Ski Mountaineering - Mike Wynn Circuit - Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

The Basics:
Event Type: Skiing 
Event Location: Icefields Parkway 
Event Starts:   Thursday, Mar 28, 2024 08:00 AM  
Event Ends:   Thursday, Mar 28, 2024 05:00 PM  
Registration Cut Off:   Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024 07:00 PM  
Difficulty Rating:   D4 - See Conversion Chart  
Trip Coordinator(s):   Christopher Candela
 

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:   Members & Guests, 18 And Older Only  
Attendee Screening:   Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size: 5
Minimum Group Size: 3
Number Registered So Far:   4 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:   No

Itinerary:

Join us to attempt the Mike Wynn Circuit.
We'll start on 93N between the big bend and the Weeping Wall, climb in the trees then on glaciers to go down on the other side on Cataract Pass then exit via Nigel Creek.

Going down to Cataract Pass is usually the crux of the trip. Depending on snow level/glacial recession we might need to either ski/down climb some snow slopes, some ice or a rappel.
Glacier travel, crevasse rescue and appropriate gear will be needed for this trip (see gear section).

Please keep in mind that is very little skiing on this trip. It's more about the views and the mountaineering aspect so if you are looking for turns in good powder this might not be the best objective.

Preview:



Frequently asked questions:

How long is it ?
The total length of the climb is 19km and 1165m of elevation.

I'm not confident. Can I really do it ?
Here are the mandatory requirements to be considered for this trip:

- Glacier Travel/Crevasse Rescue training is required.
- You should have AST1 or higher.

A good fitness is required.

Mountaineering experience is recommended but not mandatory.

What gear should I bring ?

You will need:

- Skis or splitboard (with skins) (MANDATORY)
- Helmet (MANDATORY)
- Avalanche kit (Transceiver (digital 3+ antennae), shovel & probe) (MANDATORY)
- Headlamp (MANDATORY)
- Harness (light alpine harness if possible) (MANDATORY)
- Belay device, carabiners (MANDATORY)
- Glacier travel kit including pulleys, at least one ice screw, prussik, slings and everything else you need to perform any crevasse rescue (MANDATORY)
- Crampons that work with your skiing boots (MANDATORY)
- General mountaineering ice axe (MANDATORY)
- Ski Crampons (MANDATORY)
- Extra batteries (or at least check you transceiver batteries)
- Ski goggles
- 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 for the breakfast :)

The trip leader will bring glacier ropes, some climbing gear, 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 start to go for a safer option or just postpone the trip.

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/climbed together before please send an email (you'll find it at the bottom of the page) and describe:

- Your ski mountaineering experience
- Your avalanche training level (AST1, AST2, Avalanche Op 1 etc)
- Your ski mountaineering training level (Glacier Travel, Crevasse Rescue 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.

Waiver:
Everyone attending this event will be required to sign the ACC Waiver at the beginning of the event. Read the waiver carefully to ensure you fully understand it. If possible, please print and fill it out except for the signature fields before arriving at the event.

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...

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our participant responsibility guidelines!


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 Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 07:00 PM.