Manning Park Ski Tour: Similkameen Headwaters to 2nd Brother via Cousin ~22km

This will be an intermediate to moderately difficult backcountry ski tour. Distance is long, with lots of trail-breaking. Friendly pace with re-grouping.  Route-finding will be necessary to choose a suitable crossing of the Similkameen River.  It is likely that we will need to push through some trees in a few places.  Depending on time and conditions we might return via Fat Dog. We will be skiing out after dark.

This trip is suitable for intermediate skiers with a good level of fitness.

We will be pausing at key points during the trip to promote Avalanche Awareness.

Mandatory equipment: Avi gear: Transceiver, Probe and Shovel. Headlamp.

Links:

Avi Conditions for South Coast Inland Avalanche.ca

Weather   http://www.yr.no/place/Canada/British_Columbia/Gibson_Pass/

Webcam/Weather  http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/65.html

Route info  http://bivouac.com/RoadxPg.asp?RoadxId=3819

     http://bivouac.com/TripPg.asp?TripId=5068

Organizer will use the Trip Planning forum for additional information as required.

For last minute questions and updates contact by phone.

Gear required: 10 Essentials, gear for Winter Backcountry travel, Ski Goggles/Glasses,

Avi gear (Transceiver, Probe, Shovel), AT or Tele Ski Equipment,

Headlamp suitable for skiing.

Welcome additional gear: GPS, PLB, camera, first aid kit, chocolate.

Organizer will bring GPS with tracks; Map and compass; Personal Locator Beacon; Camera; First aid kit.

Expected conditions: Waves of Snow everywhere!  River crossing. Early season hazards.  Darkness on the ski out.

Recommended carpooling cost:  approx. $25 per passenger; please arrange with driver; bring funds.

Access to Cambie Creek Parking is a left turn off Hwy 3, just East of Allison Summit. Expect mountain winter driving conditions.

Emergency Info:  please make sure your Emergency Contact info has been added to your web-account profile.  You can do this by logging into the bcmc.ca website, click on: My Account (top of page)... then click on Edit Emergency Contact (top-left column).  Please re-enter your password to complete the process.  Your emergency contact info is stored *privately* and only made available to those organizing trips *you* choose to attend.

Medical Info:  any info that should be shared with the organizer(s), please send an email and/or phone ASAP.  For example, if you are very allergic to bee/wasp bites, or you are taking medication that could be vital information to First Aid Responders.  Anything you choose to share will remain private.

Cancellation:  We'll check the weather forecast for where we're going the evening before we meet.  If the weather forecast does NOT appear to be adequate for a safe outing then the trip will be cancelled and everyone will be notified by email.