The total length of the climb is 26km and 1520m of elevation. It will be a long day. We should start skiing at 8/8.30am max. (So keep that in mind especially if you drive from Calgary)
It will be a long day for sure..
Selected members should be comfortable skiing a long distance at a good pace.
There will be a lot of up & downs so we'll have to transition many times. The team needs to be efficient.
You don't need extensive backcountry experience. However AST1 or equivalent avalanche training is mandatory.
The summit climb may be exposed and include bootpack in snow and on rocks with or without crampons depending on conditions.
We'll have a rope but we might not be able to use it all the way to the summit depending on terrain so you should have a little bit of mountaineering/winter scrambling experience.
You will need:
- Skis or splitboard (with skins) (MANDATORY)
- Helmet (MANDATORY)
- Avalanche kit (Transceiver (digital 3+ antennae), shovel & probe) (MANDATORY)
- Headlamp (MANDATORY)
- Harness (light alpine harness if possible) (MANDATORY)
- Belay device + a couple of carabiners (RECOMMENDED)
- Crampons that work with your skiing boots (RECOMMENDED)
- General mountaineering ice axe (RECOMMENDED)
- Extra batteries (or at least check you transceiver batteries)
- Ski goggles
- Ski crampons (optional but can be useful)
- InReach or similar device (if you have one)
- Camera
- Sunscreen, Glasses
- Layers (for wind, snow, cold...)
- Snack/Lunch and enough water for the day
- Hot Drinks for the breakfast :)
The trip leader will bring a light rope, some climbing gear, 2 radios, a tarp, first aid kit and emergency blanket...
Please try to keep a little bit of space in your pack so we can share the load
What could prevent the event to happen ?
The event might be cancelled or postponed if:
- The forecast shows very cold temperatures
- One or many person forget essential gear (beacon, skis...)
- Avalanche conditions are really unsafe
- Unexpected trail (or area) closure
We'll check the weather forecast a couple of days before the trip and decide as a team whether we still want to go. In that case we can also decide to start to go for a safer option (something in Sunshine backcountry)
Carpooling:
To be arranged with the group if needed.
Note that I live in Canmore so people coming from Calgary or Cochrane will need their own transportation.
Selection Process:
If we haven't skied together before please send an email (you'll find it at the bottom of the page) and describe:
- Your backcountry ski experience
- Your avalanche training level (AST1, AST2, Avalanche Op 1 etc)
- Your ski comfort level
Note that this is not a first-come first-serve trip. If you don't submit this information you will not be part of the trip.
Possible hazards:
Avalanche
Avalanches can occur in the terrain in which we operate and can be caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. skiing/snowboarding). What are the risks? Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.
Terrain
Cornice fall, crevasses, Cliffs, Trees, tree wells, forest deadfall, and tree stumps, Creeks, Rocks and Boulders, Holes and depressions below the snow surface, Variable and difficult snow conditions, Snowcat roads and road banks, Fences and other manmade structures, Snow immersion, Impact or collision with other persons vehicles or objects, Encounters with domestic or wild animals, Loss of balance or control, Slips trips and falls, Becoming lost or separated from one’s group
Communication, rescue and medical treatment
Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.
Boots and binding systems
· Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured. Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.
· Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.
Other
Slips, trips and falls both outdoors and indoors, Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact, Equipment failure, Negligent first aid, Negligence of other people.
Waiver:
Everyone attending this event will be required to sign the
ACC Waiver at the beginning of the event. Read the waiver carefully to ensure you fully understand it. If possible, please print and fill it out except for the signature fields before arriving at the event.
Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our
participant responsibility guidelines!
Contact information:
If you have any questions or doubts feel free to send me an email at
contact@candela-chris.com.
SMS or whatsapp: 514 632 4287
IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
It is a recreational trip and NOT a guided trip. The trip leader is volunteering and is not acting in the role of a guide. We are working as a group for: safety, trail breaking, decision making...