***THIS IS NOT A TRIP -
THIS IS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024-25 BITS PROGRAM***
***PLEASE READ ALL INFO
CAREFULLY***
Backcountry Intro to
Skiing/Splitboarding (BITS) - 2024/2025 Program
Registration/Application/Payment
Deadline: November 30, 2024
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. For the December sessions, participants can place themselves
on the wait list for their preferred session and will be moved to registered
once they have paid.
BITS is a
volunteer/peer-led mentoring program consisting of an online introductory
online 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
Program
The program will consist of an 2-2.5 hr online session that (Dec 2 or Dec 12 at
MEC/online), and three weekend one-day trips. Participants will be assigned to trips by the
coordinator – any changes must be approved and made by the coordinator.
Ski block: January 18,
February 1, March 15 (Saturdays)
Split board blocks: January
18, February 22, March 15(Saturdays): or January 12, February 23, March 16 (Sundays)
The decision to run Saturday and/or Sunday will
be based on participant numbers and interest.
Please respond promptly as decision will be made as registrations are
received to all leaders time to plan.
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. 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 – the more you can work on your fitness, the more you
will get out of the program.
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.
Please ensure that you have
your profile activated in the ACC national website and signed the online waiver
and accepted the new Code of Conduct. We will expect all participants and
leaders to abide by the Code of Conduct.
If your membership expires during the ski season, ensure you renew
promptly – you cannot participate in section trips without an active membership
as you must re-sign the waiver and code of conduct with every renewal.
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
Application: https://forms.gle/EaynLE4QKwLVpXpW6
Note that capacity is limited by the number of leaders -- applicants are encouraged
to submit their registration as early as possible to ensure a space.
Registration/Application/Payment
Deadline: November 30, 2024
1) Sign up here to be
placed on the wait list
2) Fill out the application form - should be submitted via Google Forms and
register for one of the two online sessions
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:
Application: https://forms.gle/EaynLE4QKwLVpXpW6
The application will be
used to group participants into similar abilities for the ski tours.
Please read and be aware of
the risks listed below (Additional Info) related to field days in the
backcountry.
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