Will I be able to keep up with the hiking pace and fitness level? +

Seasonal Walks take place in the DC/MD/VA region where we have steep hills but are not climbing mountains. Our pace is conversational and brisk. We take plenty of time for water and breather-breaks and to take in the beauty of our surroundings

Our walks are right for your fitness level if:

• You can maintain a walking pace of 4 to 5 mph
• You are ok with trails that can be rooty, rocky and rugged with the occasional climbs and descents.
• You are free of any injury or illness that could impair your ability to walk safely and comfortably on trails and city sidewalks.
• You are willing and game to get your heart pumping and your muscles working.
• The pace for our walks is steady and supportive but we do adhere to a tight schedule so people can partake in walks and then get on with their ‘to do’s’.

The Overnight Experiences are right for your fitness level if:

• You are familiar and comfortable hiking mountain trails with occasional stream crossings, steep climbs/descents, loose, crumbly, slick footing, rock scrambling and other unforeseen obstacles.
• You are free of any injury or illness that could impair your ability to walk safely and comfortably on trails and city sidewalks.
• You are fine carrying a day pack with your own water, clothing layers and creature comforts.
• Your mountain pace is between 2- 4 mph. We normally have two guides so one can lead a faster pace and the other a slower pace.

*If you have concerns about your safety and abilities, we ask that you reach out to us to discuss suitability. *

Do you reschedule if the weather is bad? +

Our primary concerns are you, your safety, and that you have a positive experience! We proceed on our hikes in light rain but if the weather is threatening, we pivot and either reschedule or refund.

What are the refund policies? +

Seasonal Experiences

We will issue a 50% refund if we are within 24 hours of our walk. No refunds issued if you have to cancel the day of the walk.

Seasonal Overnight(s):

• Full payment is expected at time of registration.
• If you have to cancel your spot 30 days prior to your scheduled Elements Overnight, we will offer a refund less a $50 admin & cancellation fee.
• If you have to cancel within 30 days of your scheduled Overnight, we are unable to offer a refund unless we can pull a participant from an existing waitlist.

**Elements Reschedule & Cancellation Policy: **

• If we reschedule a Seasonal Overnight (due to weather or personnel issues) and the new dates work for your schedule, we will forward your registration fee to the newly scheduled date in lieu of a refund.

• Elements will fully refund registered participants if we have to cancel a Seasonal Elements Experience.

• Elements Custom Experiences: The organizer will be issued Terms & Conditions information pertinent to the Custom offering

Hotel Refund Policy:

Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the refund policy of the overnight partner hotel. The George Hotel in Lexington has a 72 hour cancellation policy.

How many people come on the walks and overnights +

Walks typically have from 3 to 8 people per walk but the number of participants can vary depending on the adventure.

Our minimum number for overnights depends on destination and capacity at hotel but is typically min of 6 people.

What should I wear & carry? +

Our Elements mantra is always dress and prepare for the weather. With that in mind we ask everyone to carry their own water, creature comforts (sunblock, sunglasses, hat) and rain/wind jacket.

For our local Seasonal or Custom Experiences we recommend exercise clothes and running shoes or trail shoes.

For our Overnights, we will send a detailed packing list but in a nutshell, we ask everyone to carry a day pack and be prepared with layers:

• SYNTHETIC BASE LAYER: Something close to the skin that wicks away moisture.
• INSULATING LAYER: Something fluffy and downy.
• PROTECTIVE LAYER: Something to keep the wind, water, and snow out.
• HEAD, HANDS AND FEET: Hat, gloves or mittens, warm socks, and good boots.

What's the phone policy? +

Use of phones are discouraged during The Elements D.C. adventures. Our goal is to unplug, be present in the moment, and engage in our surroundings. If you need to have a phone with you (as most adults do), we ask that you put the ringer to silent or vibrate; and refrain from making calls or texts until the end of the outing. All instructors have cell phones and walkie talkies for emergency purposes.