We'll attempt to ski the Pumpkin Traverse in the Skoki area.
It starts at the base of the ski out of Lake Louise Resort and finish at the same place.
On the way we'll have multiple options... Depending on group skills, conditions, etc we can attempt up to 3 summits. (No mountaineering experience required but we might have to bootpack some of them depending on snow conditions). These summits are Lipalian Mountain, Purple Mound and Unity Peak. Some of them are easier than others so it will be discussed with selected participants.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
The crux of the day will be a traverse on a steep slope between Purple Mount saddle and Unity peak saddle. We will need a good avalanche forecast and a stable snowpack. So we'll decide a couple of days before depending on the forecast. Also we'll test the snow on this slope before committing to the traverse.
If we assess that it's not safe enough we'll turn around there and go back the way we came
Meeting place and start time will be decided later with selected participants.
The total length of the traverse (if we visit all 3 summits) is 25km and 1385m of elevation. It will be a shorter if we skip some summits.
A very early start is required as we estimate 9-10h for the whole trip and days are not that long in Feb. We should start skiing at 7am max. (So keep that in mind especially if you drive from Calgary)
It will be a long day for sure..
Selected members should be comfortable skiing a long distance (and start in the dark) at a good pace.
There will be a lot of up & downs so we'll have to transition many times. The team needs to be efficient.
You don't need extensive backcountry experience. However AST1 or equivalent avalanche training is mandatory.
You will need:
- Skis or splitboard (with skins) (MANDATORY)
- Helmet (MANDATORY)
- Avalanche kit (Transceiver (digital 3+ antennae), shovel & probe) (MANDATORY)
- Headlamp (MANDATORY)
- Extra batteries (or at least check you transceiver batteries)
- Ski goggles
- Ski crampons (optional but can be useful)
- InReach or similar device (if you have one)
- Camera
- Sunscreen, Glasses
- Layers (for wind, snow, cold...)
- Snack/Lunch and enough water for the day
- Hot Drinks :)
The trip leader will bring 2 radios, a tarp, first aid kit and emergency blanket...
Please try to keep a little bit of space in your pack so we can share the load
What could prevent the event to happen ?
The event might be cancelled or postponed if:
- The forecast shows very cold temperatures
- One or many person forget essential gear (beacon, skis...)
- Avalanche conditions are really unsafe
- Unexpected trail (or area) closure
We'll check the weather forecast a couple of days before the trip and decide as a team whether we still want to go. In that case we can also decide to go for a safer option (something in Sunshine backcountry)
Carpooling:
To be arranged with the group if needed.
Note that I live in Canmore so people coming from Calgary or Cochrane will need their own transportation.
Selection Process:
If we haven't skied together before please send an email (you'll find it at the bottom of the page) and describe:
- Your backcountry ski experience
- Your avalanche training level (AST1, AST2, Avalanche Op 1 etc)
- Your ski comfort level
Note that this is not a first-come first-serve trip. If you don't submit this information you will not be part of the trip.
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.
Cancellation/Partial Attendance::
Please review our
participant responsibility guidelines!
Contact information:
If you have any questions or doubts feel free to send me an email at
contact@candela-chris.com.
SMS or whatsapp: 514 632 4287
IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
It is a recreational trip and NOT a guided trip. The trip leader is volunteering and is not acting in the role of a guide. We are working as a group for: safety, trail breaking, decision making...