Intro to Backcountry Skiing

Intro to Backcountry Skiing is a trip aimed at people who can ski already who want to get into backcountry skiing and tent camping. The objective of the trip is to camp and do some skiing above camp, or climb a peak and ski down (not just skiing to camp and back). Participants should ski well enough that they will be able to descend through forest with a pack on without hitting trees, but they do not have to look remotely good while doing it (this is called Survival Skiing). The trip is a one night excursion to an area with simple terrain and no hut. Participants stay in tents and cook in a snow kitchen, while getting some advice on travelling in the backcountry and winter camping from the more experienced trip leaders.

Past locations have included

• Marriot Basin, (before the construction of the Wendy Thompson Hut)
• Needle Peak, Coquihalla
• Caspar Creek

Equipment List

Personal

In winter especially, none of your clothing should be made out of cotton. Anything synthetic is safe. Just remember, Cotton Kills.

Camping

• sleeping pad - you may want to consider also grabbing a thin foamy or other pad (or even a few garbage bags) to provide a little more insulation - most people are cold in the night if they can feel the snow below them
• sleeping bag (rated for winter or 3 season if you sleep warm)

Clothes

• warm jacket (fleece or down)
• warm pants (fleece or thick long underwear)
• long underwear
• layers (fleece or wool sweaters)
• toque, mitts (2 pairs, or a set of waterproof shells)
• warm socks (2 pairs, wool/wool mix)
• waterproof jacket (goretex or coated nylon)
• waterproof pants (goretex or coated nylon)
• gaiters
• good waterproof boots (wax them before the trip) or ski boots
• goggles if skiing
• sunglasses

Transport

• skis and skins / snowboard and snowshoes / etc
• poles

Other

• cup, bowl, spoon, knife
• toothbrush etc.
• sunscreen
• water bottle (1L)
• lunch, snacks, breakfast, dinner contribution (in winter you will need 2500-3500 calories per day, fat-rich stuff keeps you warm)
• headlamp
• garbage bags - bring a few, these are useful for everything
• gas money for your driver
• spare batteries for headlamp, beacon and anything else that uses 'em

Avalanche Safety Gear

• avalanche transceiver
• shovel
• probe (optional but recommended)

Optional Extras

• camera
• musical instruments
• large quantities of mulled wine - or hard booze (more value for your weight)

Small Group

2-3 people per group

• tent
• stove + fuel + lighter (you'd be surprised how often one of these stays home)
• pots

Big Group

Everyone

• first aid kits
• song books
• snow saw
• maps, compass, etc
• repair kit