A tour to reach a local highpoint. Possible objectives include summits near Sunshine Village / Healy Pass,  Crystal Ridge, Unity Peak, Oxo Puzzle peak, etc. Your expectations for good skiing should be commensurate with our snowpack. I am open to suggestions. 

Mandatory: Transceiver (digital 2+ antennae) (remember to check your batteries), snow shovel, probe, backcountry ski gear, and knowledge of how to use them (AST1 minimum)

Food/drink, extra clothing, any required personal items, sunglasses/ski goggles and headlamp, sunscreen, camera, FRS radio if you have one.

If we are going to a summit, an ice axe, helmet, and boot crampons might be needed. Ski crampons may be an asset and have come in handy across the season.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NynKuFG4iibmTVZ47

Minimum AST1 or equivalent level experience is required. If you intend to bring a splitboard, let me know. As I may not know you well (or at all), please send following info to apfel.s.trudel@icloud.com

• Describe your avalanche training, crevasse rescue and glacier travel experience
• Describe your back country ski experience
• Describe your ski comfort level (e.g. OK on Blue runs, struggle on Black Diamonds, I do the Delirium Dive blindfolded, I'm new to this)

You will not be moved to the participant list without submitting this info!

Possible hazards

 Avalanche

Avalanches can occur in the terrain in which we operate and can be caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. skiing/snowboarding). What are the risks? Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.

Terrain

·       Cornice fall,

·       Crevasses,

·       Cliffs

·       Trees, tree wells, forest deadfall, and tree stumps

·       Creeks

·       Rocks and Boulders

·       Holes and depressions below the snow surface

·       Variable and difficult snow conditions

·       Snowcat roads and road banks

·       Fences and other manmade structures

·       Snow immersion

·        Impact or collision with other persons vehicles or objects

·       Encounters with domestic or wild animals

·       Loss of balance or control

·       Slips trips and falls

·       Becoming lost or separated from one’s group

Communication, rescue and medical treatment

 Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow

Boots and binding systems

·          Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured.  Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.

·          Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances.  Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.

Other

·            Slips, trips and falls both outdoors and indoors

·            Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact

·            Equipment failure

·            Negligent first aid

·            Negligence of other people

Recommended: Food/drink, extra clothing, any required personal items, sunglasses/ski goggles and headlamp, sunscreen, camera, FRS radio.

Given the shallow snowpack, a helmet is strongly recommended. Ice axe, boot and ski crampons can be useful and recommended.