Part of the TRACS series, this is the Central Rockies segment of the Great Divide Ski Traverse. Access to the Clemenceau area will be by helicopter from Golden (using Alpine or Whitetooth). The actual cost of the flight will be divided equally. If it's decided that we want to place food cache(s) on the flight in, that will require excellent visibility and will result in an increased flight cost. Otherwise we will be carrying a week's worth of food and fuel once we set out.
We will need to place a vehicle at the Big Bend or Athabasca parking area (93N) then continue to Golden (travel timing/arrangements TBC). We will need two vehicles that can each hold everyone and their gear for part of the trip. Saturday, weather permitting, we will fly into the Clemenceau area. We may need to stay in Golden an extra day(s) to wait for the weather conditions needed to fly. If time and conditions permit, an ascent of Clemenceau and/or another peak in that area may be attempted. We will then make our way along the established route (see Mark Klassen's description) through to the backside (west) of Mt. Columbia and up on to the Columbia Icefield. We will cross and exit by either the Athabasca or Saskatchewan Glacier.
Essentially the entire trip involves travel and camping on glaciated terrain. Training and experience in glacier travel and crevasse rescue is required. There is a rappel/lower at Chaba col. Downhill skiing/boarding in variable conditions with a heavy pack will be required. Everyone contributes to group discussions and decisions - you should have AST2 training and (ski) mountaineering experience. If you sign up, please get in touch and let me know why this trip would be a good fit for you. Ask me any questions that come up. My aim is to put together a team that will work well together.
There will be a pre-trip meeting to finalize arrangements and details.
Required Items to Bring:
We could get mid-winter conditions (e.g. -20C, wind) without sheltered camp locations, so winter camping gear is needed. Glacier travel/rescue equipment is required; 6mm hyperstatic rope compatible glacier kit and knowledge is preferred. Ski mountaineering gear is needed: boot crampons, full length ice axe, ski crampons, rappel device, etc. Any hot food or drink should just need hot water added, no cooking. White gas stoves will be used.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Additional personal and group gear to be discussed/decided.
How to Get There:
Carpool Departure Time:
05:00 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 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.