We'll ski Ochre Spring Peak in Kootenay National Park (51.20039, -116.17477)

Meeting place and start time will be decided later with selected participants.

- Update from January 21th 2025 -
If we want to attempt the summit all the participants need to have ski crampons and an ice axe. They are both mandatory for the final section and the ridge.
The summit is optional. We can still stop before the ridge and still get some good skiing.

PS: Even though AST2 is not mandatory you MUST be willing to take turns leading the group if needed.
With 1400m of elevation (mostly in powder) don't expect to have only one person breaking the trail all the way to the summit.

The total length is 13km and 1375m of elevation. We should start skiing at 7.30 max. (So keep that in mind especially if you drive from Calgary)

Selected members should be comfortable skiing a long distance with a good amount of elevation at a good pace.
You don't need extensive backcountry experience. However AST1 or equivalent avalanche training is mandatory. AST2 recommended.

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)
- Ski crampons (RECOMMENDED IF WE WANT TO TRY TO SUMMIT)
- Extra batteries (or at least check you transceiver batteries)
- Ski goggles
- InReach or similar device (if you have one)
- Camera
- Sunscreen, Glasses
- Plenty of layers (for wind, snow, cold...)
- Snack/Lunch and enough water for the day
- Hot Drinks if needed :)

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 ?

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.

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.


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.

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.

Please review our participant responsibility guidelines!

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