Description
One-night winter camping shakedown trip designed for backcountry skiers/splitboarders looking to test their gear, clothing, and sleep systems in a sub-alpine winter environment. Elfin Lakes is the ideal venue because it features reliable early-season snow, low-consequence ski terrain, and an excellent safety net with shelters along the route.
We will skin up at a modest, beginner-friendly pace, establish a proper snow camp, and use the afternoon to setup camp (digging platforms, melting snow) and get a few laps if conditions allow. On day 2 we will get a few more laps before breaking camp and heading home.
Once we get closer I may consider moving the location to Zoa or Manning if conditions are significantly better.
Potential hazards include:
- Cold & Hypothermia
- Avalanche Terrain
- Weather & Visibility
- Early Season Hazards
- Limited Cell Coverage
Required Experience & Prerequisites
- Fitness: Ability to skin 10 km with a heavy overnight winter pack gaining roughly 600m of elevation.
- Skiing Ability: Comfortable skiing down variable, un-groomed snow (powder, crust, or packed trails) with a heavy pack.
- Safety: AST-1 (Avalanche Skills Training Level 1) or equivalent.
Required Equipment
- Backcountry Ski Setup: Alpine Touring (AT), Telemark, or Splitboard setup with climbing skins.
- Avalanche Safety Gear: Transceiver, probe, and a snow shovel.
- Sleep System: A 3 or 4-season tent (must be able to handle winter winds/snow), a sleeping bag hopefully rated to at least -10°C, and an insulated sleeping pad (or stacked pads). Note: The Elfin shelters are for emergency use only; you must be fully self-sufficient.
- Winter Camping Stove: Liquid fuel (white gas) stove OR a canister stove capable of operating in sub-freezing temperatures.
- Navigation & Safety: Headlamp with spare batteries, first-aid kit, and a whistle.
- Logistics: A pre-purchased BC Parks Backcountry Camping Permit for Elfin Lakes for the night of Dec 19.
Recommended Items
- Extra Insulation: A dedicated set of warm and dry layers especially for sleeping in.
- Nalgene Bottle: A hard-sided water bottle (like a Nalgene) to fill with boiling water right before bed to use as a sleeping bag heater.
- Ski Spares: compatible repair kit for binding fixes.
Guest sign-up
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