Description

The Route: From Zopkios Rest stop at the top of the Coquihalla Hwy, we start by skiing up the Ottomite Mountain trail (an old road), then follow a route through forest and open meadows to the Iago – Zupjok Col. From there it’s a ski up the mostly gentle ridge to the summit of Iago. From the summit there are nice views of the Anderson River Peaks. Good ski runs can be had down the north bowl from Iago ridge, but requires skinning back up to get out again.

Difficulty rating: Beginner/Intermediate (B2) – most of this trip is on easy to moderate slopes, but there are some tight trees to ski through for one section.

Distance: ~12 – 15 km round trip

Elevation gain: ~800 to 1200m depending on how much yo-yo skiing

Requirements: AST1, shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver, ski helmet, the 10 essentials, enough food, liquids, and warm clothing for a full day out.

Carpooling: 4×4 is not required, the trailhead is right off the Coquihalla Hwy at the Zopkios Rest Stop.  I can drive and take up to 3 other people.

Questions for you: please send answers to the following when you sign up:

1. How much ski touring experience do you have?
2. AST1? AST2?
3. Have you been out ski touring recently? Where to?
4. Can you drive and how many passengers can you take?

 

Risks and Hazards:

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.