<<

Hiking ’s Lechweg August 24 – September 6, 2019 (Trip #1937)

Hello! I am pleased you are interested in joining me hiking Austria’s Lechweg, ​ a guided trip following the River from western Austria into . Please read the information carefully, and then contact me if you have specific questions about this trip: Éva Borsody Das 781-925-9733 (before 9pm); [email protected] . ​ ​

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The Lechweg follows the River Lech for almost 78 miles, from its spring near the Formarinsee lake in Austria to the Lechfall waterfall in Füssen in Germany. Our route includes days in the high mountains which rise above the valley, as well as days in the valley wending our way through pretty villages on good paths and tracks. The villages in the Valley are famous throughout Tirol for their elaborate frescos painted on the facades of farmhouses. Dating back to the 18th century, they show scenes from everyday farm life and stories from the Bible. has a particularly large number of these paintings. The Lechweg crosses over the longest-span swing bridge in Austria, and up to the royal castles of King Ludwig II of .

OVERVIEW

12 nights guided trip with baggage transfers between hotels. 9 hiking days and 2 days off. 11-14 participants.

Hiking days range from 4 ½ to 7 hours per day, not counting breaks. The hikes range in length from 8 – 15 ½ miles. The highest altitude is 8300 feet. The greatest total daily ascent is 2300 feet, and the greatest total daily descent is 3700 feet. 1500 feet altitude gain and 2300 feet loss is a typical daily average.

Accommodation: 3* & 4* hotels, 11 nights bed, breakfast & dinner; one night bed & breakfast. ​ ​

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT OF ME

My number one trip priority will be to see that you have a wonderful experience on the trip and return home safely.

I hope to make this trip as cost effective as possible. Because we will have the services of a full time guide, I will be the only leader. You are welcome to use frequent flyer miles or make your own flight arrangements, possibly arriving earlier or staying on later than the group.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU

You should be curious about other cultures and comfortable traveling in areas which are unfamiliar to you. You should recognize that you may find yourself in closer quarters or be less comfortable than you are used to at home. You should make it a priority to help others on the trip and contribute to their having a great time. If you do that, I guarantee that you will have a great time.

When you participate in this activity, you should be prepared both physically and mentally, and equipped with the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. We are not responsible for your safety—you are.

As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with volunteer leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips and camps, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, by boat, or on a bike. When you apply for acceptance onto a trip, please carefully read and sign the Adventure Travel Acknowledgement ​ ​ and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and call if you have any ​ questions.

This trip is rated moderate to vigorous. People wishing to participate in this trip must have previous hiking experience at the intermediate level. You need to be prepared to commit yourself to keeping in shape between the time you sign up for the trip to the time you depart for it. You must be able to hike six to seven hours a day (for as much as 15 miles), not including breaks, at a moderate pace, with elevation gains of up to 2,300 feet, and descents over 3000 feet, while carrying enough equipment in your day pack to keep you safe in the event of bad weather or injury. Please see the gear list below.

It may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of group or individual safety. Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of some conditions that might result in a participant’s being unable to perform one or more activity. It may not always be possible to find a substitute activity for the trip member.

Prior to your being accepted as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. Please do not be offended by our questions.

Itinerary

NB the times below are walking times and do not included stops for lunch etc. As on all trips, the leaders reserve the right to change the itinerary for reasons such as weather, trail conditions, or unforeseen circumstances.

Day 0 Saturday August 24th ​ Fly from USA to Munich, Germany

Day 1 Sunday August 25th ​ Arrive Lech Am Arlberg (Austria) ​

Travel to starting point. Transport from Munich airport can be arranged. Orientation meeting in the evening.

Meals included: Evening meal

Lech Am Arlberg

Day 2 Monday August 26th ​ Lechweg section 1 – Formarinsee to Lech Am Arlberg

We take a bus and then a short walk up to the Formarinsee lake (6200 ft) and then have a gentle and interesting start to the trip on paths running close to the Lech river. The trail crosses mountain pastures and passes, weathered limestone boulders, passing the Steinbock (Ibex)-Monument, a reminder of the resettlement of these animals into the wild in 1958. One of the largest ibex colonies in Europe lives in this area.

Farther down the valley the Lechweg passes the village of Zug where fresh fish are caught and grilled.

11 ½ miles, 5 hours. Total ascent 740 ft. Descent 2100ft. Highest point 6200 ft.

Meals included: Breakfast and evening meal at Lech

Formarinsee

Day 3 Tuesday August 27th ​ A circuit above Lech Am Alberg

Using the Rüfikopf cable car from Lech, we can start the hike at 7736 ft with a variety of routes at high altitude, returning to Lech in the afternoon via the cable car.

Possible route: 8 miles, 5 hours. Total ascent 2300 ft. Descent 2300 ft. Highest point 8300 ft.

Meals: Breakfast and evening meal at Lech

Monzabonsee, near to Rüfikopf ​

Day 4 Wednesday August 28th ​ Lechweg section 2 – Lech Am Arlberg to Warth

The second section of the Lechweg passes through the village of Stubenbach, then stays close to the river through a ravine before a climb up to Warth, or, take the Oberlech chairlift to 1640 m ​ ​ and a high route past the Warther Horn (2256m) and Burstegg and gently down to Warth.

9 miles, 5 hours. Total ascent 1400 ft. Descent 1300 ft. Highest point 5000 ft. or,

9 miles, 5 ½ hours. Total ascent 1700 ft. Descent 2700 ft. Highest point 7400 ft.

Meals: Breakfast at Lech and evening meal at Warth

Burstegg

Day 5 Thursday August 29th ​ Lechweg section 3 – Warth to Hägerau

The third section of the Lechweg starts on easy tracks above the valley before dropping down to the village of Steeg, before continuing through fields and woods to Hägerau.

10 ½ miles, 4 ½ hours. Total ascent 1350 ft. Descent 2550 ft. Highest point 5300 ft.

Meals: Breakfast at Warth and evening meal at Hägerau

Holzgau

Day 6 Friday August 30th ​ A day at Holzgau

A day off, which can include a short local walk to visit the Simms waterfall and cross the 660 ft ​ ​ long Holzgau suspension bridge. Holzgau village is worthy of a visit, with many houses decorated with huge frescos, as is the parish church Maria Himmelfahrt, with its altar paintings by Johann Jakob Zeiler and Joseph Keller. The Sebastian Chapel, which dates from 1497, has its original artwork on view. There is also a beer brewery which can be visited. Holzgau is about a level mile from Hägerau and can be easily reach on foot or by regular public bus.

Meals: Breakfast and evening meal at Hägerau.

Holzgau suspension bridge

Day 7 Saturday August 31 Lechweg section 4 – Hägerau to

The fourth section of the Lechweg passes the hamlet of Kraichen and then follows the river through Bach to Elbigenalp. An alternative route takes a chairlift at Kraichen to follow a delightful easy high level route, the Alpenroseweg, followed by a well graded descent to Elbigenalp.

11 miles, 5 ½ hours. Total ascent 1950 ft. Descent 2250 ft. Highest point 4300 ft. or,

12 miles, 6 hours. Total ascent 2150 ft. Descent 3850 ft. Highest point 6400 ft.

Meals: Breakfast at Hägerau and evening meal at Elbigenalp

Alpenroseweg

Day 8 Sunday September 1 Lechweg section 5 – Elbigenalp to

The fifth section of the Lechweg is quite long but on easy paths and forest tracks with several panoramic view points and attractive villages.

After the village of Haeselgehr the Lechweg passes the Doser waterfall – where the water comes from a cave and dries up on St. Martin's Day (November 11th) and springs back on St. George's Day (April 23rd). According to legend, a dragon is responsible for this - it lets the stream flow and disappear at the right times.

13 miles, 6 ½ hours. Total ascent 2300 ft. Descent 2600 ft. Highest point 3900 ft.

Meals: Breakfast at Elbigenalp. The hotel at Stanzach does not have a restaurant so we will need to eat at a local restaurant – cost of this meal is not included in the holiday price.

Day 9 Monday September 2 Lechweg section 6 – Stanzach to Höfen

The sixth section of the Lechweg starts by following a path along the gravel banks of the river before arriving at the village of Weissenbach where we have a choice. Either we take the path following the river direct to Höfen or we take a longer more spectacular route up to the ruined Festung fortress and Ehrenburg castle with stunning views and then a well graded route takes us back down into the valley.

12 ½ miles, 5 ½ hours. Total ascent 600 ft. Descent 900 ft. Highest point 3200 ft. or,

15 ½ miles, 7 hours. Total ascent 1800 ft. Descent 2100 ft. Highest point 4200 ft.

Meals: Breakfast at Stanzach and evening meal at Höfen

Festung fortress Day 10 Tuesday September 3 A day at Höfen

A day off again! ​ ​ ​ ​ The interesting town of is a short bus ride away where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and a museum. On the outskirts of Höfen is a chairlift which goes up to 5679 ft and which gives access to many easy and less easy walks.

Meals: Breakfast and evening meal at Höfen.

Day 11 Wednesday September 4 Lechweg section 7 – Höfen to Hohenschwangau (Germany) ​

A long section of the Lechweg takes us through the village of and then over the border into Germany passing the Alpsee lake and castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein.

14 miles, 6 ½ hours. Total ascent 2300 ft. Descent 2300 ft. Highest point 3300 ft.

Meals: Breakfast at Höfen and evening meal Hohenschwangau

Day 12 Thursday September 5 Visit to the and final section of the Lechweg to Füssen (Germany) ​

We will try and visit the castle as early as possible to avoid the crowds that build up during the day, this being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. We will organise a booking for the whole group and arrange to collect the tickets. Payment can be made on the day.

The final section of the Lechweg passes between the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes before the final climb of the Lechweg with good views over the rooftops of Füssen. A path leads down to the Lechfall waterfall the end of the Lechweg trail. A short walk through the town leads to our hotel. There should be time to explore the interesting town.

4 miles, 2 hours. Total ascent 700 ft. Descent 800 ft. Highest point 3300 ft.

Meals: Breakfast and evening meal at Füssen, Germany.

Neuschwanstein castle

Day 13 Friday September 6th ​ End of tour The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast at Füssen.

ACCOMMODATIONS & MEAL SUMMARY

We will be staying in a range of 3* and 4* hotels with 11 nights bed, breakfast & dinner and one night just bed & breakfast. Full details of all hotels will be provided later. Lunch food will be available for purchase in the towns and villages where we stay.

Important information concerning twin bed rooms - the Austrian standard "twin" bed can be a surprise. A twin bedroom in Austria is usually two mattresses made up as singles but in/on one base unit - NOT two separate beds. This may be too cozy for some people. We have managed to find hotels that can provide up to 3 or 4 twin bed rooms with two separate beds, but on one or two nights this cannot be guaranteed.

Baggage transfers

During the trip all baggage transfers will be arranged between hotels.

Local transport not included

There are three or four days when we expect to use local buses, cable cars and/or chairlifts. The cost of this is not included in the trip price. This is principally because, in the event of poor weather, we may choose a low level hike which does not require transport.

What is not included

Round Trip Airfare to Munich, Germany - estimated at $1,000. The leader will provide assistance in purchasing airfares at the most advantageous price. Getting to the first hotel at Lech Am Arlberg. Transport away from the last hotel at Füssen. Lunches. It will be possible to buy food in all the villages/towns where we stay. Evening meal Day 8, when the hotel only provides bed & breakfast. Personal expenses, including drinks at the hotels.

It is customary to tip the guide. What you tip, if anything, is up to you. When the trip ends, if you think the guide has done a fine job, I will recommend that you tip about $100.

The cost for the trip is based on quotes received in January, 2018. The final cost of the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best arrangements we can make. We may enjoy some savings, or may have to endure some increases..

The leaders’ expenses for the trip and administrative costs to support the trip are included in the trip costs to be shared by the participants. The trip fee also includes an AMC overhead charge to cover the administrative expenses of offering Adventure Travel trips, as well as emergency medical and evacuation insurance which is required by AMC. This is a non-profit excursion conducted by the leaders on a volunteer basis. Any unforeseen increases in costs will be shared by all participants. Any funds remaining after all expenses are paid will be divided among the participants in accordance with AMC Adventure Travel rules.

What is included Accommodation and meals as detailed above Excellent guide for the whole trip All baggage transfers between hotels Entrance fee to Neuschwanstein castle

Trip Leader – Éva Borsody Das ​ Éva has been leading AMC Adventure Travel trips since 2007, mostly in less visited places like ​ ​ Romania, Bulgaria, , Poland and Morocco. She is also a long-time hike leader for AMC's August Camp, and an all-season mountain hike leader for the Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter of AMC. She is a graduate of AMC's Mountain Leadership School, and is Wilderness First Aid/CPR certified. Éva's personal travels include summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Rainier, extended treks in Nepal and Ladakh, and day hiking around the world, including the Lycian Way in Turkey and in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentinian Patagonia. When not in the mountains or traveling, Éva does climate advocacy, and enjoys biking, swimming, kayaking, tai chi, contra dancing, and playing with her granddaughters.

Address: 59 Gosnold Street, Hull, MA 02045 Phone: 781-925-9733 E-mail address: [email protected]

Guide - Malcolm

Originally from England, Malcolm has lived in the Pyrenees over 20 years. He is a UK Certified Mountain Leader who has been leading groups in the Pyrenees since 1994 and delights in showing people the areas that he loves. Malcolm speaks fluent French, and has an insider’s knowledge of the best hikes, local flora and fauna, and area history and customs. He will join us at Lech Am Arlberg on day one and stay with us until after breakfast on day thirteen.

Trip Cost $2,800

It is customary to tip the guide. What you tip, if anything, is up to you. When the trip ends, if you think the guide has done a fine job, I will recommend that you tip about $100.

How to Proceed

If you would like to go on this trip, complete the application below and mail a check for $800 made out to the Appalachian Mountain Club to:

Éva Borsody Das, 59 Gosnold St., Hull, MA 02045

The balance of $2,000 is due by May 24, 2019.

When registration is complete, the trip leader will send all participants the names, addresses and phone numbers of those going on the trip. Email will be the primary source of communication.

CANCELLATIONS

The AMC cancellation policy is based on the simple precept that your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any of the participants or the leaders. Therefore, if you cancel, your refund will be all that you have paid, less expenses already incurred and future expenses which can’t be avoided. You may forfeit the amount budgeted for your lodging, local transportation, guide services and trip overhead, which is most of the trip fee. If you cancel and the trip still fully books, then your fees will be refunded in full except for $200. Please note, that you own any airline tickets that you purchase, so any refund on those tickets would be between you and the airline. Trip insurance is highly recommended.

EXPERIENCE AND RISKS

Prior to the trip you should consult your physician to see what, if any, vaccinations are recommended for travel to Western Europe. There are no particular risks associated with travel in this part of Europe, beyond those inherent in any trip in the mountains. Participants are expected to work with the leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all.

GEAR LIST

Here is a list of what to bring to have a good and safe time on the trip.

Day Pack, with rain cover, large enough to carry what is needed for your safety and convenience Personal first aid Rain gear (both jacket and pants) 2 water bottles (or equivalent) Wool or pile hat or balaclava Wool or pile gloves or mitts Extra pile or wool layer for warmth Comfortable hiking boots and socks Hiking shirts, short, long pants Long sleeve synthetic shirt Sunglasses Sun hat Sun protection lotion Lip protection balm Leisure clothes for sightseeing and restaurants (moderate amount) Personal toiletries Tevas, sandals or sneakers Head lamp with extra batteries Insect repellant

Optional recommendations: Ear plugs Bathing suit Small knife (packed in checked luggage) Camera & batteries Compass Extra shoelace Reading material for breaks in the action I recommend hiking with a pole or poles, but if you don’t like them, that’s fine.

The Trip Application is on the following page.

Application for Hiking Austria’s Lechweg (Trip #1937)

Please print everything legibly

Name: ______AMC Member ? ______

Address: ______

City, State, Zip: ______

Phones: Daytime: ______Evening: ______

Date of Birth (mm/dd/yy): ______Gender: ______Smoker? ______

Email Address: ______

Health or disabilities: (Please note any medical or physical restrictions) ______

Name, address, and phone number of person to contact in case of emergency: ______

Have you done mountain hiking previously? When and how often? ​ ​ ______Please print a brief summary of your recent hiking /backpacking experience on the back of this ​ ​ application.

How would you describe your physical condition and stamina? ______

Please print a description of how you maintain your physical condition on the back of this ​ ​ application. For example, I run 5 miles four times a week.

Have you gone on other AMC Major Excursions? _____ If so, who were the leaders?______

If this trip is filled, do you wish to be placed on a waiting list? ______

TRIP NAME______TRIP #______LEADER NAME______CO-LEADER NAME______

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB VOLUNTEER-LED AMC ADVENTURE TRAVEL TRIPS ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS & RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

INTRODUCTION PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT (hereafter 'Document') CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. All participants must sign this Document. For participants under 18 yrs. of age (hereafter sometimes ‘minor’ or ‘child’), one or both parent/s or guardian/s (hereafter collectively ‘parent/s’) must also sign. In consideration of the services of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of Massachusetts, and its chapters, including all officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, independent contractors, volunteers (including leaders and co-leaders), members and all other persons or entities associated with it (collectively referred to in this Document as 'AMC'), I (participant and parent/s of a minor participant), acknowledge and agree as follows: Appalachian Mountain Club contracts with individuals or organizations that are independent contractors (not employees or agents of Appalachian Mountain Club) to conduct some of the activities participants may engage in. Although the Appalachian Mountain Club has made efforts to locate responsible contractors, it does not supervise or control these contractors and is not responsible for their conduct. Participant (and parent/s) acknowledges that they may independently investigate and assess these organizations and activities, if they choose to do so. Further, Appalachian Mountain Club uses volunteers to assist with, and lead trips and excursions. These individuals are not paid professional guides or leaders. In all activities, all participants share in the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group. ACKNOWLEDGMENT & ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AMC volunteer-led AMC Adventure Travel trips can take place in the U.S. or in foreign countries. Activities (which may be scheduled or unscheduled, supervised or unsupervised, and/or occur during free or independent time) include, but are not limited to hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, backcountry or cross-country skiing, trail maintenance, mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and transportation or travel to and from activities (referred to in this Document as 'activities' or 'these activities'). These activities include inherent and other risks, hazards and dangers (referred to in this Document as ‘risks’) that can cause or lead to injury, damage, death or other loss to participant or others. The following includes some, but not all of those risks: Risks present in an outdoor, mountainous or wilderness environment on land or water, both on and off trail. Travel can be subject to storms, strong winds, high altitudes, avalanches, flashfloods, currents, waves, whitewater, lightning, rapidly moving rivers or other water bodies, difficult stream crossings, snow or ice, extremely hot, humid or cold weather or water, steep terrain, falling rock, stinging or disease carrying animals or insects, wild animals and other natural or man-made hazards and dangers. Hazards may not be marked and weather is unpredictable year-round. Risks associated with travel in the U.S. or a foreign country. Travel can involve unique risks, such as political unrest, terrorism and warfare, contact with unusual diseases, exposure to contaminated food or water, dangerous road or travel conditions, thievery, abduction and other risks. Participants may be subject to laws and legal systems in foreign countries that do not provide the same protections as the U.S. legal system. Risks in decision making, including, without limitation, the risk that AMC may misjudge a participant’s capabilities, health or fitness level, or misjudge some aspect of instruction, medical treatment, weather, terrain, water level, or route location. Personal health and participation risks. The risk that participant’s mental, physical or emotional condition (disclosed or undisclosed, known or unknown) combined with participation in these activities could result in injury, damage, death or other loss. The risk that equipment used in an activity may be misused, or may break, fail or malfunction. AMC activities may take place in remote places, several hours or days from medical facilities, causing potential delays or difficulties with communication, transportation, evacuation and medical care. Medical facilities may be primitive, inadequate or inaccessible. Risks connected with cooking and camping chores. Risks include gas explosion, scalding or other burns associated with cooking over a gas stove or open fire, and water contamination in natural water sources. All water may be contaminated and should be disinfected, filtered or boiled before use. Risks associated with transportation. Travel can be on foot or by vehicle, aircraft, train, taxi, bicycle, animal, boat or other means and can be over rough and unpredictable terrain or via oceans or rivers, with wind, rain, or other adverse weather conditions. Risks involved in riding or dealing with animals, including without limitation, horses, donkeys, llamas or camels. Animals are unpredictable in all circumstances, whether participants are mounting, dismounting, saddling, riding, or dealing with animals in any way. Without warning, animals can kick, bite, stomp, rear, fall down, and react to the environment, people, other animals or objects. Risks include equipment that may fail, saddles that may slip and other riders who may not control their animals. Risks regarding conduct, including the potential that the participant, or other participants or third parties (e.g. general public, rescue squad, medical facility) may act carelessly or recklessly. Risks regarding free or independent time. Participants will have free and unsupervised time during, before or after the start of an AMC program. This may include periods of free time, or family/participant time alone while engaged in independent travel away from the group. AMC may provide information to individuals and families regarding local recreation opportunities or areas available during free time, or, provide transportation to and from activity sites. Participants and parent/s of minors are exclusively responsible for theirand their child/s conduct, supervision and activity choices during this independent free time. During both supervised and unsupervised activities, all participants share in the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Page 2 of 2 11/2011

Other risks that are generally associated with instructional, educational and/or adventure activities. These and other risks may result in participants: falling, being struck, colliding with objects or people, experiencing vehicle or boat collision or capsize, drowning, reacting to high altitudes, weather conditions or increased exertion, suffering gastro-intestinal complications or allergic reactions, becoming lost or disoriented, or experiencing other problems. These and other circumstances may cause hyperthermia, hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, burns, high altitude sickness, heart or lung complications, broken bones, concussions, paralysis, mental or emotional trauma or other injury, damage, death or loss. I (participant and parent(s) of a minor participant) agree: To accurately complete all required forms (including the AMC application and medical forms), abide by the terms of those documents, and obey all AMC rules, regulations and policies; If participant has any mental, physical or emotional conditions or limitations that might affect his/her ability to participate I agree to disclose those to AMC, and represent that participant is fully capable of participating without causing harm to him/herself or others; AMC is, and has been available, should I have further questions about these activities and the associated risks; AMC cannot assure participant's safety or eliminate any of these risks. Participant takes responsibility for having appropriate skills, physical conditioning, equipment and supplies for these activities. Participant is voluntarily participating with knowledge of the risks. Therefore, participant (and parent/s of minors) assume and accept full responsibility for the inherent and other risks (both known and unknown) of these activities, and for any injury, damage, death or other loss suffered by participant (and parent/s of minors), resulting from those risks and/or resulting from participant’s negligence or other misconduct. RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT Please read carefully. This Release and Indemnity agreement contains a surrender of certain legal rights. Certain federal land agencies do not allow service providers to be released by their clients from liability for injuries or other losses occurring while operating under permit on those federal lands ('restricted federal lands'). Therefore, except to the extent federal rules or regulations prohibit my doing so on restricted federal lands, I (adult participant, or parent/s for themselves and for and on behalf of their participating minor child) agree as follows: (1) to release and agree not to sue AMC, with respect to any and all claims, liabilities, suits or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs) (hereafter collectively ‘claim’ or ‘claim/s’) for any injury, damage, death or other loss in any way connected with my/my child’s enrollment or participation in these activities, or use of AMC equipment, facilities or premises. I understand I agree here to waive all claim/s I or my child may have against AMC, and agree that neither I, my child, or anyone acting on my or my child’s behalf, will make a claim against AMC, as a result of any injury, damage, death or other loss suffered by me or my child; (2) to defend and indemnify (‘indemnify’ meaning protect by reimbursement or payment) AMC with respect to any and all claim/s brought by or on behalf of me, my child, a family member, a co-participant, or any other person for any injury, damage, death or other loss in any way connected with my/my child's enrollment or participation in these activities or use of AMC equipment, facilities or premises. This Release and Indemnity Agreement includes claim/s resulting from AMC’s negligence (but not its gross negligence or intentional or reckless misconduct), and includes claim/s for personal injury or wrongful death (including claim/s related to emergency or medical response, assessment or treatment), property damage, breach of contract or any other claim. CONCLUSION I (participant and parent/s of a minor participant) agree that the substantive laws of Massachusetts govern this Document, any dispute I have with AMC and all other aspects of my relationship with AMC, and that any mediation, suit, or other proceeding must be filed or entered into only in Massachusetts. AMC reserves the right to remove any participant from the program who staff or leaders believe, in their discretion, presents a safety concern or medical risk, is disruptive, or acts in any manner detrimental to the program. If participant is dismissed or departs for any reason, participant (and his/her family) are responsible for all costs of early departure whether for medical reasons, dismissal, personal emergencies or otherwise. These costs include, but are not limited to medical evacuation and costs, plane, train or taxi fare, accommodations, and costs and compensation for staff accompanying participant. This Document is intended to be interpreted and enforced to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any portion of this Document deemed unlawful or unenforceable shall not affect the remaining provisions, and those remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. Participant and parent/s of a minor participant agree: I have carefully read, understand and voluntarily sign this Document and acknowledge that it shall be effective and binding upon me, my minor children and other family members, and my heirs, executors, representatives and estate. One or both parent/s must sign below for any participating minor (those under 18 years of age).

______Participant Signature Date Print name here ______Parent or Guardian Signature Date Print name here