Description

I have not been to Cypress in ages, I have no idea what the conditions of the runs look like for skinning and I have no idea what the gully is like! If you are game for an exploratory half-day adventure, join me! This event is for intermediate backcountry skiers or splitboarders, as I will not be able to mentor or teach. The run is steep and it is complex avi terrain, so while it’s simple to ski UP the runs, the gully is a decently serious objective. The exit also totally sucks! Rolling along the HSCT – where skins are not quite right, and neither are skis! What a hot mess. I plan to bring running shoes in case there’s no snow.

Hopefully I have sold some people? Ha! Just trying to be clear with objectives. There is an option to return by skiing the runs, HOWEVER, the runs have been in rough shape most of this year and now that ops have shut down, no hazards will be marked and there is no guarantee of snow anywhere.

We will meet at 10:30am in the parking lot and attempt to be skiing shortly after that.  I expect about 3h total time. I ask you to provide a phone number so I can create a group chat for organization. If you wish to carpool you’d organize through this chat on your own =)

No – this is not ideal timing! the middle of a work day? full heat of the day? Are you dumb? ya. It is what works for me tomorrow. Would love the company!

Requirements:

• Intermediate backcountry ski ability (not meant to be a beginner instructional trip)
• Minimum AST1
• Shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver
• Ski/board gear, skins, ski helmet
• The 10 safety essentials
• Food, liquids, and enough clothing for a half day out.

Please answer the following questions in the “Message to Trip Organizer” box when you sign up:

• Have you done this objective before/familiar with the area?
• How much touring experience do you have in years and approx days?
• Avalanche training level?

 

 

Potential Risks and Hazards to be aware of:

General Hazards:

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. Negligence of the trip organizer, including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities.

Terrain:

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 banks. Fences and other man-made 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.

Avalanche:

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.

Communication and Rescue:

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 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.