What is the focus of ALTITUDE programming?

Your group will be participating in an active, experiential learning program. Programming is designed to facilitate team development, leadership, cooperation and communication skills in a fun and safe environment.

What training and qualifications do the ALTITUDE staff have?

The ALTITUDE staff are a professional group of enthusiastic and highly trained McMaster students and alumni. Staff are certified in the following:

• Standard First Aid and CPR-C
• High-Ropes Challenge Course Facilitation (ACCT Certification)
• Team Development Facilitation
•  Vulnerable Sector Screening 

Your ALTITUDE Lead Staff member will be responsible for overseeing the entire program. If you have any concerns throughout the day, please consult the Lead Staff member.

What should participants bring?

To ensure participants are prepared for the day, they should dress appropriately for the weather and activities. Each participant must complete and hand in the participant consent form sent to you in your confirmatin email required by McMaster University to participate in ALTITUDE programming. Participants should bring a lunch, snacks and water. There are water bottle refill stations located within the Alpine Tower facility.

Please see the Participant and Guardian Information document that addresses the steps to prepare for the day. 

Are there washrooms on site?

There are portable washrooms at the Alpine Tower facility, and flush toilet facilities in the Ivor Wynne Centre (IWC) and the David Braley Athletic Centre (DBAC).

Where can I park?

There is paid parking on site. The closest parking lot to the Alpine Tower facility is Lot H. Directions and parking fees can be found here.

What is the emergency procedure?

Safety is our number one priority. Our staff members have immediate access to a first aid kit, and are trained in emergency procedures. If there is an incident or emergency during your day, it should be taken up immediately with the Lead Staff member. Your Lead Staff are to direct all emergency protocols and procedures. If there is an emergency at any time and the Lead Staff is not immediately present, please call (905) 522-4135, or dial 88 from a McMaster phone to reach the emergency services. 


What are the options for food and catering?

You are welcome to bring your own food, order pizza ($7 per participant + HST) or pitas ($10 per participant + HST), or order catering through McMaster’s Paradise Catering service. If you chose to order catering, please order directly through the catering service in advance of the program: http://hospitality.mcmaster.ca/catering/.

How do I book a program?

ALTITUDE programming must be booked in advance. You can book online by clicking here. You will be asked to confirm your total number of expected participants 1 week prior to your program to ensure proper staffing of the program.

What is the payment policy?

You will be invoiced via email approximately 1 week following the program. Details of payment will be provided when invoiced. Accepted payment methods include cash, credit card, cheque, and internal account transfer (McMaster organizations only). Please provide payment within the 2 weeks following the program.  

What is the cancellation policy?

 For cancellations made 48 hours before the start time of your program there will be no charge incurred. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the start time of your program or failure to attend the program will result in a 50% fee based off of total costs.

What is the bad weather policy?

 ALTITUDE programming will run rain or shine. In the event of a rainy day or extreme weather (high winds, thunderstorms, heat warnings, smoke), climbing and initiatives can be moved indoors to the Feather Family Climbing Wall and gym. In certain circumstances, the group contact and ALTITUDE Program Coordinator will collectively decide whether or not to move forward with programming.