BITS participants from this year or last year will have priority. If we haven't skied together, send me an email with your BITS status (i.e. group and level), what you've skied recently, and your avalanche skills training.

I'll choose the location closer to the date, based on snow and avalanche conditions, but it will be suitable for all BITS participants. We'll be meeting at 6 a.m. or 6:30 a.m. at the Shouldice Park and Ride to car pool. 

There will be an online group meeting on Saturday evening around 7 p.m. It's important that you can attend it if you sign up.

AT Skis or Splitboard, Skins, Poles, Avy Gear (3 Antennae beacon with fresh batteries, shovel, probe), warm layers, mittens/gloves, toque, food, water.

Helmets are strongly recommended. All the cool kids are wearing them these days. Personal repair kit and first aid kit. Group emergency gear as discussed at the pre-trip meeting.

Not to be confused with Shouldice pool, arena, park, etc.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/a4dpMVP36naoXNrh8

Hazards you may encounter on this ski trip include, but are not limited to:

General Hazards

What are the Risks?

Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligent first aid.

Terrain

What are the Risks?

Cornices and crevasses. Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps. Cliffs, creeks, rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Snowcat roads and road ranks. Fences and other man-madel structures. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control. Becoming lost or separated from the group. Slips, trips, and falls.

Rockfall and Icefall

What are the Risks?

Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain.

Communication and Rescue

What are the Risks?

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.

Avalanche

What are the Risks?

Avalanches can occur in the terrain you will be entering. Caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (skiing/snowboarding). Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.

Boots and Binding Systems

What are the Risks?

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.