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Reservations

All trips require registration and payment in advance (please complete the online reservation form). To ensure a space, we recommend making your reservation at least one week in advance. When space is available, we are pleased to accept reservations on a last-minute basis, so you may call even the day before a trip.

International Credit Cards

International credit cards cannot be processed using our website. If you do not have a credit card with a US address, please send us an email and we will help you arrange payment.

Wait List

Will someone really notify me if I put myself on the Wait List for a trip?
Yes.
One thing that sets us apart from our competition is our commitment to follow-up with our clients. If a trip is sold out, but a spot(s) open, we immediately open the trip on our website send an email to everyone on the waitlist. You can always see how many spots are open: click on the trip description page, and scroll down to the tan Register box. When there are less than 10 spots left, a message will display, i.e., “4 spacest(s) left”. We don’t inflate our enrollment numbers-we don’t have to.

Confirmation

When you complete your registration, you will receive an e-receipt immediately (please check your junk filter). On the Friday before the trip, you will receive a final confirmation by email and you will receive trip details and preparation suggestions. You can always view trip details by looking at the trip page on the website.

Driving Yourself?

If you wish to drive to meet us, most trips offer that option with a $10 discount (see specific trip). On some sold-out trips, we can accomodate extra drivers. To find out about extra spots on a sold-out trip, please call us: 212-579-4568.

Departure Details

Our passenger vans depart from different locations, depending on the specific trip. Please review the “Event Details” section on the trip page for the specific trip and date that you are registering for.

Refunds & Cancellations

1. A full refund will be given for a cancellation with at least two weeks’ notice (national and international trips have separate policies), a 5% credit card fee may apply.
2. A full trip credit will be given with one week’s notice.
3. There is a $30 change fee (plus difference in trip prices, if any) for any reschedule within one week of the trip.
4. Absolutely no cancellations within 24 hours.
5. If a trip is rescheduled due to unsatisfactory snow/weather/trail/river conditions, full credit for the trip may be applied to any other trip for one year.
6. Trip credit can be accessed through your Rewards account. If you don’t have a Rewards account, you should! It’s free, easy and you will start earning points on your next adventure.
7. Please note: certain trips and events have specific restrictions on refunds and/or rescheduling. Please carefully read the full trip/event description for any special policies that apply.

Credits

We reserve the right to make changes in the trip schedule as a result of weather or safety considerations or as otherwise deemed necessary or advisable. If your trip is cancelled due to weather, trail, or river conditions, or circumstances beyond our control, you will receive a full credit for a future trip, or you may transfer to the next available date for the event. All trip credits may be applied to any trip for one full year.

To use a credit you have with us, please call or e-mail to make your reservation using your credit.

Weather Conditions

“There is no bad weather—just unprepared people.” Light rain or merely a forecast of adverse weather will not affect the schedule. If a trip is rescheduled due to heavy rain, etc., we will notify you a minimum of twelve (12) hours before the trip.

For winter day trips: if there is insufficient snow for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, the trip will convert to a winter hike and we will notify you at least one (1) day in advance.

If your trip is cancelled due to weather, trail, or river conditions, you will receive a full credit for a future trip, or you may transfer to the next available date for the event.

Winter Hike FAQ’s

For winter hikes, dress yourself as you would for a day of skiing. That means warm layers! More layers than you think you need. The areas we hike are 10-30° colder than Manhattan’s temperatures, and often windy—we will be in the mountains.

In addition to layers of outdoor-appropriate clothing (no jeans), you need a coat or jacket that you can move freely in, hat, scarf or neckwarmer, gloves, warm socks and a hat. Handwarmers from the drugstore are also a great idea. Hiking boots are a must in the winter (preferably Gore-Tex–lined). No tennis shoes. If you have small thermos, fill it with something hot—tea, cocoa, soup. You will also need at least 2 liters of water in your pack. Winter hiking is awesome … as long as you are prepared!

Policy for Extended Trips: Weekend-Long, Multi-Day, & Adventure Travel Trips

For specific cancellation and refund policies related to extended trips (weekend-long, multi-day, or adventure travel trips), please refer to the trip description page for that trip. If you have any questions, please contact us, 212 579 4568.

Tipping

Our guides are the best you’ll find anywhere. If you had a great day or weekend with us, a tip would be most appreciated by the guide.

How can I earn Rewards Dollars?

Once you enroll in the program, every time you book a trip, you automatically earn Rewards Dollars. Your balance can be viewed in your My Profile page.

May I get credit for trips purchased before August 1, 2010?

Only trips purchased after the start of the program on August 1, 2010 will receive credit.

How can I redeem Rewards Dollars?

It’s easy: once you have earned Rewards Dollars, simply use them when you check out. You may purchase an entire trip with Rewards Dollars or in combination with US Dollars. One Rewards Dollar is worth one US Dollar.

Rewards Dollars Balance

Your Rewards Dollars can be found on your My Profile page.

Employment Opportunities

Guiding requires a passion for our clients, for the outdoors, and for sharing our wilderness knowledge and skills in a safe and professional manner. As a guide for Discover Outdoors, you must be exceptionally patient, possess solid wilderness skills, and be in top physical condition. We have been an Equal Opportunity Employer since 1982. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

To apply for a position, please e-mail a cover letter summarizing your skills and interest in guiding along with your resume.

Age Guidelines and Restrictions

You must be at least 18 years of age to attend a trip, with the exception of trips listed as a youth or family adventure.

Liability Waiver

All participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver before participating on any Discover Outdoors trips.