COVID-19 Policy

The novel Coronavirus SARS-COV-2, known as COVID-19, is a respiratory virus that is infecting people everywhere around the world. Sun Valley Guides (SVG) has developed a policy following guidelines from both the State of Idaho (Idaho Rebounds) and federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and OSHA. As much of the information on how to fight the spread of this disease is ever changing, this is a working document and will be updated when new information arises.

It is best practice to consider everyone to be asymptomatic (someone showing no symptoms of the virus) and be a possible carrier of the virus. Elimination of the virus is unrealistic. Prevention is the only viable way to reduce spread of the virus.The following document will outline SVG’s approach to helping fight the spread of the virus and keeping both it’s staff and guests as healthy as possible. There are many risks associated with travel in the mountains and COVID-19 is another risk that needs to be managed while we help orchestrate guests to pursue their personal goals and aspirations. 

Now more than ever, getting outdoors and finding open space has become an important priority for everyone’s health and wellness.  Sun Valley Guides specializes in custom adventures that seek to avoid others in the backcountry.  Our knowledge of the local terrain, vast trail network and motorized right-of-ways is vital to dispersing our groups out into Idaho’s beautiful playground in pursuit of fresh air and solitude.

What is Sun Valley Guides doing to manage the risk of COVID-19?

  • Health screening guests within 2 days of the trip and again the day of.

  • Guides will continue to screen themselves before everyday of work. 

  • Guests will be asked again the morning of the trip if they are showing symptoms. 

  • Throughout the trip, guides and guests will use good hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer.

  • SVG will follow the CDC guidelines for cleaning it’s office space.

  • Any shared contact with company (and guides) equipment will be cleaned or set aside for 72 hours as per manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning equipment.

  • When operating at remote huts and yurts, trips will adhere to Sun Valley Mountain Hut’s COVID-19 Hut Use Protocols.

  • Please fill out waivers ahead of time online to reduce extra contact of forms or tablets. It is imperative that everyone signs their waiver(s) online from now on.

  • If you are feeling symptoms of Covid-19 within 5 days of your trip, please contact our office immediately. 

Current research shows no evidence of COVID-19 transmission through food, food packages, or even food handlers.  Food has not been established as a possible risk factor for this illness. That being said, extra precautions should be taken to reduce the spread of the virus.

  • Guests will provide their own food for day trips.

  • Whenever possible, meats should be cooked ahead of time and cooled to acceptable temperatures outlined by the FDA Safe Food Handling.

  • Guides will practice food handling procedures and wash hands frequently. 

  • Separate food bins will be designated to keep guest’s personal items such as snacks, energy bars, etc. to keep them from being eaten by wildlife.