The TRACS initiative continues with a traverse in the Kootenays. The Goat Range traverse is approximately 60km with 6000m of elevation and six days are planned to complete it. There are no huts on this traverse. If the stars align, maybe only five days are needed.
Here's the plan:
- Drive out to Kaslo on Saturday, March 28 and stay overnight
- March 29 - place a vehicle at Poplar Creek and start out from Highway 31A
- March 30 to April 3 - continue the traverse through multiple high cols, valleys, pocket glaciers and a logging road exit (avalanche path exposure)
- If exiting the afternoon of April 2, stay in Kaslo overnight
- If exiting the morning of April 3, drive back to Calgary that day
Downhill ski ability should be advanced. The ability to actively
participate in discussions about conditions and contribute towards making decisions in the field are needed. Some glacier travel is involved - relevant training is required. AST 2 and relevant experience (e.g. skiing/boarding with an overnight pack, consecutive days with significant elevation and distance) would be beneficial. Get in touch with questions.
Required Items to Bring:
A pre-trip meeting will be scheduled to discuss logistics and equipment.
How to Get There:
Carpool Departure Time:
08:00 AM
Carpool Location:
TBD
Notes:
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 prerelease and/or injury as they are not designed to the same
safety standards as a DINcertified 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 Mountaineering Rockfall and icefall Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking). What are the risks? Impact from a falling rock or ice can result in injury or death and can also damage equipment such as ropes. 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 walking terrain • Snow immersion • Impact or collision with other persons persons or objects • Contact with poisonous flora or fauna • Encounters with domestic or wild animals • Loss of balance or control • Slips trips and falls • Becoming lost or separated from one’s group Falls and Belaying • Mountaineering and ice climbing present the risk of falling from the wall causing the climber to collide with the wall or the ground, which can lead to injury or death. • The risk of belay failure is also present, which can contribute to the risk of a ground fall
Communication, rescue and medical treatment • Communication can be difficult and in the event of a 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
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 Requirement
Participation in this activity is subject to the participant having signed the
ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”). The Waiver is a legal document in which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY!
Members participating in this activity do not require a separate Waiver.
Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. 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 with the forgoing waiver terms. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.
Non-members participating in this activity will be required to review and agree to the Waiver prior to participating in the activity. The current version of the Waiver can be viewed here alpineclubofcanada.ca/acc-waivers/. The Waiver will be
presented for completion at the start of the Activity.
SIGN UP HERE
The trip coordinator needs to review and accept your application for this event. Add yourself to the waiting list here.
