This page contains information on refunds, cancellations, and a variety of other policies. Some refund policies are event specific, and in that instance, the refund policy would have been presented to you prior to signing up for the activity. If you have any questions, email help@mazamas.org.

Our COVID Policies can be found here.

Mazama Activity Rules

If you do not want to adhere to these rules, do not plan to participate in Mazama activities.

  • Harassment will not be tolerated on Mazama activities. All participants and leaders are expected to conduct themselves appropriately. See additional information on harassment below.
  • In case of an accident, illness, or other incapacity, participants are expected to pay their own medical or evacuation expenses whether or not they specifically authorized them. Note that all Mazama members have rescue insurance below 6000 meters worldwide.
  • Using substances (including medication) that impair judgement is prohibited on Mazama activities.
  • Alcohol and firearms are not permitted on Mazama activities (no exceptions). The activity begins and ends at the car, not upon returning to a high camp.
  • Pets are not allowed on Mazama activities, unless they are specifically noted as "dog" activities.
  • Media devices may be brought along but earbuds or headphones must be used and NO media device can be used while hiking or climbing.
  • Participants shall practice leave not trace ethics. 
  • Relates only to Climbing Activities: Participants 14 years of age or under must be accompanied on the activity by an adult responsible for them, who shall be required to remain with or descend with them. On climbs not scheduled as Family Climbs, neither the leader nor the assistant leader of any climb shall be the responsible adult for a climber 14 years of age or younger. If the responsible adult descends, all climbers for whom he/she is responsible shall be required to descend as well.

Reporting an Incident

If there is an incident in a Mazama Activity, the activity leader is required to file an Incident Report. This would refer to any injury or illness that requires treatment beyond basic first aid, activation of search and rescue, actions that significantly disrupt participation in the activity, a close-call or near miss. The Incident Report must be filed by the activity leader, but activity participants may also file a report if desired.

File an Incident Report

Harassment Policy

The Mazamas does not condone or tolerate harassment in connection with any of its programs or activities. The Mazamas is committed to maintaining an environment of respect for its members and everyone who participate in our activities, free of harassment of any kind including harassment based on sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other factors, which do not affect the safety of the participants in Mazamas activities.

This policy applies to actions by any member or participant toward another, including in the capacity of a leader, instructor, volunteer, employee, or officer. Anyone who believes he or she has experienced harassment should report the conduct using the form link below.

Persons who violate this policy may be denied the opportunity to participate in Mazama activities and/or may have their membership status restricted or terminated.

Fill a Behavioral Incident Report

Activities Refunds

  • If you are accepted on an activity (refers only to a climb, hike, backpack, snowshoe) and then make the decision to cancel less than 10 days from activity start, there is no refund.
  • If you are accepted on an activity (refers to a climb, hike, activity, backpack, snowshoe) and then make the decision to cancel more than 10 days from activity start, you can be refunded the full cost minus $20. 
  • If you are accepted on an activity and the activity is canceled, there will be a full refund. Except in the case where in order to offer the activity certain costs had to be paid up front, such as campgrounds, permits, etc ... there will be a full refund minus the prepaid expenses.
  • If are accepted on an activity that is changed to a different objective you have the option for a refund if you choose to not participate in the new objective. (Examples include: Applying for a Mt. Hood climb that is changed to a Mt. Jefferson climb. Applying for a Yocum Ridge hike that is changed to a Elk-Kings Hike.) 
  • ​Cancellations due to medical reasons may receive a refund based on a case by case basis. Any medical refund would require a doctor's note. Requests for refunds based on illness must be requested within a week of the activity start date.

Education Program Refund Policy

Cancelling or withdrawing your application prior to acceptance will produce no charge to your credit card; you are only charged upon acceptance. After acceptance, the following cancellation policy applies:

  • Cancellations received at least 14 days in advance of the class may request a refund less a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
  • Cancellations received less than 14 days and greater than 7 in advance of class may request a 50% refund.
  • Cancellations received less than 7 days in advance, no shows, or withdrawals after the class begins will not be issued a refund
  • Cancellations due to medical issues will be considered on a case by case basis and will require coordination with the Mazamas office to be considered.
  • If a course is cancelled after it has begun, you will be issued a pro-rated refund based on the sessions delivered and the prepaid expenses. Cancellations due to exposure to or contraction of COVID-19 will be eligible for a pro-rated refund.

*COVID-19 Addendum* Cancellations due to COVID-19 symptoms, or exposure to someone with symptoms or diagnosed with COVID-19 before the course begins will be issued a full-refund. Pro-rated refunds based on course participation and prepaid expenses will be provided for mid-course cancellations if due to COVID-19 symptoms, or exposure to someone with symptoms or diagnosed with COVID-19. Please see our full COVID-19 Policies for more information.

Membership policies

Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.