This will be a 4 night Wapta Traverse (Peyto-Bow-Balfour-Scott Duncan) aimed at backcountry skiers with limited or no hut trip experience.  The pace will be relaxed to moderate, with online pre-trip meetings in advance to discuss plans and allow participants to ask questions about gear, packing, food.

Participants must be 19+ have AST1, crevasse rescue training, fit enough to carry 4 nights worth of gear/food each day and have 2-3 seasons of backcountry experience.  All participants should have their own ski/split gear and have gotten out regularly prior to the trip.  Priority will be given to participants on the cancelled trip in February 2023 and BITS program graduates who meet the trip requirements.

Any questions about experience or requirements should be directed to the coordinator at kgsneds@mac.com

We will be cooking as a group - to be discussed once participants are finalized.  If participants are unable to participate in a group meal due to dietary limitations/requirements, they should plan on boil in a bag meal.

We will leave for Bow Hut early on the 29th, so likely will want to set up the shuttle on Friday the 28th.  The plan will be to stay at Lake Louise or Mosquito Hostel on Friday night.  If participants need/want to meet on Saturday morning, they should plan a very early meeting at Lake Louise.

All participants must be current ACC members and have signed the online waiver.  In addition, participants must read the risks (see additional notes) and attest that they accept these risks.

The cost include hut fees/permits - Friday night accommodation, food and transport separate.  Hut costs will be finalized once the ACC finalizes hut costs for next season.

Details later

Backcountry Skiing

·       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 man made 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 ones group

·  

·       Communication, rescue and medical treatment

·       Communication can be difficult and in the event of a 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, including other participants