Who will the other trip participants be?
Your fellow travelers come to us with diverse backgrounds. All of them are spirited individuals, young at heart, who share a love of adventure and a genuine curiosity about the region. Ages vary on each trip. Our multisport trips tend to draw some families (kids must be at least 10 years old) and a slightly younger crowd while our hiking trips tend to attract participants in their 30s to late 70s. There is generally a mix of couples, singles, friends and families. If traveling solo, you are sure to meet great new friends who share your interest in outdoor activities!
How will I know which trip is best for me?
Throughout this catalog, we try to give you an idea of what to expect on each specific type of tour. We believe a perception of your own fitness level plays the biggest part in whether you consider a trip difficult or easy. We encourage all guests to come to us in the best shape possible and with a “can-do” attitude. If this is your first tour with us, you may still have questions. Please give us a call; our office staff will be happy to help.
What are the trip ratings? Are they hard?
Our hiking vacations cover 5 to 12 miles each day with elevation gains of 300 feet or more. There are two guides on each tour, and you can almost always choose between a longer hike and a more leisurely hike. For this reason, we do not rate our tours. We cater to the beginning through advanced hiker. Although we do offer choices, remember that many of our trips are at a high altitude and trails may be neither flat nor smooth. During the day you’ll be in the wilderness. Please note that during those times bathrooms, cleaning facilities and other amenities are not always available. Your guides will instruct you on proper backcountry etiquette. You need to be in reasonably good physical shape to get the most out of the trips.
What is the typical group size?
Our maximum group size on any trip is 18 guests plus two guides, with a typical group size ranging between 12 and 16 people. If a group sign-up is below a minimum number of eight, we may choose to run the trip with only one guide. If that’s the case, you will be contacted and given the option to either switch to another trip or continue to participate.
How experienced do you have to be for the multisport trips?
Multisport vacations offer beginners a chance to try a multitude of sports at a leisurely pace. Although most multisport vacations cater to the beginner, our two-guide trip format allows us to offer more advanced athletes great opportunities to improve skills as well. As with all our tours, we do suggest you be in good physical condition to enjoy the trip thoroughly.
What is included in the price?
From the minute we pick you up at the airport until we drop you off, almost every detail is paid for and taken care of. All meals, lodging and equipment rentals on multisport tours are included. Airfare, drinks at dinner (except soft drinks, coffee and tea) and guide gratuities are excluded.
How much should I tip my guides?
Although not mandatory, guide gratuities are customary. A typical tip is 7% to 8% of the trip price—in other words, a tip of $120 to $150 per guest for a 5-day trip.
Will I feel comfortable traveling solo?
Do you have different vacation times or interests than your spouse or friends? No problem! We regularly have guests who travel by themselves. You are sure to feel welcome and to meet lots of interesting folks. Our trip prices are based on double occupancy. Solo travelers may request a single room or a roommate and we will do our absolute best to accommodate the request. However, if we are unable to accommodate the request for a roommate, your trip cost will be subject to a single supplement.
Where do we stay at night?
Our trips are 100% lodge-based. We have chosen the inns based on location, comfort and style. Some of the inns are more rustic and others downright cushy, but all provide a great homebase for the day’s adventures.
What kind of photography equipment do I need for the Tahoe Photo & Hiking trip?
Film cameras are acceptable but digital cameras are strongly recommended as they will allow you to participate in the group critiques. Lightweight tripods are encouraged but not required.
