2022-2023 BITS Progam Program - Registration Info (NOT A TRIP) - Monday, Nov 21, 2022

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up.
The Basics:
Event Type: Skiing 
Event Location: TBD 
Date(s) & Time:   Monday, Nov 21, 2022 08:00 PM  
Registration Cut Off:   Monday, Nov 21, 2022 11:59 PM  
Event Duration: Dates (Dec 3, Jan 15, Feb 11) 
Difficulty Rating:   D1 - See Conversion Chart  
Trip Coordinator(s):   Kate Snedeker
 

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:   Members Only  
Attendee Screening:   Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size: 55
Maximum No. Guests: 0
Minimum Group Size: 0
Maximum No. Guests Per Member: 0
Number Registered So Far:   51 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:   No

Itinerary:

Backcountry Intro to Skiing/Splitboarding (BITS) - 2022/2023 Program


Google Drive with Info for Participants: 


** Please note the registration deadline.  We will be holding one further info session on November 29.  However, applications will only be accepted after Nov 21 if there is still availability in the program and time for applications to be processed.  It is suggested that applications be submitted as early as possible.


Application: docs.google.com


Payment Link: See the bottom of the posting for the payment link


Registration/Application/Payment Deadline: November 21, 2022

This is the central sign up for the BITS Program, the ACC Calgary Section’s introduction to backcountry skiing (BITS) program. It is NOT a separate trip (just a placeholder) – you need to sign up here to join the program.  BITS trips will be posted by the coordinator and participants will be assigned to a group for each trip.


BITS is a volunteer/peer-led mentoring program consisting of an online introductory classroom session followed by a series of beginner focused ski tours designed to help you progress as a backcountry skier. It includes learning about terrain, avalanche safety, trip planning, gear and other relevant skills. And a chance to enjoy our wonderful backcountry! Upon completion of the program participants should feel capable of attending a variety of easy and moderate ski trips with the ACC Calgary section. It is open to all adult Calgary section members 19 and older.


Program
The program will consist of an online introduction session that are open to all (Nov 9 or Nov 29, and three weekend day-trips. The trips will be Dec 3, January 15 (Sunday)  and February 11 – conditions permitting- with a couple of make-up sessions possible, based on leader availability and conditions. February 26 is the designated 'reserve' day if a session is cancelled due to weather or avy conditions.  We strongly suggest attending as many of the trips as possible.


Prerequisites
BITS is NOT a learn to ski program, nor AST1. Participants must have solid intermediate ski skills at the resort (i.e. be comfortable skiing a blue run in all conditions), and - if at all possible - have completed AST1 before the first trip.   If AST1 may be an issue, please contact the organizers before signing up – exceptions may be made for the first trip. You are encouraged to book your AST1 course as soon as possible – demand is likely to be high and class size limits lower than in past years. You can look at avalanche.ca for listings of providers/courses, or contact the BITS coordinator for info (kgsneds@mac.com). You also need to be fit – able to do a moderate 10km hike with a pack.


You must be an ACC Calgary section member to register.  If you are not yet an ACC member or need to add Calgary section membership, you need to apply via the ACC national website.  Once the section receives your registration confirmation from national, your calendar access will be activated.  This can take a few days, so be sure to leave time in the application process if applicable.  Note that since this program is 19+, you need to have your age indicated in your account info to apply -- you can update/add your age by updating your account info at the top of the page.


Cost

There is $50 fee for the program; these funds enable us to provide our leaders and helpers with small subsidies to help with courses to improve their first aid/leadership/avalanche safety skills.  Payment can be made via Paypal.  The calendar now automatically notifies us of payment, so no need to send a copy of your receipt, but keep the receipt just in case of any IT glitches.


Application Process
Note that capacity is limited by the number of leaders.  Applications may be accepted later if there is space available, however applicants are encouraged to submit their registration as early as possible to ensure a space.


Registration/Application/Payment Deadline: November 21, 2022

If at all possible, registrants should attend one of the online intro sessions (Nov 9 and 29).  If you cannot attend, presentation slides will be available on the Google drive.  Note that the second session is after the registration deadline, so please ensure you are registered prior to this session.  

1) Sign up here to be placed on the wait list
2) Fill out the application form and return to kgsneds@mac.com 
3) When you receive the notification that you have been approved, submit your payment to link at the bottom of the page  (see above note)
4) Once your application and payment are received, you will be moved onto the “go” list

5) You will be placed on individual trips by the organizer. If you cannot make a specific trip, you must remove yourself from the trip and e-mail the organizer to let them know.  
6) Trip leaders will communicate with participants to confirm trip locations/times. Participants are responsible for letting the trip leader know ASAP if they cannot make a trip and must withdraw themselves from any trips they cannot make.
7) Have fun!


Application
Everyone who wishes to participate in the program must submit a FULLY COMPLETED application, which can be found here: docs.google.com.   You will need to download the file, open it with Excel or Google Spreadsheet, fill it out, save it as AN EXCEL (.xlsx file), and send it back to kgsneds@mac.com. The application will be used to group participants into similar abilities for the ski tours. Note that PDF or other file types will not be accepted - we need at .xlsx or .xls file to process your application.


Gear
You will need to have your own ski/split and avalanche safety gear (probe, avalanche shovel and 3-antennae avalanche beacon). Note that rental equipment is likely be limited this season – so book rentals early.  Rental options are the University of Calgary, possibly Norseman, and GearUp in Canmore (the latter likely requiring additional trips to Canmore for pick up/return).  Splitboard HQ may also rent split gear.  It is important to be familiar with your gear ahead of time and make sure it is properly fitted/adjusted/DINs set. If need be, head out to the resort for day prior to BITS. 


Self Directed Learning
Participants will be asked to complete several self directed learning exercises over the course of the program.
1. Watching a series of Youtube videos with helpful hints on ski touring and powder skiing technique (~30 min)
2. Reading Bruce Trempers book - Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain (~4 hrs)
3.Completing Avalanche.ca AvySavvy online tutorial (~2 hrs)
4. Trip planning prior to your events - navigation, weather, avalanche and group considerations (1-2 hrs per event) 


COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccinations
Finally, a note with regards to COVID-19. All ACC section trips will be run as per the section’s COVID guidelines. These may change depending on the current situation. If changes in provincial or other regulations require any alterations to BITS, we will let all participants know, and be flexible in terms of refunds.


All participants must sign the new waiver before every trip. You are strongly encouraged to read the section guidelines & understand your responsibilities: http://www.acccalgary.ca/calgary-section-protocols.  We will abide by any COVID protocols relevant during the time of the program.  We very strongly encourage all participants to be fully vaccinated & boosted prior to the start of the program.  Trip leaders have the final say in who is allowed on their trips.


A Few Other Notes – Please Read
Please ensure that the e-mail on your ACC Calgary Section profile is one that you check regularly. This e-mail will be used for all automated trip notifications/reminders and send to leaders for contacting participants. Leaders/organizers will not be responsible for communications missed if the e-mail is not up to date.


We are capping groups at a maximum of 8 people (ideally 5-6 persons max). Once you are assigned to a group, you will remain in that group unless there is significant mismatch in abilities, and any changes will be made by the organizers.

If participants in the same household prefer to be in the same group, please indicate clearly on the application form. We will place household members in the same group where possible, however if the members are of differing abilities, they will be placed in the group appropriate to the lower of the two levels.


Finally, all participants must sign up under their own name – both so leaders know who to expect and for record keeping. As such, if you have a family membership, please ensure that you have separate sign ins for each person who is participating. To have separate log ins created, please contact the section IT chair: webmaster@acccalgary.ca 

Any questions? Contact the program coordinator, Kate Snedeker at kgsneds@mac.com

Notes:
 


Payment Options:
  • Member $50.00 CAD
Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our participant responsibility guidelines!

Refunds will not be available once after the program has started.


*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!
Click here to be directed to our "Contact Us" page and contact the appropriate Chair person or the Section Chair. This is also a simple way to make your section executive aware of any praises, suggestions or problems you may have with any area of the Calgary Section of the ACC.
Thank you for your response.

Registration for this event closed on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 11:59 PM.