Archive:Intro to Backcountry Skiing 2009
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Old Trip |
| This is the sign up and organization page for an old trip. It already happened. Please do not sign up for it. |
Contents
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 7th - 8th, 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 Wednesday, February 4, 6pm in the clubroom.
Location
Needle Peak on the Coquihalla highway. Approximately 2-2.5 hours from Vancouver. Please be on HWY 1 by 6:30am. We will be meeting at the Vedder Road Tim Hortons
Click on the image at right for a topographic map of the area. The parking, approach and some ski runs are shown. The run off the West ridge of Needle has a varying slope angle depending on how far left/right you go. The slope that runs east from Flatiron is around 20 degrees. There is potentially some more advanced terrain on the southwest side of Flatiron (30+ degrees), but would need good snow conditions...
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
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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.
Instructors
- Richard So (AST1)
- Scott W.
- Bob L
- Evan
- Greta
Waiting list
Participants
- Christian S. (AST 1)
- Anthony Higginson (AST1 but not much experience)
- Will Whitty (AST 1)
- Gili Rosenberg (AST 1)
- Maya Goldstein
- Colin Vincent (need tent spot)
Waiting List
Rides
Please indicate here if you have a car, where you are leaving from and how many people you can transport.
Gili (3 passengers, leaving from Fairview)
- Maya (2-person tent)
- Rich (2-person tent)
Will (3 passengers, leaving from UBC) (2-3 person tent)
- Christian S.
- Tony
Evan (4 passengers, 2 person tent)
- Greta
- Bob
- Scott W. (2-person)
- Colin V (email me if you have a tent spot)
Carless People
For people that don't have a car
- Name, leaving location
