1. Welcome Message

Welcome to CLIMB DENVER! We’re thrilled to have you join our team. This Employee Manual serves as a guide to help you understand our company culture, policies, and expectations. By familiarizing yourself with this manual, you’ll contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

2. Company Overview

History: The company was originally founded as Denver Climbing Company in 2015 by Dan Krug. His mission was to share the naturally occurring therapeutic benefits of rock climbing with everyone, especially those that would normally shy away. We aim to provide professional support and create a welcoming environment for all. 

Report to Dan Krug with any questions or concerns. 

• 719-354-3332
• dan@climbdenver.com

3. Code of Conduct

Professional Behavior: Act with integrity, honesty, and professionalism in all interactions.

Respectful Workplace: Treat colleagues, clients, and partners respectfully and courteously.

Diversity and Inclusion: Embrace diversity and ensure an inclusive workplace for all.

Confidentiality: Safeguard company, client, and employee information.

4. Workplace Policies

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment: We prohibit all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Equal Opportunity Employment: We’re committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees.

Health and Safety: Your safety is a top priority. Follow health and safety guidelines at all times. Climbing-specific policies are listed below.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse: The use or influence of alcohol or illegal substances during work hours is strictly prohibited.

Dress Code: Dress appropriately according to your role and responsibilities. All guides should be wearing fast-drying clothes appropriate for the weather conditions. A logoed uniform must always be worn if one has been provided. All staff must wear approach shoes.

Internet and Email Usage: Only use your company email for work-related business. Your email account will be suspended if used for any other purpose. All work-related email correspondence should be completed through your Climb Denver email address.

Social Media Guidelines: Be cautious when sharing company-related information on social media. Never post disparaging posts, images, or remarks about clients. Do not use your employment identity when sharing personal opinions online. Do not post as a representative of Climb Denver unless you have explicit written permission.

5. Work Hours and Attendance: Work hours fluctuate based on client’s preferred scheduling. If you commit to a shift, you are responsible for being there or finding another employee to fill your spot. 

Breaks and Lunch: Due to the nature of our work, there are no explicit lunch breaks. However, staff is allowed one fifteen-minute break per four hours at their discretion.

Punctuality: Scheduled times will be posted, displaying client arrival times. All staff should be fully ready to start by this time.

6. Benefits and Compensation

Salary and Pay Schedule: $120 per half day. $240 per full day. A half day is up to 4 hours of scheduled client time. A full day is any trip length scheduled to last longer than 4 hours.

Cancellation/Refund/Reschedule: Clients can cancel until 3 days before their trip for a full refund. If a client cancels outside of this three-day window, working staff will be notified, and no compensation is provided. If the client cancels within this three-day window, full compensation will still be provided by either a guaranteed reschedule with the client or other work that same day(at the same rate). If the client does not reschedule and there is no other work on that day, the staff will still be fully compensated for the trip in the form of paid time off.

Benefits Overview: No additional benefits are provided at this time.

7. Performance Expectations

Job Responsibilities: There will always be a staff member trained on the terrain on which they operate. There will always be a staff member trained in wilderness medicine on site. First and foremost, you are responsible for client safety. Always be confident in your skills and cautious in your execution. You are responsible for being up to date with best practices for any skills you share.

Professional Development: CLIMB DENVER offers periodic training sessions on different terrain and procedures. All staff must attend procedural training and are highly encouraged to participate in terrain-specific training.

Communication: Effective communication is key – within teams and across the company.

8. Conflict Resolution

Reporting Issues: Speak up if you encounter problems or witness policy violations.

Open-Door Policy: Our open-door policy encourages open communication with managers without repercussions. Conversations will also be kept confidential.

9. Termination and Resignation

Notice Period: Please complete all committed shifts before exiting.

Exit Interviews: Participate in an exit interview to provide valuable feedback.

Return of Company Property: Return all company property upon termination.

10. Safety Policies

Emergency Response Plan: All employees will be given a copy and review the Emergency Response Plan. All employees should be familiar with the area on which they guide and be able to provide exact location to responders.

Communication Device: Guides should have a fully charged phone on each trip. If cell service is not available, the guide should be familiar with where phone coverage is or have an alternative communication device.

Scope of Practice: All guides should work within the scope of their training for both terrain and medicine.

Equipment Policy: All equipment, including the guides personal items, must be periodically inspected and maintain perfect functionality. Our equipment must inspire confidence in our clients.

Proper Fitting Equipment: Clients must be given properly fitting equipment. If you do not have a proper fitting harness or helmet, the trip shall not continue until you do.

Weather Policy: Lightning and thunder require you to retreat to a lower position and wait atleast 30 minutes before returning to the climb. For all other weather, Dan and the guide will make a judgement call based on clients preparation, clients skill, terrain risk factors. We do not provide refunds for partially finished trips cancelled due to weather. The client will be offered a reschedule or a credit of the same value.

Safety Briefing: Clients must always receive a safety briefing providing insight into dangerous local wildlife, rock fall, cliff egde hazards, heat and cold related considerations, proper equipment, altitude.

Client Proficiency: If a client is not displaying suitable skills for the climb, it is the guides responsibility to initiate a retreat and either cancel or find a more appropriate itinerary.

Belaying Policy: Clients can belay for eachother as long as a guide is present and available for assistance. A braking-assisted device will ALWAYS be used. Client must practice and demonstrate proficiency before ever belaying another. Guide must participate in all safety checks, check the climber and belayer are appropriate weights, and that proper tension is provided for the climber. Backup belayers and ground anchors are at the discretion of the guide.

Anchor Cleaning Policy: All clients must demonstrate understanding and proficiency on the ground before undergoing any anchor cleaning procedure. The client must be on a climb that allows for easy communication and a line of sight for the guide to monitor the procedure.

11. Acknowledgment of Receipt

Please sign and return the acknowledgment form indicating that you’ve read, understood, and agree to comply with the policies outlined in this Employee Manual.

Remember, this manual is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your role at CLIMB DENVER. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or the HR department. We’re excited to have you as part of our team!