Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ’s

* How long has Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP been in business?
* What types of trips do you offer?
* How fit do I need to be to go on your trips?
* How do I know which trip is right for me?
* What type of people can I expect to meet on one of your adventures?
* How large are the groups?
* Can I bring my children?
* What if I come by myself?
* How do I reserve a trip for my own private group?
* Who is guiding the trip?
* Who is designing my training program?
* What kind of clothing do I wear? Do I need expensive new gear?
* What will we be eating?
* How is ‘wilderness’ defined?
* What is Leave No Trace?
* What happens if I get hurt?
* What is expected of me as a client on one of your trips?
* Responsibilities of Trip Participation

How long has Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP been in business?

Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP was established in 2005. Sol is the culmination of a lifetime of playing, exploring, and working in wilderness and fitness. Our background in the hospitality and fitness industries, environmental and conservation fields, combined with personal training expertise, make Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP unique from any other outdoor adventure company.

What types of trips do you offer?

Our specialty is combining active and cultural itineraries to spectacular outdoor venues. We cater to clients who love fitness, regardless of what their individual fitness level may be. Be prepared for exercise on our trips.

Redrock Backpacker: Parunuweap Canyon, Utah is for the serious camper who’s ready to get down and dirty by day and at night is content to throw down a sleeping bag on the vibrant Mojave red sand, falling asleep wondering at the Milky Way Galaxy.

Alpine Fitness Retreat: Deer Valley, Utah is for the fitness fanatic who wants to play hard by day but retire in the style and luxury afforded at the world renowned Goldener Hirsch Inn in Deer Valley.

How fit do I need to be to go on your trips?

We want you to have a great time and stay injury free on our trips, so we’re asking you to work out to get yourself ready. That doesn’t mean you have to be an ultra-marathoner or the next Olympic record holder. It means that if you like to exercise and be outside all day, you’re going love our trips. If you’re the type who’d rather stay home and sit on the couch eating chips, our trips are probably not right for you!

How are your trips rated? How do I know which trip is right for me?

Our trips require a baseline element of fitness ability ranging from easier to difficult. Each trip has been rated according to the demands placed on the body as well as the type of terrain we will explore. To choose the trip that’s best for you, evaluate your abilities with Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP trip rating chart below.

Easier. For those just getting into outdoor exercise

Activity: 2-4 hours most days

Distances: Hike up to 5 miles a day; cycle up to 15 miles a day

Surfaces: Smooth, mostly developed or maintained trails or roads

Elevation Change: Little to none

Altitude: Sea level up to 3000 ft

Moderate. For exercisers who are fit and enjoy exercising outdoors all day

Activity: 6-8 hours most days

Distances: Hike up to 11 miles most days, cycle 15-30 miles a day

Surfaces: Unpaved, mostly maintained trails on varying mountainous or desert terrain. Locations may have steep climbs or drop-offs.

Elevation Change: Up to 3,000 ft

Altitude: 3,000 – 12,000 ft

Difficult. For very fit exercisers who enjoy exploring and sleeping outdoors

Activity: 8-10 hours most day

Distances: Hike up to 14 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles a day

Surfaces: Unmaintained trails that may contain obstacles such as boulders, rocks, water, logjams, dense vegetation, quicksand, or mud. Trails may require strenuous climbs and descents with steep drop-offs.

Elevation Change: Up to 5,000 ft

Altitude: 2,000 -14,000 ft

Warning: May be located in areas designated as backcountry or wilderness, meaning that there are no improvements or regular ranger patrol.

What type of people can I expect to meet on your adventures?

You can expect to find friendly people who enjoy travel and appreciate a healthy lifestyle. Our clients have included de-conditioned business people who work-out with a trainer occasionally to avid exercisers who’ve skied and hiked around the world. We have traveled with ages ranging from 22 to 65, and our oldest, most experienced mountain guide is 66 years old. Our own personal training clients range in age from 15 to 75 years old. We welcome all genders, races, and backgrounds, as well as singles, co-workers, friends, and families on our trips.

How large are the groups?

We like our groups to be small and intimate enough to allow everyone to have a sense of solitude as well as stay safe. Our maximum limit is 10 guests per trip. Most trips require a minimum of 5 people to operate.

Can I bring my children?

We specialize in training and guiding adult travelers over the age of 21. Privately booked trips may have a babysitting option that allows families to travel together and leave the children on site with experienced care providers while parents participate in activities during the day. Children under the age of 21 are not allowed on Sol backpacking trips without parents.

What if I come by myself?

Great! You are about to make new friendships and find the camaraderie that exercising and traveling in the outdoors provides. We welcome everyone, from single travelers to coworkers or family.

How do I reserve a trip for my own private group?

It’s easy. Trips can be bought out at a premium rate that varies per trip. Don’t see the dates you want? We can also arrange a private trip on a different date, depending on availability and seasonal restrictions.

Who will be guiding my trip?

Our guides have spent their lives working in and exploring the outdoors. Sol’s guides are the kind of friendly, eccentric, interesting, entertaining, and super fit people you would expect to find working in the outdoors. Each trip is lead by a local guide who is certified in First Aid, Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder, CPR and has extensive experience in the sport.

Who is designing my training program?

Only the best fitness experts in the industry are invited to design training programs for Sol. In addition to Bachelor’s Degrees, Sol’s Personal Trainers are certified with one of the following certifying bodies: American Council on Exercise, American Council of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine, or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Our sport coaches excel at their particular sports and have a proven success rate coaching clients in reaching their goals.

What kind of clothing do I wear? Do I need expensive new gear?

We want you to be fully equipped to enjoy your vacation with us. Being prepared with the proper clothing, footwear, gear, and hydration is critical for optimum physical performance and your safety. Each trip comes with a detailed list of what to bring. Don’t have time to shop? We offer the Personal Shopper service for guests too busy to get to the gear shop before they jump on the plane.

What will we be eating?

All of our outdoor adventures include meals. Some of our trips include the luxury of dining at top-rated restaurants or enjoying fresh, chef prepared sack lunches. Sol’s backpacking trips require packing our own food and cooking over the campstove – delicious! We can plan ahead when you inform us beforehand if you have any dietary restrictions.

How is ‘wilderness’ defined?

Many of the activities on our trips take place on public lands owned and managed by Federal or State agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service or the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Such lands are set aside for the use and enjoyment of the people to view wildlife and natural habitats.

In the Parunuweap Wilderness Area, where our backpacking trip takes place, the BLM allows no motorized vehicles, no campgrounds, no invasive species controls, and no proactive fire prevention efforts. Recreational access is restricted to hiking and horseback riding. Sol Fitness Adventures commercial permit was issued after extensive environmental review of our operating procedures.

What is Leave No Trace?

Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP practices Leave No Trace Principles of outdoor ethics on our outdoor excursions and backpacking trips. The backbone of these principles is based on the following standards:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Travelers will receive more details on implementing these principles in their trip packets.

What happens if I get hurt?

Your safety is our number one priority, which is why we expect you to get in shape and hold our group size to a maximum of 10 guests. Accidents do happen in the outdoors and emergency care and evacuation is often unavailable, hours away, and expensive.

Our guides have certifications in First Aid and CPR, and each trip leader has an additional certification in either Wilderness First Aid or is a Wilderness First Responder. Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP is not a medical provider and assumes no liability for medical provisions, administering medications, or necessary evacuations. You will be required to provide proof of insurance.

What is expected of me as a guest on one of your trips?

It is your responsibility to inform us of any medical or psychological conditions well in advance of departure. You’ll receive a registration packet containing detailed trip information and medical forms. Prior to attending the trip you must return the following two forms:

* Health History Questionnaire (may require a doctor’s signature)
* Participant Consent, Release, and Assumption of Risk

By attending one of our trips, you agree that you are mentally and physically fit to do so. Trip leaders have the right to disqualify anyone at any time if a participant demonstrates that they are mentally of physically unable to continue or if their continued participation becomes a danger to other’s on the trip. Refunds will not be given for this type of situation. See Responsibilities of Trip Participation, below.

Responsibilities of Trip Participation

By signing up for one of our trips, you agree to:

* Read and understand Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP Trip Ratings
* Sign up for a trip that is within your fitness abilities and interests
* Research and accept the risks associated with the outdoor activities you’ll be participating in
* Arrive on time at designated meeting spots
* Come physically and mentally prepared for outdoor physical activity
* Bring the proper clothing and gear, as outlined in the trip Gear List
* Listen to and obey the instructions of guides
* Follow safety procedures as outlined by guides
* Inform Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP and guides of any mental or physical handicap, required medication, or allergy
* Interact with other participants, guides, and hosts in a respectful manner
* Assist other group members when teamwork is required
* Carry NO firearms or any other concealed weapon
* Follow Leave No Trace guidelines, as provided in registration packet, while outdoors
* Respect all wildlife, vegetation, and archaeological artifacts

More FAQ’s:

* Does the trip price include airfare?
* Where is the nearest airport?
* How do I get there?
* What if I have to cancel?
* What is the refund policy?
* What if Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP cancels my trip?
* What if the minimum number of participants per trip isn’t filled?
* What happens if the weather is bad?
* Can I transfer my trip?
* Should I buy travel insurance?

Does the trip price include airfare?

No, airfare is not included in the trip price. Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP is not a travel agency and makes no recommendations on airfare or travel.

Where is the nearest airport?

Sol’s 2010 adventures are located within 35 minutes to 2.5 hours of major international airports, so getting to our destinations is simple. Check out the details section of each trip for directions.

How do I get there?

The Details section of each trip includes airport and driving directions. Airfare and ground transportation to our meeting places are up to you. Once you meet up with the group, we’ll arrange any shuttles or transportation that needs to take place.

What if I have to cancel?

If you do have to cancel your trip, you must do so in writing. Our mailing and email addresses are located on the Contact Us page of this website. Once we receive written consent to cancel your reservation we will calculate your return based on the following formula:

91 days or more = $100

61 – 90 days = Trip cost minus $50 handling fee

30 – 60 days = 50% of trip cost

0 – 29 days = 0% of trip cost

Twenty-four hour notification is required for cancellation of add-on appointments, such as spa and private training.

What is the refund policy?

Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP, does not give any refunds or credits for unused hotel rooms, meals, shuttle services, bike or other equipment rental associated with your trip. Trip costs are quoted as a package and may not be itemized.

What if Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP cancels my trip?

Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP, reserves the right to cancel or alter a trip due to unforeseen weather, unsafe conditions, below minimum registration and/or other circumstances. On the rare occasion that Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be refunded, including the non-refundable portion of your deposit. Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP, is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, including airplane tickets, hotel or rental car reservations, etc.

What if the minimum number of participants per trip isn’t filled?

Each trip requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If the minimum number of participants isn’t filled within 30 days of the scheduled trip date you will be given the option to reschedule or receive a full refund of your money. If there are originally enough participants to operate but late cancellations drop the group size below the required minimum number the trip will run at an additional, optional charge of $300 per person. The additional charge will be refunded in full if last minute participants join the trip, returning the group to its required minimum size.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Weather predictions will be taken into consideration prior to all trips and may result in a change to the itinerary including alteration of time and location of the activity. In the extreme case of flash-flood predictions, trips may be cancelled. Sol Fitness Adventures reserves the right to change itineraries at any time according to weather predictions.

Can I transfer my trip?

Depending on the type of trip, you may transfer your trip to another person for a $50 handling fee, depending on availability and seasonal restrictions. Inca Trail Trek: Machu Picchu, Peru is non-transferable.

Should I buy travel insurance?

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP is not a travel agent, nor are we affiliated with insurance providers; therefore we do not make any recommendations. Please see a travel agent for recommendations.

LEGAL LIMITATIONS

Sol Fitness Adventures, LLP may contract with independent contractors and companies to provide additional services necessary to perform our trips. Such services may include, but are not limited to: transportation, guiding, cooking, and techniques demonstration. We assume no responsibility for injury, loss of function to any person or property in connection with any service provided by an independent contractor or resulting directly from the following:

We reserve the right to cancel or change trip itineraries or disqualify any participant where deemed necessary to ensure the comfort and safety of trip members.