Puzzle Peak Ramp - BITS Friendly - Saturday, Jan 10, 2026

The Basics:
Event Type: Skiing 
Event Location: Puzzle Peak Ramp 
Event Starts:   Saturday, Jan 10, 2026 06:30 AM (Carpool Departure: 06:30 AM @ Valley Ridge Rink)  
Event Ends:   Saturday, Jan 10, 2026 06:00 PM  
Registration Cut Off:   Friday, Jan 09, 2026  
Difficulty Rating:   D3 - See Conversion Chart  
Trip Coordinator(s):   Ivars Finvers
Emma Pettey
 

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:   Members Only  
Attendee Screening:   Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size: 6
Minimum Group Size: 2
Number Registered So Far:   5 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:   No

Itinerary:

The plan would be to get out and enjoy some (hopefully) fresh snow on Puzzle Peak Ramp.  Trip is approximately 12km with 880m elevation gain.  Information on the route can be found here:

sonnybou.ca

backcountry-beta.com

alpinejournals.com

lucayangli.com


The ramp offers relatively low angle skiing, but the exit back to the highway requires tree skiing.  Suitable for BITS participants who are comfortable with the distance and elevation gain, and are capable of skiing tight trees in variable conditions.  AST 1 required.


If weather or avalanche conditions dictate, we may choose another objective suitable for the group and conditions.

Required Items to Bring:

Backcountry ski kit (skis/splitboard, skins, poles, helmet), transceiver (digital 3+ antennae), shovel, probe.


Recommended Items to Bring:

FRS radio, InReach, headtorch, warm layers 


How to Get There:
Carpool Departure Time:   06:30 AM
Carpool Location:   Valley Ridge Rink
Carpool Directions:  

maps.app.goo.gl  


Notes:

If we have not skied with you before, please send an email to emma.pettey@gmail.com and ifinvers@icloud.com including your avalanche training experience, your ski comfort level and backcountry ski touring experience.


POTENTIAL RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THIS EVENT - READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING UP. By
signing up for this trip you acknowledge these risks.
Cold-induced injuries
Especially during winter conditions, getting cold is a very real possibility, ranging from frostnip to
hypothermia. Cold temperatures, wind, short days, humidity, and improper clothing and layering
system can all lead to cold-induced injuries.
Wilderness 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 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
21
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!


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.

Waiver and Membership Requirement
Participation in this activity is subject to you having a current membership and a current signed ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”), which is signed in conjunction with purchasing/renewing your membership.

A separate Waiver is not required. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. If your membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to the foregoing waiver terms. Bookings without a current Waiver at the time of the activity will be cancelled.

The Waiver is a legal document by which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.

SIGN UP HERE
The trip coordinator needs to review and accept your application for this event. Add yourself to the waiting list here.


Never (not until the event has passed) 
2 Days Before Event  
7 Days Before Event