Archive:Intro to Backcountry Skiing 2009

	Old Trip
	This is the sign up and organization page for an old trip. It already happened. Please do not sign up for it.

Ouch.
Photo: Richard So

Introduction

This trip is, perhaps obviously, an introduction to skiing in the backcountry. Skiing in the backcountry is a lot different than skiing in a resort for a bunch of reasons, including snow conditions, routefinding, avalanche danger etc. This trip is geared to introduce people to these differences so they can learn to be more confident heading into the wilderness in winter (on skis).

This trip is for people who have basic camping skills (and are prepared to camp outside in the cold, on snow) and skiing skills. Winter Longhike and Tele School are good preparation for this trip. Snowboarding is also possible in the backcountry (snowboarders typically use snowshoes for the uphill, or use a splitboard), but this trip is geared towards skiing. Snowboarders can come on this trip if they are tough and willing to put up with any differences caused by being a snowboarder.

Avalanche Education

Avalanches are a major consideration for winter backcountry travel. It is recommended that you educate yourself about avalanches before this trip. We will also discuss this issue at the trip, but the more you know, the better. The VOC is organizing an avalanche course two weeks before this trip, so you could consider taking that (this is the best option). There is also an online course available here. Reading a book on the subject wouldn't hurt either.

Date

February 7^th - 8^th, 2009

Note that this trip may be cancelled, postponed or the location changed based on weather and avalanche conditions.

Pre-trip meeting

The pre-trip meeting will be TBD in the clubroom.

Location

TBD
Possible locations include:
Needle Peak/Zoa (Coquihalla)
Manning Park
Callaghan
Rainbow Lake

Equipment List

Please consult the above link for all information regarding proper skiing clothing and gear. Please be aware that you will need proper backcountry skis for this trip (telemark or alpine touring) as well as skins (these are, of course, crucial), ski boots, and poles. Avalanche transceivers (modern 457 kHz type) and shovels are absolutely mandatory.

Personal items are in regular font, shared items are in italic font

Essentials

• water bottle (at least 2L, unless you know yourself)
• headlamp and batteries
• sunscreen
• sun glasses and/or goggles
• map
• compass
• backpack
• pocket knife
• whistle
• lighter and/or waterproof matches
• first aid kit
• Toilet Paper
• tent

Clothing / Equipment

• warm jacket (fleece or down)
• long underwear (top and bottom)
• toque / hat
• mitts / gloves
• weatherproof jacket (goretex or coated nylon or softshell if weather is forecast to be sunny)
• weatherproof pants (goretex or coated nylon or softshell if weather is forecast to be sunny)
• hiking poles?
• gaiters (optional if your pants have an integrated snow cuff)
• warm pants (fleece or down)
• insulated booties (optional)

Food

• Lunch and snacks x2
• Breakfast x1
• Dinner x1

Sleeping

• sleeping bag
• sleeping pad
• ear plugs, because somebody will snore (optional)

Cooking and Eating

• bowl, spoon
• Stove with fuel. If using white gas, for each person bring 200 mL

• Pot and matching pot gripper
• Toothbrush
  

Ski hardware

• ski helmet (optional) (most climbing helmets do not protect from frontal or side impacts and are not acceptable substitutes)
• skis (must have touring bindings that allow the heel to be free) or a split snowboard
• skins for going uphill. They must fit your skis and have reasonable glue. Test them.
• bindings. Applies particularly for splitboards.
• poles
• boots to match your skis or snowboard - there are many different kinds of binding interfaces. Make sure to test that both your boots fit into your bindings before the trip.
• ski repair kit
  

Avalanche Safety Gear

• 457kHz avalanche transceiver (with batteries, tested in advance)
• shovel
• probe
• snow saw (optional)
• rutschblock cord (optional)
• loupe (optional)
• crystal card (optional)
• CAC Avaluator card (optional)
• CAC Public Avalanche Bulletin Printout{{#if:|
  

===Climbing Gear===}}

Sign Up

	Signup Closed
	This is the sign up and organization page for an old trip. It already happened on 07-02-2009. Please do not sign up for it.

Please indicate whether you have avalanche training/experience.

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Rides

Please indicate here if you have a car, where you are leaving from and how many people you can transport.

Carless People

For people that don't have a car

• Name, leaving location