Program Objectives:

To develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to safely participate in overnight backcountry ski trips. The program will include 1 evening seminar and 2 weekends spent on overnight ski trips in the mountains. The seminar will be held on the evening of January 26th, and the ski trips will run on the weekends of January 30&31 and February 6&7.  

Program topics: Clothing and equipment, trip planning, winter camping, route and snowpack evaluation, avalanche safety, transceiver use and self-rescue, winter mountain travel and weather evaluation. This program does not cover glacier travel or first aid.

For whom:

• Strong downhill skiers with previous summer or winter backcountry camping experience,

and/or:

• Experienced backcountry day skiers who want to gain experience on overnight winter trips. 

Cost: $250

Prerequisites: Open to all BCMC members (new and current) in good physical heath and fitness who are able to confidently ski ungroomed 'blue' (intermediate) runs with an overnight (20kg) pack.

Note that this is not a program on how to ski!  The entire group will be relying on you to be at least a confident intermediate skier!  If the organizer determines after the first weekend trip that your skiing ability is not adequate, you will be asked to withdraw from the program before the second weekend trip, and there will be no refund of your program fee.  

Equipment Required:  Backcountry ski equipment (skis, boots, poles & skins), shovel, and avalanche transceiver, all of which can be rented from MEC if necessary, plus overnight camping gear. Group gear such as tents and stoves will be organized at the pre-trip evening seminar.

For more information and to book one of the twelve available spots, please contact Ramsay Dyer.