Archive:Intro to Backcountry Skiing 2008

	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. Snowboarders should all be in group 2.

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 2^nd - 3^rd, 2008

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

Location

Group 1: Joffre Lakes
Group 2: Caspar Creek

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

Each group is currently limited to 15 people (ie. full). Please feel free to add your name to the waiting list. People often drop out. If you are available to instruct, please contact Scott Webster.

Please indicate whether you have avalanche training/experience.

Group 1

Instructors:

1. Scott Webster
2. Christian Champagne
3. Matthew Baker
4. Evan Morris
5. Steve Mullen
6. Chris Petrus (tentative)

Students:

1. Devon Carr (I was caught in an avalanche once, I'm signed up for an AST 1 course on feb 9th)
   
2. Sophia Moulton (no avalanche experience)
   
3. Anne Webster (AST 1)
   
4. Joanna Kolakowska (no AST)
   
5. Jason Bedard (AST 1, 2006)
6. Michael Kaye
7. Pierre Tallon
8. Laura Morrison (AST 1)
9. Gili Rosenberg (AST 1)
   
10. Maya Goldstein (no AST)
    
11. April (have taken AST 1)
    
12. Felix Heinen (no AST, Snowboard, Who want to swap from Group 2?)
    
13. Bob Lai (AST 1)
    
14. Anne Vialettes
15. Nick Chng

Group 2

Instructors:

1. Christian Veenstra
2. Duncan McPhedran
3. Matthew Carroll
4. Line Christiansen

Students:

1. Jason Kwok (no AST)
2. Anton Kaplan (AST-1)
3. Ran Z. (avy-aware, no AST)
4. Tracy Wilkinson (no AST)
5. Madelaine Wiese (no AST, some informal training)
6. Josh Zukewich
7. Colin Ferster (AST 1, snowboard?)
8. Alix MacKay
9. Emma V-B (Taking the Jan 19-20 avi course)
10. Conrad Koziol (no AST)
11. Eddie (Taking the Jan 19-20 avi course)
12. Elissa Smith (AST 1, 2007)
13. Eric Escobar (AST-1)
14. Philipp Zielke (taking AST 1 Jan 26-27)
15. Pawel Mirski (5 day Rec Avi Awareness, snowboard?)

Waiting List

1. Shane Beaton (no AST, just informal training/reading, have 4wd car)
2. Claire Bossavit (Eric's wife, no avi course, but heard a lot about avalanches from Eric)
3. Ryan Gustafson (Level 1 Avi, ubc snow course, snowboarder, prefer Caspar Creek, have car)
4. Charissa Pinnell (Rescue avi course [6yrs ago], avi update course [last yr], have car)
5. Helen Fleisig (half AST1)
6. Paul Bates (no AST, reading up- plan to do the Whistler avi information day)

Rides

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

Evan Morris [can pick up anywhere, 4 passengers]

1. April Hall
2. Bob Lai
3. Steve Mullen
4. Champagne

Matthew Carroll [13th + Macdonald, 6 passengers, CAN mini-van w/roof rack]

n.b. If we have sufficient alternative vehicles by 8pm Jan 31st I will cancel the booking.

1. Elissa Smith
2. Christian Veenstra
3. Line Christiansen
4. Pawel Mirski
5. Anton Kaplan
6. Madelaine Wiese

Nick Chng [Cambie & Broadway, 4 passengers, (have roof rack)]

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2. 
   
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4. 
   

Duncan McPhedran [Fraser & Broadway, 3 or 4 passengers, roof rack equiped]

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2. 
   
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Drivers Name [location leaving from, # of people]

1. 
   
2. 
   
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Carless People

For people that don't have a car

• Name, leaving location

1. Pierre Tallon (UBC)
2. Laura Morrison (UBC)
3. Ran Z (70th and Oak if I haven't moved by that time)
4. Sophia Moulton
5. Emma V-B (UBC)
6. Madelaine Wiese (UBC)
7. Eddie (1st & Victoria)
8. Anne Vialettes (14th and Trimble)
9. Felix Heinen (Downtown)
10. Colin Ferster (49 and Granville or UBC)
11. Tracy Wilkinson (Broadway and Commercial)
12. Philipp Zielke (19th and Cambie)
13. Jason Kwok (no1 and Westminster in Richmond, but i can come to Van if needed)
14. Joanna Kolakowska (west end)
15. Anton Kaplan