FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Two updates for the 2023-2024 Full Day Ice Hike Trip. 1) update regarding closed trail, 2) new parking / meeting spot and hiking route. ​ UPDATE 1: The closed section of the Falls Trail is officially open and will not impact the Full Day Ice Hiking trips. UPDATE 2: We've outgrown the parking area where we normally meet. Full Day Ice Hiking trips will now meet at Beach Lot 2. As a result, this changes the hiking route. Rather than hike in a full loop and start and end at the same location, you'll hike a 4.5 mile clockwise "V" trail (down one ravine and then up another ravine) and get shuttled back to your vehicles at the end of the hike. The first leg of the "V" is 2.8 miles. You begin your descent from Beach Lot 2 with a gentle downhill hike. Once on the Falls Trail, you start descending the Glen Leigh ravine all the way down to Waters Meet. The second leg of the "V" is 1.8 miles. You hike up the Ganoga Glen ravine all the way back to the maintenance garage parking area. Since the hike ends at a different spot than where it starts, we'll provide a shuttle van to transport you back to your vehicles at Beach Lot 2 (4 minute drive).

ONLINE BOOKING Click "BOOK NOW" on our website HERE, then choose Full Day or Half Day, pick a date and time, enter contact info and provide credit card info for payment. TELEPHPONE Call us at 215-543-6171 and we can complete the booking process, plus waive the additional $3.50 per ticket in online taxes and fees.

ANSWER: Yes, private trips are only available on the weekdays. Full Day & Half Day Hike rates are the same, except if you have 16 or more people. Group Size | Cost Per Person | Total 1 | $470 | $470 2 | $250 | $500 3 | $170 | $510 4 | $135 | $540 5-15 | $115 | Depends on group size 16+ | $79 (half day), $94 (full day)

ANSWER: View where the Park Visitor Center is on Google Maps HERE. The meeting location for the Full and Half Day Hikes are at different parking lots within the Park. A Google Maps link with the exact meeting spot is provided in a detailed confirmation email you receive immediately after making a booking.

ANSWER: Yes. No prior experience is required or necessary.

ANSWER: For the Full Day Hike, you hike a 4.5 mile "V" trail (down one ravine and then up a different ravine. The first leg of the "V" is 2.8 miles. You begin your descent from Beach Lot 2 with a gentle downhill hike. Once on the Falls Trail, you start descending a steep ravine full of waterfalls. You'll hike down many series of steps caked in ice with the trail alternating between flat sections and gentle hills. For the second leg of the "V," you hike up a different steep ravine chock-full of waterfalls. You'll hike up hills and series of steep ice-covered steps with some occasional "flatter" trail sections. The last 1/2 mile provides a nice cool down with an easy flat trail. Since the hike ends at a different spot than where it starts, we provide a shuttle van to transport you back to your vehicles (4 minute drive). There are 17 waterfalls on the Full Day Hike, including the big 94ft Ganoga Falls, and takes about 5hrs to complete. The second leg of the "V" is not easy as there is about a 900ft elevation gain. While we take the hiking pace down a notch and take many breaks, there is about a 900ft elevation gain. Most people are tired at the end of the hike. The Half Day Hike is about a 2.4 mile in-n-out hike where you hike out the same way you hike in. There are 4 waterfalls, including the big 94ft Ganoga Falls, and takes about 3hrs. to hike. From the parking lot to Ganoga Falls, which is the turnaround point, the trail is all down hill with some flatter sections and with a series of icy steps and an exciting icy switch-back hike. The return hike uphill is not easy, but we take our time.

ANSWER: There is no straight answer. Here are some thoughts: The full day hike is not easy. You’ll feel it in your thighs by the end of the hike and have a sense of accomplishment. Most people can do it. The better shape you’re in, the easier and less struggle you’ll have. We hike at quite a slow pace and stop at each waterfall and take additional breaks throughout the hike. If you are in reasonable good health, reasonably physically fit, live somewhat of an active lifestyle and are generally not averse to adventuring in potentially freezing cold inclement weather, then book the Full Day ice hike. If you are overweight, are not physically fit, don’t live an active life style or if you have certain medical or health issues, perhaps it would be prudent to book the Half Day Hike. You can’t go wrong. Both the Half and Full Day hikes are extraordinary, unique and deliver unforgettable scenery, but they are very different experiences. If you want to do the Full Day Hike, but have questions about your physical ability to complete and enjoy it, please call us at 215-543-6171 for guidance.

ANSWER: There are restrooms available at the Visitor Center and at the parking lot where we meet. There are no restrooms during the hike, but you can still relieve yourself in the great outdoors. We’ll discuss with the group “going to the bathroom in the outdoors” using Leave No Trace principles to ease any anxiety. Having the urge to relieve yourself during a hike is very uncomfortable, so the guides will occasionally remind everyone to use the “restrooms” during the hike.

ANSWER: Half Day: 10yrs. If you have a 9yr. old, please call to discuss. Full Day: 12yrs. If you have a mature and active 10-11yr. old, please call to discuss.

ANSWER: No. There is no ice climbing. You hike on a snow and ice covered trail.

ANSWER: We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes prior to the check-in time (the time for which you booked your trip).

ANSWER: Upon your arrival, a VTS employee will greet you, provide helpful and pertinent information and assist you in parking your vehicle. After parking, you can use the restroom, put on your personal hiking gear (cloths + boots) and ensure personal items (medication, water, snacks, food, extra layers, car keys, cell phone, camera, etc.) are in your backpack. Then, once all participants arrive, we gather for a pre-trip orientation, which is when we distribute and put on crampons, harnesses and helmets, handout ice axes and foam pads and demonstrate how to use the provided gear. We also have a risk management discussion relating to hiking in the wintertime at Ricketts Glen. On average, this entire pre-trip orientation process takes about 45mins to 1 hour.

ANSWER: Hiking boots must properly fit, be waterproof and at least approach (preferably cover) your ankles and be supportive. You do not necessarily have to purchase special winter hiking boots. If you have any questions, please take a picture of your boots and text them to us at 215-543-6171 for our advice. No Uggs, rubber rain/mud boots, sneakers, trail running shoes or steal-toed boots. 98% of the first aid provided on these hikes is for blisters and battered ankles resulting from wearing one of these prohibited footwear. The first aid does not fix the underlying issue and does not take away the pain and suffering. *** We reserve the right to refuse your participation on the hike if you do not arrive with proper footwear.

ANSWER: On average, we start hiking 1 hour after the check-in time.

ANSWER: Half Day Hike: 3hrs. | Full Day Hike: 5hrs. These times are estimates. Actual hiking time can vary depending on the group dynamics, group size, ice and snow conditions, temperature, injuries and other human and environmental factors. We hike as a group and try to prevent the “accordion effect” where people are spread along the trail hiking at different paces. In general, we hike slowly to enjoy the experience. We make frequent, but short, stops. We stop at every waterfall. We stop at cool ice formations. We stop for water and snack breaks. We stop to adjust our layering system. We stop to adjust crampons. We stop for pictures. We stop for first aid. We stop to catch our breath from hiking up hill. Lot’s of stops! All of these stops are what make up the trip - innumerable opportunities to observe the beauty of nature while maintaining personal comfort. The trip is not about how fast we can complete the hike. If you do not want to hike in a group setting where the pace is controlled by guides, book a private trip with people who hike at a similar pace as you.

ANSWER: Generally 16 max per trip with a guide-to-client ratio of 1:8

ANSWER: No.

ANSWER: We recommend snacking throughout the trip rather than having a formal lunch. In addition to stopping at each waterfall, we take mini breaks along the trail. All of these moments are great opportunities to recharge with a snack and some water. Pack your favorite trail-mix, a couple health bars, jerky, yogurt and a PBJ/turkey/ham sandwich or hoagie. You could also bring a thermos with a hot drink or soup. By snacking throughout the hike, you can maintain a consistent energy level and help prevent that all too familiar sudden urge of having to relieve yourself (a #2) after eating a big meal. Refrain from eating food that has a tendency to “upset” your stomach. We do stop at a “lunch” spot on the Full and Half Day Hikes. For the Full Day Hike, the lunch spot is at the bottom of the first leg of the "V," which is about 2/3 into the hike and at the very bottom of the mountain. After the lunch break, we start hiking up the second leg of the "V," which is about 1/3 of the hike up a rather steep ravine back to the top of the mountain. Doing this portion of the hike immediately after eating a big lunch can negatively interfere with your experience to say the least. For the Half Day Hike, while the return hike is not as long or intense and there is less elevation gain, we still recommend not having a large lunch.

ANSWER: While it sounds like a good idea, there just isn’t enough time. Please bring a pre-packed lunch that does not require use of a stove.

ANSWER: Yes – crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, foam pad

ANSWER: Please refer to the following document: Comprehensive List of Required Personal Gear The weather is often times unpredictable and having sufficient layers and appropriate clothing and related gear is essential. Having layers of clothing allows you to regulate your body temperature so you do not overheat and sweat or become too cold and risk becoming hypothermic. Stopping along the hike to take a layer off or to add a layer on is common and encouraged. While dressing for winter adventures is similar to dressing for skiing, we don't recommend wearing "overalls" as they inhibit your ability to adjust your layering and tend to trap too much body heat. We recommend following the weather and temperature throughout the week leading up to your trip and to pack and dress accordingly. If you are uncertain, bring all the winter gear you have and a Valley to Summit guide will assist you in the parking lot and provide advice on what to wear and bring and what to leave behind based on the day’s forecast.

ANSWER: There are a number of options including hotels, Airbnb, Homeaway.com, B&Bs and other local accommodations. Please refer to the following document, which provides a non-exhaustive list of lodging options: Lodging Options near Ricketts Glen

ANSWER: No. While winter adventures with your dog(s) can be lots of fun, the terrain, environment, icy trail conditions and other factors make the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen during wintertime not an appropriate place for dogs, especially on a guided group hike. Please note that leaving your dog in your vehicle during the hike is not an option. If you attempt to do this, we will not allow you to join the hike. Please leave your dog(s) at home or find alternate local accommodations.

ANSWER: CANCELLATION POLICY FOR ALL TRIPS & COURSES Client Cancellation and Client HAS Peek Protect Trip Insurance: If you need to cancel for any reason anytime leading up to 24hrs before your trip and would like to receive a refund, you must purchase trip insurance during the booking process. You can now purchase trip insurance called Peek Protect through Spot during the online booking process. If you purchase the trip insurance, you may cancel for any reason up to 24hrs leading up to the date of your trip. The cost of the insurance is 8% of the base price of your bill (which does not include taxes & fees). If you cancel, you will receive a refund in the amount of 80% of the base price of your bill. All refund requests must be submitted directly to Spot. Valley to Summit does not process refund related to Peek Protect trip insurance. Below is an example of the cost of Peek Protect and the refund amount if you cancel on a purchase of a 1 full day ice hiking ticket, which costs $94: Base Price: $94 Peek Protect Cost: $7.52 (8% of $94) Total: $101.52 ($94 + $7.52) + Taxes & Fees Refund Amount: $75.20 (80% of $94) Client Cancellation and Client DOES NOT HAVE Peek Protect Trip Insurance: Refunds are not available. If you need to cancel for any reason anytime leading up to 7 days before your trip and do not purchase trip insurance, you are only eligible for a non-refundable credit equal to the Base Price. The credit may be used once to reschedule or used once for any other trip we offer, such as rock climbing. You will be charged a $25 rescheduling fee. If you cancel within 7 days leading up to the date of your trip, there are no reschedule or credit options. Valley to Summit Cancellation and Client HAS Peek Protect Trip Insurance: Refund Option: If VTS cancels and you purchased Peek Protect, VTS will refund you the full amount of the Base Price of your trip (which does not include the cost of Peek Protect). Reschedule Option: If VTS cancels and you purchased Peek Protect, and you would rather reschedule than receive a refund, please note that the insurance through Spot only applies to the original date for which you book and does not apply to any future rescheduled date. If you would like to have insurance for the rescheduled date, please follow these steps: 1) Initiate a refund through Spot and you’ll receive the Refund Amount through Spot 2) Contact Valley to Summit to reschedule 3) You will purchase the trip again for the new rescheduled date. 4) The Base Price you will pay for the rescheduled trip will be reduced by the cost of Peek Protect associated with the original trip. 5) You will also purchase Peek Protect for the rescheduled trip. Below is an example of the costs associated with rescheduling a trip on a purchase of a 1 full day ice hiking ticket, which costs $94, including the cost of Peek Protect and the refund amount if you cancel the rescheduled trip: Listed Base Price: $94 Adjusted Base Price: $86.48 ($94 - $7.52) ($7.52 is the cost of Peek Protect associated with the original booking) Peek Protect: $6.91 (8% of $86.48) Total: $93.39 ($86.48 + $6.91) + Taxes & Fees Refund Amount: $69.18 (80% of $86.48) Valley to Summit Cancellation and Client DOES NOT HAVE Peek Protect Trip Insurance: If VTS cancels and you do not have Peek Protect trip insurance, you may 1) reschedule at no additional cost, 2) maintain a general non-refundable credit and apply the credit to any trip category or, 3) request a full refund.

ANSWER: We are a mobile business and meet clients streamside at certain river access points along the Schuylkill River Water Trail. Everyone then takes a short shuttle ride (except The Lock 60 Loop trip) with the kayak trailer in tow upstream to put-in on the river at another access point. After disembarking the shuttle, distributing gear and conducting a short orientation, you’ll begin your on-water kayak adventure. You’ll paddle/float at your own pace downstream enjoying wildlife sightings and the beautiful tree-lined river banks to the take-out access point at which we originally met for the shuttle and where you parked your car. A VTS staff member will be at the take-out upon your arrival. The access points are all located in local county/township parks and offer beautiful settings for a before or after-paddle picnic. Some even offer hiking opportunities and many offer easy access to the Schuylkill River Trail on which you can bike or enjoy a wonderful hike. There are also wonderful river towns with great restaurants and other festive attractions.

ANSWER: The shuttle meets at the specified meeting location for the specific trip you book. Details are provided on the trip webpage and in the detailed confirmation email you receive immediately after you make a booking. Keep an eye out for the Google map link that has the meeting location pinned.

ANSWER: Yes, the self-guided rental and guided tours are appropriate for first-time kayakers. The guided tours, however, are especially a great introduction to kayaking for first-time kayakers. Doing a guided tour is a great way to experience kayaking on a slow moving river and to learn basic paddling technics and safety protocols. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss which program might be best for you.

ANSWER: 9-10 yr olds need a parent/adult on same kayak (tandem). Please call us to discuss possible exceptions. 11 and up can rent/paddle their own kayak, but must be accompanied on the water by parent/adult in same or separate kayak.

ANSWER: Beginner: little to no experience kayaking in a river with current. Prior kayaking experience in lakes and ponds are helpful, but you remain a beginner if you’ve never paddled in a slow moving beginner-friendly river trail. Novice: proficient in the basic strokes (forward, turning and back-paddling) and has experience with basic river reading skill to maneuver around rocks and other obstacle/hazards on moving water.

ANSWER: Experience paddling premium recreational kayaks. All rental kayaks must be used on the trip for which you book. SINGLE SIT-IN KAYAKS Venture Flex Kayaks How many? 11 single sit-in skeg twist lock footrests 10’8” long 25” wide max paddler weight 265lbs adjustable high backrest adjustable deluxe padded seat dry storage hatch bungee cord lashes Venture Islay Cruiser Kayaks How many? 2 single sit-in twist lock footrests 12’5” long 26” wide max paddler weight 275lbs adjustable high backrest adjustable deluxe padded seat dry storage hatch bungee cord lashes SINGLE SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS Feel Free Juntos Kayaks How many? 9 Single sit-on-top 11’12” long 30.5” wide max paddler weight 397lbs Bow "Jump Seat" deluxe padded seat dry storage hatch bungee cord lashes drinking bottle holder Wheel in the Keel for easy on-land transportation. Feel Free Nomad Kayaks How many? 2 Single sit-on-top 9’6” long 29.25” wide max paddler weight 330lbs deluxe padded seat dry storage hatch bungee cord lashes drinking bottle holder Wheel in the Keel for easy on-land transportation. TANDEM SIT-IN KAYAK Perception Cove 145T Kayaks How many? 1 tandem sit-in adjustable footrests 14’6” long 31.25” wide max paddler weight 550lbs adjustable high backrest adjustable deluxe padded seat dry storage hatch bungee cord lashes TANDEM SIT-ON-TOP KAYAK Feel Free Corona Kayaks How many? 4 tandem sit-on-top adjustable footrests 13’1” long 31” wide max paddler weight 617lbs deluxe padded seat dry storage hatch bungee cord lashes drinking bottle holder Wheel in the Keel for easy on-land transportation.

ANSWER: Summer: bathing suit, t-shirt, maybe a light long sleeve for cool mornings Spring & Early Fall: pants, long sleeve shirt / sweat shirt for cool days. The weather can still be quite warm. Follow the forecast and dress accordingly. Footwear: For kayaking, expect your feet to get wet when entering and exiting the kayak. Please wear footwear that you don't mind getting wet and that fit securely to your feet. We'd prefer that your footwear cover your toes. Water shoes, sandals with a heel strap and old sneakers / tennis shoes are ideal. NOT Permitted: flip-flops, sandals or other footwear that does not securely fit to your feet. Sunglass with tether Brimmed hat / baseball hat / visor Sunscreen 1-2 litters of water and snacks Binoculars Personal medication Camera / phone

ANSWER: As a general rule, the first hour of every trip includes all of the following pre-trip on-land activities: meeting, bathrooms, shuttle ride, taking kayaks off the trailer, distributing and fitting gear, intros, paddle demo, risk management discussion and then finally pushing off onto the river. The balance of the time is yours to enjoy on the water at your own pace. As an example, the first hour of the 3hr. kayaking trip (rental or guided) involves all of the pre-trip on-land activity just described. The remaining 2hrs. is all yours to explore and discover and to paddle/float from the put-in to the take-out access points. You can be on the water for the full 2hrs. or for just 1hr., it all depends on your speed. Some go fast, some go slow. Some like to paddle, some like to float. If you paddle a lot during your trip and don’t stop along the way, you will certainly finish early. If you mostly float and paddle just to steer, then you will be on the water for most of your on-water time allotment. The amount of time you are on the river also depends on the water current. Sometimes the water current will move quicker than normal as a result of prior storms, resulting in a quicker on-water experience. If the water is moving too fast, kayaking may be canceled.

ANSWER: Shuttle departs 10 minutes after your scheduled trip time (the time for which you booked). Shuttle rides range from 10mins. – 18mins, depending on the specific trip and traffic conditions. Please do not be late. We run multiple kayak trips daily and operate in adherence to a strict put-in and take-out schedule. We do not wait for late arrivals beyond the 10 minute window / shuttle departure time as it could affect the daily trip schedule.

ANSWER: Most, but not all. The following trips do not have a shuttle as the start and end points are the same: Schuylkill River: Lock 60 Loop Susquehanna River: Conejohela Flats Watertrail & Conowingo Islands Watertrail

ANSWER: No, but we highly recommend you use our shuttle service. If you choose to arrange your own shuttle, please make appropriate plans, understand the logistics involved and ensure it does not interfere with the trip’s schedule. Please also make us aware of your intentions to self-shuttle.

ANSWER: No. All VTS kayaks must be transported on VTS’ trailer and vehicle.

ANSWER: 15 passenger 2019 Ford Transit Mid Roof Height with roof rack. The trailer is a large commercial kayak trailer capable of holding a variety of paddleboats. Between the roof rack and trailer, we can transport, on average, up to 19 kayaks.

ANSWER: On average, you are on the water kayaking in 20 minutes from the time you arrive at the put-in access point. It can take much shorter or a little longer; it really depends on how many people are on a particular trip.

ANSWER: While knowing how to swim is not necessary, we encourage you to seek professional instruction if you don’t know how to swim as it enhances your personal safety. We do provide a life jacket that will assist keeping you afloat in the event you find yourself out of the kayak and in the water. Life jackets are required to be worn at all times during a self-guided rental trip or a guided tour.

ANSWER: We recommend at least one person in your party bring a cell phone for safety purposes on self-guided rental trips. Cellular service is available on the river for your mobile phone. It’s ok for others in your group to also bring their cell phones to take pictures and video. The main risk of bringing your cell phone on the river is dropping it in the river and forever damaging it or not able to retrieve it. Most people, however, do bring their cell phones and they go home with it and enjoy great pictures and video they took. If you do bring your cell phone, the ultimate recommendation is to purchase a cell phone waterproof pouch/case from a store or online. Our life jackets have zippered pockets. While not 100% waterproof, the zippered pocket is a great place to keep your phone while not in use to prevent it from falling in the river.

ANSWER: No. Please bring your own water, snacks and lunch.

ANSWER: It depends. We try to run trips when the forecast is for friendly rain - drizzling, raining on and off or if it looks like the rain will pass through quickly. Being on the water during and after friendly rain can be lots of fun filled with lots of unique opportunities to discover and explore. If thunderstorms are likely or imminent, we will cancel your trip. You can also cancel if you are not comfortable paddling in friendly rain. In either case, you can reschedule or request a refund. Forecasters are not always correct in terms of severity, timing and location of rain/thunder storms. Forecasting weather is not a perfect science and what is forecasted today to be a thunderstorm for tomorrow can develop overnight into a forecast of a mere passing rain shower. As such, we try to wait as long as possible before canceling a trip. If weather is forecasted, we will contact you the day before to discuss options. Feel free to reach out to us also via phone, text or email to inquire about weather conditions.

ANSWER: Yes. High Water Closure: Water levels often rise during and after storms creating a very swift and dangerous current to navigate for beginner and more advanced paddlers alike. Fast current creates unique difficulties getting into the river and ultimately reaching the take-out. Fast current also makes any necessary self or assisted rescue much more difficult and places yourself and the rescuers in enhanced danger. In addition, many islands and other places along the banks of the river that you normally can access to get out of your kayak to explore become inaccessible, which limits your ability to seek safety if necessary. Storms and high water also create dirty brown water with dangerous floating debris such as large tree trunks, branches and other large objects, some natural and others manmade. Low Water Closure: Low water closures are caused by extended draughts, normally occur in July/August and are very rare. When there are insufficient water levels, the kayaks bottom-out scrapping the rocks, paddling becomes impossible at times and you have to carry your kayaks over the shallow parts, all of which creates a frustrating experience. The sections we paddle are navigable throughout the summer and do not normally suffer from draughts as badly as other sections do.

ANSWER: Yes. Life jackets are provided and must be worn at all times when on or in water, even if you bring your own paddleboat.

ANSWER: No.

ANSWER: The following is provided for every self-guided rental trip: shuttle (except for The Lock 60 Loop trip), kayak, paddle, life jacket with whistle, waterproof map, handheld bilge pump, sponge, waterproof bag and dry storage hatch For guided trips, everything from the above list is provided, with the addition of a professional guide who provides assistance and instruction.

ANSWER: As a general rule, no, especially if they have never been on a kayak in moving water. Once a trip starts and you begin your paddle, it is very difficult to assist if the dog is not having a good time. We recommend starting in a lake so that you can paddle back to shore if the dog isn’t happy. In addition, our kayaks do not provide much extra space for a dog, unless a tandem is being used.

ANSWER: Operator Cancellation: If we cancel a trip, you can reschedule, apply your funds to another trip category or request a refund. Client Cancellation: Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 14 days before the date of your trip. For all other cancellations leading up to 3 days before your trip date, you may reschedule at no additional cost, apply your payment to any other VTS trip category or request a partial refund of 50%. If you cancel during the 3 days leading up to your trip, you can request a partial refund of 30% or reschedule for an additional $25 per ticket. No refunds or rescheduling options for no-shows and day-of cancellations. If you are not able to travel to your trip destination due to local or state travel requirements or restrictions related to COVID, you can request a refund, reschedule without any fees or maintain a credit and apply the funds to a future trip.

ANSWER: Yes. Group bookings of 8 or more people receive a 10% discount. Please call 215-543-6171 to book over the phone to ensure discount is applied.

Participant Agreement for Adults including (digital signature) - Assumption of Risk Agreement - Agreements of Release, Waiver and Indemnity - Photograph and Video Release and Waiver Agreements - Medical Agreement and Related Provisions

Participant Agreement for Minors including (digital signature) - Assumption of Risk Agreement - Agreements of Release, Waiver and Indemnity - Photograph and Video Release and Waiver Agreements - Medical Agreement and Related Provisions

Participant Health Form (digital signature)

Winter Adventure Gear List

Lodging Options for Ricketts Glen State Park Region

We'd prefer that all clients be vaccinated. If you have any covid-19 symptom, please stay home and get tested to prevent potential spread to other trip participants.