FAQ2024-05-28T13:07:10+00:00

purelements® FAQ

Which conditions do I have to fullfill?2021-07-21T10:32:54+00:00

It’s a little different on every tour. The exact information for the individual tours can be found in the description of the activities.
In general:
A good general health condition is a prerequisite. Health impairments and restrictions regarding a head for heights and swimming skills are taken into account when planning the tour.

Does purelements® have liability insurance?2021-07-21T10:22:34+00:00

Yes sure!
Our business liability insurance covers liability claims that are culpably caused to a third party through our business activities. This liability risk exists for purelements® as a legal person as well as for the individual employees. In addition, all of our freelance guides have their own public liability insurance.

As customers, are we insured through purelements® in the case of an accident?2021-07-21T10:20:28+00:00

No.
The customers are not insured by purelements® and are responsible for organizing their own insurance. Customers must be in good health and must have accident insurance that covers the cost of rescue from an emergency. Contract cancellation insurance is also advisable. Although all activities are carried out with competent personnel and safe methods, accidents can never be completely ruled out. Purelements, its employees or its partners cannot be held liable. Customers take part at their own risk. Customers must also have insurance that covers the costs of the following:

• Any outdoor sport classified under extreme or dangerous sports should also include canyoning;
• Medical expenses for treatment as a result of injuries sustained while participating in outdoor activities;
• causing your own personal liability for death or injury to another person as a result of their own negligence.

Are alcohol and drugs allowed before an activity?2021-07-21T10:17:10+00:00

No.
Alcohol, for example, slows down the ability to react and makes you unable to concentrate, and vascular complications due to the cold water could occur. Full attention is required to participate in our activities. Drunk people are excluded from participation without exception.

Are swimming skills necessary for the canyoning and canoeing programs?2021-07-21T10:14:31+00:00

Yes.
Participants must have basic swimming skills, but they certainly do not need to be competitive swimmers. Going into a canyon or cruising a river as a non-swimmer is definitely not a good idea.

Do we get clean equipment?2021-07-21T10:16:46+00:00

Yes.
After each activity, the guides wash the equipment to ensure a clean start to the next day. Purelements® uses biodegradable products that still reliably kill bacteria. Purelements® makes every effort to hand out dry equipment, although it can sometimes happen that the equipment is still damp from a previous tour. This is not an indication that the equipment is dirty!

Do we have to book in advance?2021-07-21T10:13:50+00:00

Yes.
Purelements® has to deal with complex logistics at times. For this it is imperative to book in advance. Bookings are made no later than 12 hours before the start of the tours to ensure the quality and safety of the tours. This gives purelements® enough time to check the actual weather and water conditions. Last-minute bookings are only accepted if purelements® can guarantee security and has enough time to organize the logistics.

What information does purelements® need to receive in order to be able to allow us to participate at an activity?2022-01-29T08:38:37+00:00

All customers must meet the minimum requirements if they are to participate or want to participate in an activity. Details on customer requirements are listed in our “Terms and Conditions”, which are presented to the customer with every booking. During the booking process, customers are required to provide all of the following standard information per booking:

For the individual booking:
• The booked program
• Name of the booker
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email
• Preferred Language
• Preferred tour (if known)

Per participant:
Personal Information:
• Surname
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Telephone number
• Email
• Height
• Weight
• shoe size

Physical abilities:
• Swimming skills (weak to good)

Medical restrictions:
• Medical remarks over the past 5 years (pregnant, allergies, treatments, ear problems, …)
• Diet guidelines
• Contact lenses or people who wear glasses
• Emergency contact (name, relationship, telephone number)
• Any specific cognitive limitation or need

Note our terms and conditions.

What do we have to sign before we can take part in the activity?2022-01-29T08:44:40+00:00

Participants must sign a waiver. This includes:

I, the participant in the mentioned event, hereby confirm,
• that I meet the prerequisites for participation and the requirements of the event according to the announcement.
• that I am of legal age or duly represented by law when submitting this declaration.
• that I am healthy and in particular do not suffer from a known heart condition or seizures and that I have informed the organizer about my medication.
• that I will immediately follow the instructions of the guides / trainers.
• that I have heard and understood the briefings (safety talk, instruction).
• that I have been informed about the safety equipment and that I will wear it as instructed.
• that I am aware of the dangers and the increased risk involved in participating in an outdoor event, in particular the risk of serious injuries up to fatal accidents, permanent damage to health and property damage.
• that I have been informed in particular about the increased risk of injury when staying in alpine terrain and the special dangers that can arise from water and weather events.
• that I am not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication and that I will not consume alcohol or drugs during the event.
• that I will contact the guide / trainer immediately if problems, questions or ambiguities arise.
• that I have been informed that purelements® CH Sagl is insured with Zurich’s public liability insurance.
With my signature, I authorize the purelements® CH Sagl as well as the companies affiliated with it, cooperation partners and third parties acting on behalf of the purelements® CH Sagl (e.g. photographer, advertising agency) to make the audio produced by me shortly before, during and shortly after the event And / or to publish video recordings, photographs and images free of charge. I permit the use of the image material in all online and / or offline media in which the purelements® CH Sagl is editorially, promotionally or commercially active or discussed (e.g. social networks, website, blogs, advertisements, press reports). I allow the aforementioned group of people to edit and / or redesign my personal images while protecting my personal rights (e.g. montage, combination with images / texts / graphics, alienation by photo technology, coloring).
If I receive image material from purelements® CH Sagl, I may use it for non-business, personal purposes, stating the source, until further notice.
I also allow my name and title to be published. Mention is solely at the discretion of purelements® CH sagl.
I am aware that I can revoke my consent to the publication and use of the image material from myself if there is an important or weighty reason and can withdraw or limit my consent to the naming at any time with effect for the future. Otherwise, the consent is valid indefinitely.

When will you find out at the latest if a tour does not take place?2024-03-13T10:31:06+00:00

If we are not sure whether we can carry out the tour, we will contact you at least 24 hours before the start of the activity. Purelements® uses the current information (actual water level, weather situation and local situation) to decide whether the activity can be carried out. We have the right, rather the obligation, to cancel an activity at any time if its safe execution can no longer be guaranteed. The participants will be contacted by phone, email or SMS to inform them of the latest changes in the situation, both on the part of purelements® and on the part of the participants. This information contains the exact time and the meeting point where the activity will take place, this information must be confirmed by the customer.

Here is an overview and description of all our meeting points.

Note our terms and conditions.

In which cases is an activity canceled?2022-01-29T08:56:15+00:00

Activities will be canceled if heavy rains, storm and / or thunderstorms occur. The operation of all outdoor activities is determined by the conditions of the environment at the time when these activities are to take place. Purelements® can change, cancel or prematurely end the activity program or parts of the individual activities due to unforeseen circumstances. These circumstances can be: force majeure, weather conditions, public actions and security risks. In such cases, Purelements® endeavors to offer a possible, comparable replacement.

If you cancel, will you get your money back from purelements®?2021-07-21T09:47:59+00:00

If the risk is too high due to external factors such as weather and water level, purelements® has the right to cancel the tour. Purelements® will endeavor to find a replacement tour or an alternative date. We ask the customer to trust us and to meet us. If we are unable to find an alternative tour or to make an alternative appointment, the customer will receive a voucher worth the booked tour with a term of 3 years. If this voucher cannot be used for special reasons (foreign tourists or large groups), a refund will be made!

For other reasons of cancellation we ask you our General terms and conditions to read.

What is canyoning?2024-03-13T10:31:01+00:00

“Canyoning” in another terminology: Canyoneering (USA, AU), Kloofing (SA), Barranquismo (ES), Torrentismo (IT). Canyons are conquered using a variety of different techniques such as walking, climbing slopes or rock steps, jumping, sliding, abseiling and swimming. It is mainly practiced in remote rugged areas and often requires navigation, route finding, and other wilderness skills. Canyons, which are ideal for canyoning, have often been carved by the water into the bedrock over millions of years, forming narrow gorges with numerous pools of water, beautifully shaped walls and sometimes extremely spectacular waterfalls. Most of the canyons are cut into limestone, sandstone, granite or basalt, but other types of rock are also possible. The Ticino gorges are almost predominantly formed from granite rocks (gneiss).
Over the years, special equipment for canyoning has been invented and manufactured, which has increased the popularity of this sport enormously.

What is included in the purelements® canyoning programs?2021-07-21T09:39:05+00:00

• Planning and implementation of the tour
• Coordination of the canyoning event on site
• Supervision by certified purelements® employees (certified canyoning guides)
• Guide-guest ratio is a maximum of 1: 7
• No time pressure!
• Special equipment required for the tour
• Photo service
• Own safety standards for canyoning

What is the minimum age for participating in a canyoning tour?2021-07-21T09:37:45+00:00

Here you can see our standard and the differences:
• Canyoning family: from 6 years
• Canyoning basic: from 8 years
• Canyoning pro: from 12 years
• Canyoning expert: from 16 years

Are there height and weight restrictions for participation?2024-03-13T10:31:01+00:00

For organizational and safety reasons, only persons who comply with the standards below can participate
– Weight: 25 – 140 kg
– Size: 100 – 230 cm
People who are under or over these dimensions should still contact us, unless they have their own equipment.

Can we bring our camera to the canyoning tour?2021-07-21T09:34:56+00:00

Yes of course! However, we do not recommend taking them with you, because the photo service is already included in the price and the guides take many photos (no videos) of you and you can completely enjoy the canyoning!
If you still want to take photos or videos yourself: During water activities, you should make sure that the cameras are waterproof and also attached! If you don’t attach your camera or GoPro, you may lose them – and then it can be very difficult or even impossible to find them again. Purelements® rents waterproof video cameras. However, these must be booked at least one day before the tour. Purelements® cannot be held responsible for the loss of any valuables brought along on the tour.

Jumps in the cold water cause pain in my ears! Can I still participate?2021-07-21T09:30:28+00:00

Yes, we understand your situation.
This is a phenomenon that happens to some people. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about it. The pressure of the water after immersion is much higher than the air pressure, so there is a sudden and often very strong pressure difference on the ears. Purelements® uses ear plugs specially developed for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers. The effect of the earplugs is very good because the pressure on the ears is slower and softer and experience shows us that no pain is felt when entering the water. Purelements® recommends that all guests use Doc’s earplugs, which are available in our shop.

What to bring for canyoning What equipment does purelements® offer?2024-03-13T10:31:02+00:00

What the participants need to bring:
• Snacks & drinks, extra catering
• Towel (for after the tour)
• swimwear
– Diving goggles for contact lens wearers (optional)
• A hard case and / or string for people who wear glasses
• Money for extras, tips & souvenirs, extra snacks
Before the tour starts:
• Put on your swimwear
• Consume enough food and fluids (no alcohol!)

Provided by purelements®:
• Canyoning shoes
• neoprene socks
• 2-piece wetsuit
• helmet
• Harness with self-securing loops, carabiners and descender
• gloves (optional)
• We provide all the equipment to carry out the tour safely and to be protected from the cold.

What if we don’t want to do something or we are afraid?2021-07-21T09:24:34+00:00

Most of our activities release a lot of adrenaline and involve many new, unfamiliar situations. The participants leave their comfort zone. Of course, all of this can also lead to the appearance of fears.
The “STOP” rules of course apply anywhere and anytime: No participant is obliged to complete a certain obstacle, even if he is motivated to do so, the final decision is left to the participant himself.
An example of canyoning: jumping is not mandatory for anyone and could be avoided by abseiling or climbing.

What is the minimum and maximum number of participants for a canyoning tour from purelements®?2021-07-21T09:13:27+00:00

Canyoning activities are carried out with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 7 participants per guide. Canoeing and abseiling are conducted with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 participants per guide. Outdoor events, team building activities and most courses are held with a minimum of 4 people. The maximum for the respective activity is defined in the description.
In addition, only as many participants can take part as there is equipment and guides available. Groups of 14 people and more, as well as private groups, are possible on request. If a single customer wants to take part, he is booked on a planned tour in order to reach the minimum number of participants.

How do I choose my ideal difficulty level?2022-01-29T09:53:16+00:00

Our tours are divided into three difficulty categories: basic, pro and expert.
Within these levels, however, there are subjective fluctuations in difficulty due to environmental factors.
We have easier basic tours and basic tours that are closer to the pro level. The same applies to the pro and expert level.
The technical level in the Ticino canyons is generally higher than in other countries. It is therefore recommended not to underestimate the difficulty of a tour. The goal is to have fun and not overwhelm yourself.
All of our canyons are fun and there are abseilers in every canyon.
Important! The tour chosen must be suitable for the weakest participant in the group!

Now find out which level is suitable for you → difficulty levels
We are also happy to provide advice over the phone!

Where is the exact final meeting point for canyoning tours?2022-01-29T10:00:38+00:00

Depending on the water level and weather conditions, purelements® informs the participants about the exact meeting point at least 60 minutes before the start of the tour. Participants are requested to show up at earliest 30 minutes in advance, to consume enough food and to drink enough (no alcohol!) as well as to go to the toilet beforehand.

The meeting point is usually on the purelements® site or at one of our canyoning bases. Please note that the meeting point is not necessarily the starting point! In some cases it requires further transport. Transportation is never included in the activity. The organization of the transport is therefore the responsibility of the customer.

What to bring for abseiling What equipment does purelements® provide?2024-03-13T10:31:02+00:00

What the participants need to bring:
• Snacks & drinks, extra catering
– A cord for wearing glasses
• Money for extras, tips & souvenirs, extra snacks
– Closed shoes (trekking or jogging shoes)
Before the tour starts:
• Consume enough food and fluids (no alcohol!)

Provided by purelements®:
• helmet
• strap
• Descender
• gloves

Where is the exact meeting point for abseiling training?2022-01-29T10:28:19+00:00

The meeting point is usually at the parking lot at Galbisio in Via Scalascia 9, 6503 Bellinzona. In case all the parking lots are occupied we can park also here!

Please let us know where did you park when you arrive.

What is included in the purelements® abseiling programs?2022-01-29T10:33:21+00:00

• Planning and implementation of the course
• Coordination of the event on site
• Supervision by certified purelements® employees (certified canyoning guides)
• Guide-guest ratio is a maximum of 1:12
• No time pressure!
• Special equipment required for the tour
• Photo service

What is the minimum age to participate in abseiling training?2021-07-21T08:55:19+00:00

6 years

Are there height and weight restrictions for participating in the abseiling training?2022-01-29T10:38:41+00:00

For organizational reasons, only people who are within the norms below can take part
• Weight: 25 – 140 kg
• Size: 100 – 230 cm
People who are under or over this measure should still contact us. Unless they have their own equipment.

What should I bring with me for the canoe tours? What equipment does purelements® provide?2024-03-13T10:31:05+00:00

What the participants need to bring:
• Snacks & drinks, extra catering
• Towel (for after the tour)
• swimwear
• Closed shoes that can get wet
• A hard case and / or string for people who wear glasses
• Money for extras, tips & souvenirs, extra snacks
Before the tour starts:
• Put on your swimwear
• Consume enough food and fluids (no alcohol!)

Provided by purelements®:
• Canoe
• paddle
– Life jacket
• helmet (only on the river)
• wetsuit (optional)

Can we bring our camera to go canoeing?2021-07-21T08:28:53+00:00

Yes of course.
Many participants regret that they did not document their tour on photo or video.
But! The following applies to water activities: make sure that the cameras are waterproof and additionally attached! If you don’t attach your camera or GoPro, you may lose them – and then it can be very difficult or even impossible to find them again! Purelements® cannot be held responsible for the loss of any valuables brought along on the tour.

What is the minimum age for participating in the canoe tours?2024-03-13T10:31:09+00:00

Here you can see our standard and the differences:
• Canoe family: from 6 years
• Canoe basic: from 8 years
• Canoe pro: from 12 years

Are there size and weight restrictions for taking part in the canoe tours?2021-07-21T08:25:33+00:00

Weight: 30 – 140 kg

Where is the exact meeting point for the canoe tours?2021-07-21T08:23:59+00:00

The meeting point is usually at our base at the Agriturismo La Finca in Cresciano. Please note that the meeting point is not necessarily the starting point of the tour. In some cases it requires further transport. Transportation is not included in the activity. Its organization is therefore the responsibility of the customer.

Is a return transport back to the starting point of the canoe tour possible?2024-03-13T10:31:11+00:00

We do not offer the return transport of the participants to the starting point. Our base (starting point) is easily accessible by public transport. If you want to make a shuttle with your own car, we can drive your driver back to the starting point if we have enough space in the car. However, as we only have a limited number of places available, please contact us in advance.

How do we get our luggage and personal belongings to the disembarkation point?2024-03-13T10:31:11+00:00

Any personal belongings you want to keep dry will be taken from the embarkation point to the disembarkation point by our purelements® driver and will be waiting for you when you arrive.

In which case are the canoe tours not carried out?2021-07-21T08:14:29+00:00

Rain is not a problem. In the event of a thunderstorm with lightning or stormy weather with a lot of wind, we will cancel the tour for safety reasons.
From mid-July we cannot guarantee that the tours can always take place as planned because the water level can be too low.

What is included in the purelements® canoe programs?2024-03-13T10:31:10+00:00

• Planning and implementation of the tour
• Coordination of the canoe event on site
– Supervision by certified purelements® staff (certified canoe guides)
• Guide-guest ratio is a maximum of 1:12
• No time pressure!
• Special equipment required for the tour

What should I bring with me on the via ferrata tours? What equipment does purelements® provide?2024-03-13T10:31:10+00:00

What the participants need to bring:
• Snacks & drinks, extra catering
• A hard case and / or string for people who wear glasses
• Money for extras, tips & souvenirs, extra snacks
• mountain boots
Before the tour starts:
• Consume enough food and fluids (no alcohol!)

Provided by purelements®:
• helmet
• strap
• Via ferrata kit
• gloves

Where is the exact meeting point for the via ferrata tours?2022-01-31T09:44:10+00:00

For the via ferrata dei Tre Signori the meeting point is at the funicular of Montecarasso (6513) in Via I Fracc 1. You can find directions here. Parking is very limited but in Montecarasso there are several parking possibilities such as the car park in Er Carà di Sai.

For the via ferrata San Salvatore the meeting point is established with the guide the day before.

Participants are requested to arrive 30 minutes in advance, to consume sufficient food and drink (no alcohol!) and to go to the toilet beforehand.

 

What is included in the via ferrata programs?2021-07-21T08:09:26+00:00

• Planning and implementation of the tour
• Coordination of the via ferrata event on site
• Support from certified purelements® employees (certified guides)
• Guide-guest ratio is a maximum of 1: 5
• No time pressure!
• Special equipment required for the tour
• Photo service

Do I have to reserve the cable car?2024-03-13T10:31:11+00:00

The cable car is reserved by purelements® but you have to pay for it on site. The cost of the cable car ride is not included!

When is a via ferrata tour not carried out?2022-01-31T10:05:33+00:00

In the event of rain, thunderstorms with lightning or stormy weather with a lot of wind, we will cancel the tour for safety reasons. Also by asphyxiating heat the tour can be cancelled.

What should I bring to the climbing courses? What equipment does purelements® offer?2022-01-31T10:31:02+00:00

What the participants need to bring:
• Snacks & drinks, extra catering
• A hard case and / or string for people who wear glasses
• Money for extras, tips & souvenirs, extra snacks
Before the tour starts:
• Eat enough food and fluids (no alcohol!)

Provided by purelements®:
• Climbing helmet
• Harness
• Climbing shoes
• Belay device

Where is the exact final meeting point for the climbing tours?2022-01-31T10:46:06+00:00

Depending on the weather conditions, purelements® will inform the participants about the exact meeting point at least one day before the clinic begins. Participants are requested to show up at earliest 30 minutes in advance, to consume enough food and to drink enough (no alcohol!) as well as to go to the toilet beforehand.

The meeting point is usually on the purelements® site or at one of our base locations. Please note that the meeting point is not necessarily the starting point of the clinic. In some cases, further transport is necessary. Transportation is not included in the activity. Its organization is therefore the responsibility of the customer.

What is included in the purelements® climbing programs?2022-01-31T10:49:54+00:00

• Planning and implementation of the course
• Coordination of the climbing event on site
• Support from certified purelements® employees (certified climbing guides)
• Guide-guest ratio is a maximum of 1:6
• No time pressure!
• Special equipment required for the tour
• Photo service

When is a climbing course not held?2022-01-31T10:55:15+00:00

In case of rain, thunderstorms with lightning or in stormy weather with a lot of wind, we cannot conduct the tour outside and will conduct the course in an indoor climbing hall. The ticket for the climbing gym is not included.

Our satisfied customers

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