Manning Park Ski Tour: Strawberry Flats up to Grassy Mountain return via Gibson Pass Ski Hill, ~15km Loop

   Manning Park Ski Tour Dude :)

We are aiming for the day with the best weather and visibility. Are you able to participate only on Saturday? what about Sunday if we switch due to weather?

Snow Alert!  50cm base expected at the trailhead, 100cm up top!!  More snow this weekend with mild sub-zero temps.

An easy to moderate backcountry ski tour. We will explore the Grassy Mountain area beyond the Orange Chair of Manning Park Ski Area near Gibson Pass with the option of skiing some lines depending on time and conditions. There will be some route-finding required in the Grassy Mountain area. For early season the distance is considered moderate to long. The pace will be friendly with re-grouping, so expect to be back after dark (bring headlamp suitable for skiing.)

This trip is suitable for newer backcountry skiers with an intermediate level of downhill skiing ability.  We will be stopping at key points during the trip to promote Avalanche Awareness.

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

Links:  Online Avalanche Tutorial 

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

For last minute questions and updates contact me by phone.

Gear required: 10 Essentials https://www.mountaineers.org/learn/how-to/the-ten-essentials/

Gear for Winter Backcountry travel, Avi gear (Transceiver, Probe, Shovel), AT or Tele skis.

Organizer will bring GPS with tracks; map and compass; Personal Locator Beacon; camera; first aid kit.

Welcome additional gear: GPS, PLB, camera, first aid kit, chocolate and cheese to share :)

Expected conditions: 50-100cm base. Early season hazards.

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

Access to Strawberry Flats Parking is a narrow mountain road which will likely be rough, icy or snow covered.

Group size partially determined by number of vehicles.

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.

Looking South from Grassy Mountain at Sunset (Justin Brown)