Awareness of Risk 

I am fully aware about the nature of the activities I am going to participate and I am physically and mentally fit to safely participate in such activities.

I have not been advised to not participate by a qualified medical professional. I certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude my participation in the activity. I certify that I have sufficient medical and/or travel insurance coverage to engage in such activities, or am prepared to accept the risk of not having insurance. I am aware of the risks of this activity as it involves moderately strenuous physical exercise that requires average health to participate. The risks include, but are not limited to, those caused by terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, condition of participants, equipment, vehicular traffic, lack of hydration, and actions of other people including, but not limited to, participants, volunteers, service providers and their employees. 

I am fully aware and understand that the activities in which I am participating in under the arrangement of Echo Trails & Rails, its employees, agents, and associates are potentially dangerous and that there are risks inherent in all outdoor activities.

I hereby assume all of the risks of participation for the activity I booked for, including by way of example and not limitation, any risks that may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities being released, from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned, maintained, or controlled by them, or because of their possible liability without fault. 

Medical Considerations 

If you have any medical or psychological conditions, it’s important you let us know well before departure so that we can make extra arrangements if necessary. ECHO Rails & Trails and its guides have the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if they feel the trip member is mentally or physically incapable to continue and/or if a trip member’s continued participation jeopardizes the group’s or his/her own safety. ECHO Rails & Trails is not a medical facility and therefore has no responsibility regarding medical advice, medications or inoculations that you or your doctor deem necessary for your safe participation. 

ECHO Rails & Trails assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care. By registering for your trip and accepting these Terms and Conditions, you agree to pay for emergency evacuation and emergency medical care. 

Your obligations as a tour member 

By participating in an ECHO Rails & Trails tour, you assume certain obligations to ECHO Rails & Trails and the other trip members. 

It is your responsibility to: 

1. Understand the conditions implied in the Activity Level rating of your selected trip Select a trip that is appropriate to your interests and abilities.
2. Prepare for the trip by familiarizing yourself with the trip itinerary. 
3. Bring appropriate gear and clothing as advised by ECHO Rails & Trails. 
4. Follow considerate standards of personal hygiene in order to reduce risk of contracting diseases. 
5. Follow considerate social behaviour with other trip participants and respect their habits. 
6. Respect the areas in which we travel by using environmentally safe products, staying on established routes of travel and not littering. 
7. Abide by instruction/rules/outdoor ethics written or communicated by ECHO Rails & Trails staff or affiliates. 
8. ECHO Rails & Trails reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour participant should such person’s behaviour, health or mental condition impede the operation of the trip. 

Our Legal Limitations

ECHO Rails & Trails may contract with independent contractors to provide transportation, guide services and/or all other related travel services. We assume no responsibility, however caused, for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service provided by an independent contractor or resulting directly from the following: Acts of God, detention, annoyance, terrorism, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, strikes, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, discrepancies or change in transit or hotel services over which we have no control. We reserve the right to make reasonable changes in the itinerary where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of trip members. 

By accepting these Terms and Conditions and registering for this ECHO Rails & Trails tour, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. 

Release 

In participating in this activity, I hereby take action for myself as follows: I waive, release and discharge ECHO Rails & Trails and their owners, staff members, affiliates, agents, and employees, and their successors and assigns, from any and all liability including but not limited to, liability arising from the negligence or fault or the entities or persons released, for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to me including my traveling to and from this activity. 

Indemnification 

I indemnify, hold harmless, and promise not to sue the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities made as a result of participation in this activity, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. I hereby agree to indemnify and hold ECHO Rails & Trails harmless for any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may bring about as a result of such claim, to the fullest extent permitted by law. I also agree not to sue or make claim against the Released Party for death, injuries, loss or harm that occur on the trip. 

Medical Release 

I hereby consent to receive emergency medical treatment which may be deemed advisable in the event of accident, injury, and/or illness during this activity. I accept financial responsibility for any search, rescue, or emergency transport or treatment needed by me in the course of this activity. 

Social Media 

I understand while participating in this activity I may be photographed/videoed and I agree to allow my picture, video, or likeness to be used for any legitimate purpose by ECHO Rails & Trails. 

Cancellation policy for Day-Tours

The tour departs rain or shine. In rare cases, if the conditions are unsafe, we may suggest for alternatives or we can refund the full amount. 

Full refund if cancelled before 7 days  before  the tour departure.

50% refund if cancelled between 6 and 3 days  before departure.

No refund if cancelled within 48 hours  of departure.

Cancellation policy for Multi-Day-Tours & Rail Tours

Cancellations made before 90 days prior to departure are subject to a $200 per person cancellation fee.

Cancellations made between 45 to 89 days prior to departure are subject to $1,000 per person cancellation fee

Cancellations made within 44 days prior to departure are subject to a 100% non-refundable cancellation fee.

Swiss hotel and transportation suppliers require pre-payments and have strict non-cancellation policies. 

Pre-paid train tickets, excursions, and hotels nights are subject to additional penalties. 

Transportation vouchers and Railpasses are bearer documents and cannot be refunded if lost or stolen. 

Final payment for your trip is due 90 days prior to your trip departure. If payment has not been made by this date, we reserve the right to cancel your trip reservations. 

If a guided tour does not meet the required minimum number of participants, we reserve the right to cancel the trip 90 days prior to departure. In that case, we will fully refund any payments made. 

Cancellation Policy for Custom Trips

Deposit is non-refundable.

Cancellations made between 60 and 45 days before the departure are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.

Cancellation made within 44 days of departure are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.

If the number of guests in the private group changes prior to final payment, the tour price for all guests will be adjusted accordingly. Once all final payments are made the guest cancelling would be responsible for their own cancellation fees plus the increased cost to the remaining passengers. If a cancelation results in a passenger in a single room a single room supplemental charge will be deducted from any refund due to the cancelling guest. We do not issue refunds for any activities, meals, accommodations, or other features included on a guided trip that you may choose not to use.  

This is a legal binding contract

I certify that I have read this document and I fully understand its content. I am aware that this is a contractual release of Liability and I agree to it of my own free will. 

(If participant is under age 18, the signature of parent of or guardian below indicated their agreement to the above conditions.)