FAQs

  • Your guide will likely be me, Jake Foster. You can read more about me in the 'About' page on this website. In short, I'm an ACMG Rock, Ski & Splitboard Guide, based in Squamish BC.

    Sometimes I will use other local guides to help me with programs. All guides working for High Point Guiding are trained and certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), and knowledgeable of the local mountains.

    Whether you climb with us or another outfit, ensure you’re hiring the best by seeking out ACMG guides.

  • We work with you right from the start to curtail your climbing or skiing day to your needs. If there’s anything in particular you want to do or learn, just let us know.

    When we meet in the morning we will go over the plan for the day, including the goals, the weather, and our options. We will go over the liability waiver, which all participants must sign prior to any activity. From there, we get after it!

    A full day is about 8 hours, a half day is about 4. Bring enough water and food for an active day, but pack easy-to-eat snacks or sandwiches instead of lunch that needs a knife and fork.

  • You need to bring your own personal equipment, and we will provide the rest.

    For climbing - Bring your own helmet, harness, and rock shoes. We will provided the ropes, rack, and specialty equipment. For courses, we can provide some equipment, such as a trad rack, quick draws, etc. Don’t hesitate to ask about using our gear before buying something new. It’s always nice to test drive the equipment.

    For skiing - Bring all your ski equipment, including avalanche gear. We can provide any gear needed for technical ski mountaieering (harness, rope, etc).

    Rentals - Squamish has some great options for rentals. Check out Climb On in downtown Squamish for all your climbing needs. Ski Uphill and Bluebird Cafe both rent ski touring equipment.

    Deals - In partnership with Climb On, High Point Guiding can offer a discount voucher to the store for anyone that has come out into the mountains with us. Get in touch for more details.

    If there’s any doubt about what gear you need, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Policies

  • All mountain activities carry some degree of risk. Our certified guides will do their best to minimize risk, but it cannot ever be eliminated. For this reason, all participants must read and agree to the waiver before booking. You will be asked to confirm you have read the waiver before booking, and will be required to fill out a paper waiver at the start of the trip.

    To view the waiver, click here, or see the link at the bottom of the screen.

  • To book a day with High Point Guiding fill out the Booking Form, or email jake@highpointguiding.ca. I will get in touch with you to go over the details before finalizing the booking with an invoice.

    All prices are in CAD and are subject to GST, unless otherwise noted.

    Full payment is required to secure a booking. For larger groups, longer trips, or exceptional circumstances, a deposit can secure the booking, with full payment due 30 days before the start date of the trip. Please refer to the cancellation and refund policy below.

    We recommend trip cancellation insurance for your booking.

  • Cancellations can happen for a number of reasons, and we will always try to find the best solution possible to make sure everyone is happy with the outcome. Below is the outline of the Cancellation and Refund Policy. Note that extraordinary circumstances might warrant exceptions to the policy. Trip cancellation insurance is a great way to protect your purchase, but we will always try to honour trips that have been paid for regardless.

    Cancellations made on the part of the client:

    - More than 30 days before the trip start date – Refund minus 20% deposit *

    - Within 30 days of the trip start date – No refund *

    * In the case that any funds are forfeited due to cancellation, part of the funds might be eligible to use as a credit for another trip during the same season, subject to availability. An administration fee of up to 10% might apply based on logistics.

    Substitute Participants – If a participant can no longer join a trip and cannot reschedule, the participant can find a substitution to take their place at the cost of a 10% administration fee. The substitution must have the requisite fitness and experience for the outing, and their suitability will be decided by the guide. If the substitute participant is not fit for the objective the guide will try to find a suitable alternative, but reserves the right to cancel the trip or their participation without refund.

    Cancellations made on the part of the Guide – There are a number of reasons that the guide might have to cancel the trip, including but not limited to, weather, conditions, illness, etc. Any trip cancelled by the guide before the start date will be rescheduled with no additional fee to the client.

    In the event that a trip looks threatened by weather, an effort will be made to contact you immediately to discuss alternative plans, including considering different objectives, areas, activities, or dates. Please note that days cut short due to weather will not be refunded, except in extreme circumstances.

    Trip Cancellation Insurance – Trip cancellation insurance is always a good idea to protect yourself in case of unexpected cancellations. Every effort will be made to honour agreements to facilitate trips and to credit any non-refunded payments towards future trips, but trip cancellation insurance is the safest way to get your money back if the unexpected happens.