Q. How long has Paragon
Guides been in business and what is your professional background?
A. Paragon Guides began in 1978 as a small guiding company prior
to merging with two other companies in 1985. Buck Elliott,
Paragon's president and director, has designed the company
to represent a consortium of guides who have a personal and
professional commitment to the guiding profession. Paragon's
guides are carefully chosen on the basis of their outdoor background,
personalities, and genuine love of the wilderness. A variety
of backgrounds our represented that range from Outward Bound
and NOLS instructors, National Park Rangers and local mountaineers;
all sharing an appreciation for and a broad depth of experience
in the outdoors. All guides have minimum certifications and
training for medical emergencies in Wilderness First Responder
or EMT, and CPR. Our Guide Training Programs cover everything
from backcountry risk assessment, emergency management, annual
avalanche training, local flora and fauna, outdoor cooking,
personalities and group dynamics, leadership training and an
ongoing evaluation/sharing of personal mountaineering skills.
We are well aware that the quality of your trip depends a great
deal on the quality of your guides and we are constantly our
skills accordingly. Our philosophy is to share with you a quality
outdoor experience while providing opportunities for you to
discover the backcountry on your own.
Q. What do I need to
know about high altitude and dehydration?
A. Many people have
been at altitudes above 10,000 feet before, but what seems
to affect people the most is physical exertion and spending
24 hours or more at elevation. There is about 40-45% less oxygen
and about 50-80% less humidity available in the surrounding
mountains than at sea level. Participants all too often do
not take the elevation seriously and suffer the consequences
accordingly. Some have minor reactions of headaches and difficulty
sleeping, a few may suffer with acute mountain sickness (AMS).
For participants coming from sea level, staying in the Vail/Avon
area at 8,000 feet for 2 nights or more prior to going up to
elevations of 10,000 - 11,000 ft. and higher will help to prevent
many of the reactions to altitude. Rest as much as possible
your first day here and avoid alcohol, caffeine and over eating.
Drinking water on a regular basis to the point of saturation
cannot be emphasized enough. We would be happy to mail or fax
additional high altitude information to you and can put you
in touch with local physicians who are specialists in high
altitude research.
Q. Where and when will the trip end?
A. We generally pick up your group from the trailhead between
2:30-3:30 p.m. on the last day. A return drive can take anywhere
from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the final trailhead.
We will return you to our Backcountry Center or your local
lodging between 3-5 p.m. considering weather or unforeseen
circumstances. If you plan to fly out that day, make reservations
for an evening flight, this allows time to clean up prior to
the 2 1/2 hour return drive to Denver, however a snow storm
can alter your flight plans considerably.
Q. Do I need to be
an athlete to do this?
A. Although we do get many athletic
people on our trips, it is not necessary to be a highly skilled
athlete. However, we do need you to have a physically active
lifestyle that involves at least 3 aerobic workouts a week.
Being in good physical shape will add to the enjoyment of your
trip as your body responds to the challenges of the outdoors.
We have had small children to 70+ year old adults participate
in our treks with great enjoyment and a personal sense of accomplishment.
Honestly evaluating your fitness and skills will enable you
to choose or design a trip that best fits your ability and
objectives, assuring you a backcountry adventure that will
be a memorable experience.
Q. How much will I be carrying in
my backpack?
Backcountry Skiing - Sleeping bags and
the bulk of our food are cached at each hut. You will be carrying
your personal clothing and gear along with a small
bag of the fresh food or community gear. Your pack will probably
weigh 20-30 lbs. depending on the length of your trip and amount
of personal gear. What and how to pack will be discussed at
the Pre-trip Orientation meeting.
Llama Trekking - If you are
using our llamas on your trip, they will be carrying the majority
of the gear. You will be carrying a portion of your own clothing
and personal gear, with a small camp bag on your llama. Your
pack will weigh about 15-20 lbs.
Mountain Biking - On your
bike, you will have a bag for camera, sunscreen, rain gear
and other items that you would want for easy access. For the
days that include hiking, a small daypack will be sufficient.
All our multi-day bike trip are vehicle supported.
Q. What
will the weather be like?
Winter - Colorado winters are well
known for mild temperatures and clear skies, however, storm
patterns can produce extreme temperature drops, strong winds
and blizzard conditions. The Equipment List items will prepare
you for these conditions. Please be sure that you have all
items. The sun's UV rays are much stronger at elevation, good
quality sunglasses and a good Sunblock are necessities for
any outdoor activity. Dehydration can present a problem due
to the dry climate and exertion at high altitude, always have
at least 1 quart of water (preferably more) with you and drink
often.
Summer - Colorado summers are well known
for their comfortable temperatures and dry climate. The nights
are cool with temperatures varying from 30-50°. Day temperatures range from 40-70°+.
Wind and rain combined with high elevations can cause the temperature
to drop very quickly, a dusting of snow is always a possibility.
Having the proper clothing will make your time in the mountains
more enjoyable. The sun's UV rays are much stronger at elevation,
sunglasses and a good Sunblock are necessities for any outdoor
activity. Dehydration can present a problem due to the dry
climate and exertion at high altitude, always have at least
1 quart of water with you and drink often.
Q. What if I have
to cancel?
A. It happens, a schedule conflict, illness,
injury or a family emergency occurs before your trip departs.
Paragon Guides' cancellation policy:
- If
canceling more than 8 weeks out from the trip departure date,
we will refund your deposit, retaining a booking / cancellation
fee of $100.00 per person.
- If canceling within 8 to
6 weeks of the departure date there are no refunds available,
but we will offer you a percentage of your trip amount paid as
a credit toward another Paragon Guides trip, summer or winter,
within one year from the date of cancellation.
- If canceling
within 6 weeks of the trip date, there are no refunds and no
credits available.
- If a scheduled trip is cancelled
by Paragon Guides, we will refund your money in full and offer
you a discounted rate on a future trip with us.
Q. Do I need
Trip Insurance?
A. We recommend that individuals protect their
investment in a trip by purchasing Trip Cancellation / Interruption
Insurance. It will reimburse you for non-refundable costs of
your travel expenses due to unexpected cancellations and other
possible interruptions. Trip insurance can be purchased through
your travel agent or CSA Travel Protection at 1-800-348-9505
or csatravelprotection.com, can help with your travel insurance
needs.
Q. Do I tip my guides?
A. Much like any
other service industry, tipping is voluntary and based upon the
merit of the service. Paragon Guides management does not involve
itself in the tipping of guides, nor is a gratuity built into
the trip cost. However, you will see the efforts that your guide
has put into the success of your trip along with the pre-trip
preparations, and while your guide is not working for the tip,
a tip shows your own appreciation for the guide's efforts and
is well appreciated by the guide. The parameters of tipping a
guide are quite vague, but roughly 10-15% of your trip cost is
a customary average.
Contact Paragon Guides today to join us on a backcountry adventure!
970.926.5299 or Toll-Free: 877.926.5299
info@paragonguides.com • contact form
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