Terms and Conditions
By accepting the quote and/or paying the corresponding deposit, the guest expressly accepts the following policies, terms, and conditions for Cat-Skiing, Heli-Skiing experiences, and stays at El Azufre (hereinafter, «The Company»).
1. Deposit and Payment Policies
- Reservation Confirmation: A 30% deposit of the total value is required to confirm the reservation and secure availability.
- Balance Payment: The remaining balance (70%) must be paid in full 30 days prior to the scheduled check-in date.
- Payment Default: If cancellation occurs before the balance payment deadline (30 days prior to the trip) or if the guest fails to pay the balance on the stipulated date, the initial 30% deposit will be strictly non-refundable.
- Cancellation by the Guest: If cancellation occurs within 30 days prior to the check-in date and the total amount has been paid, 30% of the total reservation will be kept as credit for a future reservation within one (1) year. Under no circumstances will cash refunds be issued for guest cancellations.
- Resale of Dates: Exceptionally, if El Azufre manages to resell the canceled dates to another client, the total amount paid (full deposit) may be applied as credit for a future reservation within one (1) year. Any applicable fare differences must be paid.
- Reservation Transfer: The guest may transfer their reservation to a third party by sending a written request at least 72 hours prior to the check-in date. The new guest must take the exact same dates, provide all required access information, and comply with all health and safety conditions. This transfer is subject to El Azufre’s confirmation and applies exclusively to new guests.
- Minimum Operating Guests: The Lodge requires a minimum of 6 guests to operate (who may come from different reservations). If this number is not reached, El Azufre reserves the right to cancel the reservation, offering a credit for a future stay within the same or the following season.
- Weather Impact on Arrival/Departure: El Azufre is an off-the-grid high-mountain operation. Weather conditions can severely affect helicopter arrival and departure dates and times. The Company will keep the client informed of any changes. If the new dates or times forced by the weather do not work for the client, no cash refunds will be issued; instead, a credit for the value of the trip will be granted, valid for one year.
- Wild and Uncontrolled Environment: Heliskiing and Catskiing take place in a wild and remote mountain environment. No guarantees are offered regarding snow quality, weather, visibility, wind, or snowpack stability (avalanche risk). These natural factors may limit or prevent helicopter flights and/or skiing operations.
- Scheduling and Right to Operate: The ski program is coordinated directly at the Lodge during the stay. Specific operating days are planned on-site based on safety conditions evaluated by guides and pilots.
- Non-Voluntary Participation: If mountain and weather conditions allow for safe operation and El Azufre decides to operate, but the guest or group freely chooses not to ski, this will be considered non-voluntary participation and will not be eligible for any type of credit or rescheduling.
- Heliday (Optional day program): The minimum requirement for a Heliday is 3 people. The specific date is coordinated on-site. If the preferred day cannot be operated due to weather or availability and there is no other possibility to do it during the remaining stay, a credit will be issued for use in the current or following season (no refund option).
- Credits for Non-Operated Days: In Mini Week Heli or Full Week Heli programs, if El Azufre cannot operate the flights due to strict weather or safety conditions, the company’s current compensation policy will apply through a credit applicable to future stays.
- The rate indicated in the quote remains valid only until the expiration date stipulated therein.
- Programs operate with very limited availability and are assigned strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Only a confirmed payment grants the right to a secured spot at the Lodge.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance: It is mandatory for each guest to have extreme travel or medical rescue insurance that covers backcountry skiing activities and helicopter evacuation.
- Assumption of Risk (Waiver): Before starting any activity, the guest must sign an Assumption of Risk and Liability Release document, acknowledging the inherent dangers of wild mountain skiing (avalanches, uncontrolled terrain, etc.).
- Ski/Snowboard Technical Level: An advanced level is required for Heli-Skiing. For Cat-Skiing, all levels are welcome as there are groomed runs, not just off-piste terrain. If the guest’s actual level delays the group or puts it at risk, the guides may restrict their participation without the right to a refund.
- Guide Authority and Zero Tolerance: The decision of guides and pilots is final. Participation will be denied to any guest under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who fails to follow safety rules, without the option of a refund.
