Easy ski day near Mt Baker Ski Resort.

This is our first time out on backcountry skis this season.  We are heading to the Mount Baker Ski Resort Area because there has been lots of snow this past week, and they are opening on Friday. This gives us options. Our plan is to skin around near the lift areas, check out Pan Dome Falls for a future ice climbing trip, and then determine if it is viable (avi-safe) to head out-of-bounds up and around the Resort area, to explore approaches and terrain for future ski-tours. Please be aware that this is intended to be an be an easy intermediate backcountry ski tour day. Distance is short. We will be back at the vehicles by sundown. Friendly pace, re-grouping, hanging out.

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

        We are traveling to the United States, so you will require proper identification and documents.

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

Links:

   Avi Conditions  NWAC.US

   Weather   http://www.yr.no/place/United_States/Washington/Mount_Baker_Vista/

   Resort Info  mtbaker.us

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

       For last minute questions and updates, contact by phone.

Gear required: Consider your own 10 Essentials  https://www.mountaineers.org/learn/how-to/the-ten-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 and cheese to share :)

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

Expected conditions: Lots of new snow!

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

Access to Heather Meadows Base Area at mile marker 55, in the Mount Baker Ski Resort Area, is via US Hwy WA-542. 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.