Wapta Icefields Lite – 3 Days
 The
perfect introduction to backcountry glacier skiing!
Based from the Bow Hut on the Wapta Icefields, participants
learn safe glacier travel techniques and avalanche safety.
Look forward to plenty of powder skiing, and reaching
the summit of a peak in the area.
What a great way to
spend a long weekend! Prior backcountry skiing experience
is not necessary, but participants must be strong intermediate
skiers and in good physical condition.
Day 1 – Meet in Canmore; drive
to trailhead and ski to Bow Hut. (A safety talk and
avalanche transceiver exercise will be done on route.)
Day 2 – Ski on Bow Glacier; possible
ski ascent of Mt. Olive or Mt. Gordon.
Day 3: Short ski tour in the morning.
Ski back to valley bottom by mid afternoon and return
to Canmore by early evening.
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March 17-19, 2007
If these dates do not
fit your schedule please contact Mountain Ascents
Canada to arrange a private trip. Normal trip length
range sfrom 3 to 6 days.
$510.00 Cdn plus 7% GST (includes food,
accommodation and guiding service).
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Car pool from Canmore to the
trailhead at Bow Lake (approximately a two-hour drive).
We will meet on
April 4th, 2006 at 7:00 am MST at
the Rocky
Mountain Ski Chalet. This hotel is clean and comfortable,
and offers competative rates. For your convenience,
we recommend you spend the night prior to the trip
at this hotel.
Click
here for link to Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge.
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We will stay at alpine huts
run by the Alpine Club of Canada. These huts have
dorm-style bunks, propane lights and propane stoves.
Sleeping mattresses and all cookware are provided.
These huts are rustic but comfortable.
Prior backcountry ski experience
is not necessary, but participants must be strong
intermediate skiers and in good physical condition.
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What to bring:
skis |
underwear |
skins |
medium-weight
pile pants |
poles |
medium-weight
pile shirt |
boots |
heavy-wight
pile coat |
backpack |
Gore-tex
coat |
sleeping
bag |
Gore-tex
pants |
toilet
bag |
insulated
gloves (two pair) |
flashlight |
socks
(two pair) |
water
bottle |
gaiters |
camera |
sun
hat |
ear
plugs |
hut
booties |
avalanche
tranceiver |
hut
clothes |
shovel |
small
towel |
probe |
toiletries |
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What Type of Skis Are Best?
The type of terrain that we will ski is
termed "ski mountaineering." Although we will
not necessarily ski really steep runs, we will ski on
glaciers and steeper slopes to the top of ski-able mountain
runs, and in snow conditions ranging from perfect powder
to wind crust. It is important that everyone has appropriate
ski equipment. There are two types of skis that are
suitable for this trip.
Alpine touring skis
with hard-shelled ski touring boots. These are essentially
downhill skis with a special touring binding that allows
you to walk uphill, and then lock your heel in place
for downhill turns.
 Backcountry
telemark skis with a sturdy (either leather
or hard-shelled) boot. If you have not telemarked before
but are an intermediate-level downhill skier, then the
alpine touring skis would be best for you.
With either type of ski you require climbing
skins that will allow you to walk up hill – ski
grip wax will not work in this type of terrain. If you
require rental equipment (skis, boots, skins), we can
help arrange this in Canmore.
Avalanche Rescue Gear –
Tranceivers, shovels and probes will be provided; however,
if you have your own please feel free to bring them.
Gear Rental Shops – Click
here for a link to a recommended gear rental shop
in the Canmore area.
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For
more information or to register: click
here |
