes)
2. Paris 2005 (experience in currency conversion; French language skills)
3. Sedona/Grand Canyon 2006
Others: <Trip description>
Scouting:
Have you or your co-leader led this trip before or traveled in the area?
Yes
Merri has been to Switzerland but it was ~11 years ago; was never in Bernese Oberland,
just the Valais. This should not be a problem.
Special Experience:
Are any special skills or experience on the part of the participants required?
<If "Yes" please describe>
Couples:
Do the Leader and Co-leader have a significant personal relationship?
<If "Yes" please detail plans if one party cannot go>
No
No
RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks/hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and
how it may affect your trip with specific potential hazards. Then, devise a plan to
attempt to prevent each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary.
Climate/Terrain
Potential Hazards: Steep terrain, loose rocks, proximity to glaciers, possibility of snow
at high elevations, summer thunderstorms; potential for stream crossings; elevation
Response:
Careful trail selection; check trail and weather conditions day prior
to hike; require full rain gear, hiking boots and adequate warm clothing; no traveling on
glaciers or any ice. Avoid stream crossings if water is too deep or fast. Hikes for each
day will be chosen based on current conditions. There are many options for hikes - no
need to chose one with high risk. In terms of elevation, our hotels will all be at elevations
under 8000 feet. Days hikes will go no higher than 10,500 feet.
Foreign Countries
Potential Hazards: Switzerland is probably one of the safest countries in Europe.
However, crime is everywhere. In busy places like Zermatt and Grindelwald or transfer
cities there is always the chance of pickpockets or theft. Also neither of the leaders
speaks German and we will be visiting areas where German is the primary language.
Participants may not feel comfortable traveling alone with Swisspass.
Response:
Warn participants about how to guard their belongings. Never
leave luggage unattended (can check in most bus/train stations). Do not allow
participants to travel alone with Swisspass - at least 2 must go together. Assist them with
bus/train schedules if they wish to go on their own. Leaders will both try to pick up some
basic German words prior to the trip. However, most Swiss speak some English or
French. Merri will bone up on her French again. We will also try to find hotels in the
German area where English is understood.
Transportation
Potential Hazards: The Swiss transportation system has a great safety record and it is
very easy to follow their schedules. But it is always possible to make a mistake. Our
other mode of transportation, cable cars, has a higher risk - not so much of failure as of
not running or stopping.
Response:
Do not allow people to travel alone; have backup plans if there is a
schedule change. Make sure people going off on their own know schedules. When
taking any chairlift/cable car, make sure participants have adequate warm clothing in case
the car gets stuck.
Participants
Potential Hazards: Mixed skill levels; not everyone is up to a difficult hike each day,
even with days off to rest. People are unused to the local cuisine and are unhappy with
limited choice menus (i.e. breakfast is usually a limited buffet, and dinner has 3-4
choices)
Response:
Offer more moderate hikes, alternate activities on some days.
Communicate fully in prospectus what people can expect for meals. Stress that there are
more options for lunch and ample opportunity to purchase special foods.
Other
Potential Hazards: Difficulty of assembling group in foreign airport
Response:
Plan to have flights from Boston and New York only; one leader
will travel with each group.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Please use as much detail
as possible and attach additional sheets if necessary.
Emergency Communication
Leaders will carry all participants medical information at all times as well as
emergency contact cards. We will never be more than 2-2-1/2 hours walk from a
mountain hut, hostel or village where a phone and usually help is available.
Evacuation
Be aware on each hike of where help can be obtained. If possible get injured/ill
participant to nearest shelter or lift. If assistance is required in getting participant off
mountain send 2 people to nearest location to summon help. There are excellent
volunteer rescue teams in the 3 locations where we will be hiking as well as a
proliferation of roads and cable cars to facilitate evacuation. Evaluate medical
condition locally. If situation appears at all likely to be serious immediately contact
Heidi Reilly or Major Excursions chair as well as Tripmate.
Medical Care
Zermatt has a fairly full service hospital; Grindelwald has two emergency medical
clinics and there is a hospital within a 45 minute drive in Interlaken. Les Hauderes and
Evolene have a doctor’s office but the closest hospital is in Sion, approx. ½ hour by road.
Before you leave for you trip, you will need to provide a list of participants and their
emergency contacts in case something happens to someone in the field as well as an
itinerary with phone numbers (where available) in case something happens at home.
COST INFORMATION
What deposits are will be required from airlines, hotels, outfitters, etc. (and when):
Will not book until minimum number have been accepted
What is the latest date for you to cancel and get a full refund? :
N/A
What is the value of the deposit you will require of the participants?
$ 1000
What will be your cancellation policy for the participants?
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation must be in writing - Postmarked date below (email acceptable):
Prior to January 1- $50 non-refundable fee charged; If your airline ticket has been purchased, you own
it subject to airline change fees). All other moneys returned.
After January 1 a) $100 non-refundable fee charged; and
b) Any moneys paid out to vendors and money necessary to keep the trip cost from increasing - causing
an increase for other trip members.
After July 1 - NO REFUNDS for any reason, including accident, illness, or any other type of emergency.
(*)
*Note: Sometimes additional moneys may be returned at a later date, if a cancellee’s spot can be filled
from the waiting list. This depends upon two factors:
1. That the trip is filled - 12 participants (in addition to the leaders).
2. That there is a waiting list. This list is compiled by the leaders through the application and screening
process only. No one may substitute another person for themselves.
Will trip run if minimum participant count not met?
Will run with 11 people
Yes
PRIVATE TRIPS
Are you currently (up to and including the time frame of this proposed trip) leading trips
that are “private,” i.e. not sponsored by the AMC?
No
AMC OUTDOORS INFORMATION
Please see <<http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/info/Trip_Notice_Rules.html>> for the
current rules and schedule for submitting notices for AMC Outdoors. E-mail both the
long (150 words maximum) and short form (50 word maximum) trip announcements to
goeke@space.mit.edu <mailto:goeke@space.mit.edu> , preferably in plain text format,
at the same time you submit the trip application. Although the trip notices travel a
different route to the Committee, it helps to have the notices on the web site when the trip
is reviewed.
It your trip notice is somewhat preliminary at this time, that’s OK. You have plenty of
opportunity to change it before the publication deadline. If you don’t want to have the
first (long) notice appear at the normal time - see the above referenced rules - include
your special request in the body of the e-mail containing the trip notices.
After you trip is approved, please check your trip announcements as posted on the Major
Excursions web site: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ ; we cut-and-paste directly from
this site to AMC Outdoors !
TRIP PROPOSAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS
Trips cannot come before the Major Excursions Committee for approval unless the
application is completed and received two weeks prior to MEC meetings for review. The
ME Leader’s web site has the Handbook and all required forms:
<http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/handbook/> . As a minimum we need:
 This application form
 A detailed trip budget/costing form
In addition the following are helpful during the review process, but need only be
submitted after your proposal is accepted:
 50 and 150 word notices for AMC Outdoors
 Trip prospectus - without application forms
Finally, we need to have on file at Joy Street (again, after proposal acceptance)
 A filled out Confidential Medical Form for leader and co-leader
 Copies of first aid certifications for leader and co-leader
We will accept snail mail applications, but electronic forms are preferred. Please save
and forward your electronic documents with the following naming convention:
Leader’s Last Name, Trip destination, Trip Activity (if applicable), Trip Start date.
For example: Zukroff-New-Zealand-Hiking-12-03-Application.doc
Email should be sent to both of the following two addresses:
Stacia Zukroff, Major Excursions Committee Chair at mecchair@amcboston.org
<mailto:mecchair@amcboston.org>
Heidi Reilly, AMC Travel Programs Coordinator at hreilly@outdoors.org
<mailto:hreilly@outdoors.org>
Or, if you unable to send electronically, please mail a single hard copy to:
Heidi Reilly, Appalachian Mountain Club
Five Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108
617-523-0655, x356 (voice) 617-367-8878 (FAX)
CONCLUSION
By turning in this proposal, you are agreeing to the following:
I have read the Major Excursions Leader Handbook and I agree to follow all
policies and procedures of the Major Excursions Committee and the Appalachian
Mountain Club in preparing for and conducting my major excursion.
Questions? Contact Stacia Zukroff at mecchair@amcboston.org
<mailto:mecchair@amcboston.org> or 781-648-5503. She can put you in touch with an
experienced MEC mentor who can help you with trip planning.