Technical Programs & Terrain Complexity Surcharges

It takes higher levels of training, experience and risk management to push into more Challenging and Complex terrain. At Cascade Mountain Ascents we acknowledge this by paying our guide staff more for getting you out into wilder terrain. Because of this, we add a surcharge to your booking for trips in Challenging or Complex terrain.

Challenging terrain requires the use of technical skill sets such as belayed climbing or exposed short roping, includes sustained travel through vertical terrain on rock or ice, necessitates difficult glacier travel or has heightened exposure to objective hazard. Expect to transition between many modes of travel throughout a day in Challenging terrain. A trip may also be considered Challenging if it contains simpler terrain that would normally be spread over multiple days or is in a very remote setting. Trips deemed challenging will be assessed a $100 per person surcharge on the total trip cost.

Complex terrain requires an even higher level of technical skill to climb, ride or guide. Complex routes may contain exposed and poorly protected traverses, sustained serious glacier travel, few or no retreat options, or places where it is difficult or impossible to offer true security beyond coaching. Expect many transitions between modes of travel that will require very high efficiency. A trip may also be considered Complex if it contains challenging terrain that would normally be spread over multiple days or is in a very remote setting. Trips deemed Complex will be assessed a $200 per person surcharge on the total trip cost.

Custom trips may be assessed a custom surcharge, although this surcharge will only exceed $200 for extremely difficult technical trips and/or trips greater than 4 days in length.