Safety, Responsibility, and Risk
Your safety is important to the Institute. We have established procedures to reduce medical emergencies and to provide treatment of those that occur. All members of the Institute staff are trained to follow these procedures. They also receive additional training in driver safety, wilderness medicine, and the use of portable radios to contact National Park Service emergency services. The Institute needs and expects you to take an active role in protecting yourself. You should be careful to choose a program that is appropriate to your medical and physical condition. Before arriving for a program, you need to fully and accurately inform Institute staff of relevant medical conditions, consult with your personal physician about any relevant medical conditions, and obtain all recommended clothing and equipment. Once you arrive, you need to continually monitor your condition and any external hazards, make prudent decisions, stay hydrated and well fed, and keep Institute staff informed of how you are doing. Despite our combined efforts, Institute programs entail some inherent risks, many of which are associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity in high altitude mountainous or wilderness terrain. Even programs that include little activity and do not stray far from developed areas may take place in areas where advanced medical care may be significantly delayed.

Release From Legal Liability and Collection of Health Information
On receipt of your completed registration form we will send you an Assumption of Risks/Release of Liability form that must be signed by all participants, minors and adults. We will also send you a form to assist us in identifying medical issues that may arise during your course or activity. All information on this form will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by Institute staff or a licensed physician.

Lodging and Meals
Participants in backpacking courses must bring and prepare their own meals. Students must make their own arrangements for lodging.

Transportation to and from Yellowstone
For all Institute programs, students must arrange their own transportation to and from the location where the program begins. For those arriving by air, we recommend renting a car or contacting the registrar for information on public transportation.

Transportation during Institute Programs
For backcountry courses that require a vehicle shuttle, an Institute vehicle may be available but carpooling may be necessary in some cases.

Location
Backcountry courses take place in the wilderness in and around Yellowstone National Park. Course locations are included in each program description.

Altitude
Most of Yellowstone Park is above 6,000 feet. If you are coming from a much lower elevation, it is wise to allow yourself at least one "easy" day to adjust to this altitude before beginning strenuous activity. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. 

Children
Children who meet stated minimum age requirements are very welcome in family programs. All other courses are designed for adults only. However, children 16 years and older may participate if accompanied by a participating adult.

Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a national education program designed to encourage minimum impact skills and ethics among outdoor users. The Institute endorses this program and includes the LNT curriculum in our classes.