Starting from Burstall Pass Trailhead, traversing through
Birdwood Pass and Smuts Pass, exiting via Commonwealth
Creek, 3-4km from our starting point. Enough participants to
take 2 vehicles would be best or somebody will have to walk or
hitchhike back to the car. Skiing time 5-7 Hours. The route
traverses much avy terrain, so an early start is mandatory. The
first slope, up to Birdwood Pass, after leaving the Burstall Pass
Trail, faces south, so we will be up that early. Ski Crampons
may be helpful here for a short steep section, but not
mandatory. Most of the terrain after this has a northerly aspect,
so hoping for a few good turns. The downhill sections are all
moderate - nothing steep, however, the decent from Smuts
Pass is often wind blasted, followed by a easyish bushwacking
decent to valley bottom.
Required Items to Bring:
Modern 3 Antenna Beacon, shovel, probe. AT or Tele skis.
Must have at least AST1, or older RAC + experience.
Adequate food, water, clothing and gear
for a whole day outside...of course.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Ski crampons. If someone has a SPOT type device, you could
bring that...
How to Get There:
Carpool Departure Time:
06:30 AM
Carpool Location:
Valley Meadow Close NW
Carpool Directions:
A gravel parking lot at a park adjacent to the TCH in Valley
Ridge. See google map below:
https://goo.gl/maps/BmGVhCy1oop
Notes:
I may choose to go to a different location if weather changes
for the worse, or if there's a lot of new snow. It would be
pointless IMO to do the trip in poor visibility as much of the
terrain is above or near tree line.
Cancellation Policy If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Calgary Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.
Trip Feedback If you have any feedback, positive or negative, concerning this trip or any other, we want to hear from you! You can send any feedback you may have to the Section Chair.
Registration for this event closed on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 08:00 PM.