Archive:Intro to Backcountry Skiing 2010

	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.

Due to the recent popularity of VOC trips, two separate groups of 6 leaders/instructors and 12 beginners will be going to two separate locations.

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. There is an online course available here. Reading a book on the subject wouldn't hurt either.

Date

January 30^th - 31^st, 2010

Pre-trip meeting

The pre-trip meeting will be Wednesday, January 27^th, 6pm in the clubroom.

Location

TBD

• Note: The two locations will depend on weather and avalanche 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.

Sign Up

	Signup Closed
	This is the sign up and organization page for an old trip. It already happened on 30-01-2010. Please do not sign up for it.

Group Agent Orange Contact Christian Veenstra about this group. Location TBD Instructors Ideally we'll have 6. Email me if you're interested. Christian Veenstra Line Veenstra Participants Ideally we'll have 12. Write down your name here if you're interested and reasonably committed. Since we need different kinds of people to make this trip a success please indicate if you have avalanche training, if you are willing to drive and if you are willing to bring a tent. I've never been on a trip without enough stoves. We'll sort out who's actually coming at the pre-trip meeting, with preference to those highest on the list and exceptions made to allow this trip to happen. If you can't come to the pre-trip meeting (on time) then find somebody to represent you. Depending on driver preferences, gas money may be collected at the pre-trip. Nick M (AV1, no car, 3-season MEC Gemini which I am not sure is suitable) ... Remember - just signing the wiki doesn't ensure you're on the trip. See the top of this signup list regarding information you need to actually get on the trip.

Group Champagne Powder Group organizer: Christian Champagne Location TBD Instructors Max: 6 For all potential leaders/instructors, please email Christian Champagne to help me gauge your experience levels. Christian Champagne Waiting list Participants Max: 12 Write down your name here if you're interested and reasonably committed. Since we need different kinds of people to make this trip a success please indicate if: You have avalanche training (i.e. AST 1, 2) You are willing to drive You have a 4-season tent or willing to carry one. You have cooking gear (pots, stove, fuel, etc.) We'll sort out who's actually coming at the pre-trip meeting, with preference to those highest on the list and exceptions made to allow this trip to happen. If you can't come to the pre-trip meeting (on time) then find somebody to represent you. Depending on driver preferences, gas money may be collected at the pre-trip. Waiting list