Description

Approximately 11km distance | 1000+ m elevation gain, with the possibility of more, depending on group fitness and enthusiasm for some extra laps on the north slopes of Zoa.

Important note. It will be everyone’s responsibility throughout the trip to partake in the navigation and route / terrain choices, and a strong emphasis on group communication and decision making will be had before and during the trip.

This trip will be ideal for those relatively new to backcountry skiing, IBS & WNSTP participants, and those looking to get more experience in the backcountry.

You should be a strong resort skier (able to descent black runs) and capable of “survival skiing” those same slopes in horrendous conditions. The route includes a signficant portion of tree skiing, so the ability to safely navigate and ski trees is also required.

Fitness Requirement: Reasonable fitness is required. This will be a relatively leisurely, fun paced trip and we will adapt the pace to fit the group, but participants should be comforatble with ~200m of elevation gain per hour under good skinning conditions. The intention will be to make the peak (weather permitting) and then do a few laps off the north slopes (time, energy and enthusiasm allowing). Participants should be prepared for a full day outside.

Requirements & Gear

Experience:

• AST 1 (or equivalent) or better.

• A positive attitude and self-sufficiency in the backcountry.

Mandatory Gear:

• Touring Kit: Skis/Splitboard, skins, boots, poles (optionally ski crampons). Please test/fit your gear before the trip.

• Safety: Transceiver (working batteries), shovel, probe, and helmet.

• Essentials: The “10 Safety Essentials,” including sunglasses, water, food, and adequate layers to survive an emergency. Be prepared for potentially wet precipitation.

Recommended:

• Radio / Satellite communicator

Logistics

• Meetup: Carpool location and time are TBD based on participant locations. Be prepared to drive to the designated meetup spot (somewhere in Vancouver).

Risks and Hazards

General Hazards:

Slips trips and falls. Equipment failure. 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. 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 or objects. 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.

 

Please answer the following questions in the “Message to Trip Organizer” box when you sign up:
How much ski touring experience do you have?

AST1? AST2?

Have you been out ski touring recently? Where to?

Can you drive and how many passengers can you take?

Have you been to Zoa ski touring before?

Please only sign up if you are committed to going on this day. And if you cannot come please remember to cancel your registration on the website so someone else can go.