Trip Description:  22km out-and-back Ski Tour on Diamond Head Trail (Start Elev ~900m) to Elfin Lakes Shelter (Elev ~1500m).

Moderate pace with short breaks at Red Heather Shelter (5km), Elfin Lakes Shelter (11km), and again at Red Heather Shelter on the return (16km).

This trip is suitable for newer backcountry skiers with good skinning technique and intermediate level of downhill skiing ability. 

While this trip is fairly straightforward, good skiing ability is a must to be able to handle poor snow conditions.

You must be able to ski down a long, narrow, possibly icy road at a safe and reasonable speed.

Distance is long so a good level of fitness and endurance is required.

We will be making quick stops at key points during the trip to promote Avalanche Awareness.

Partnering and regrouping along the way.

Remember to bring a headlamp suitable for skiing in case we return after dark.

  
Elfin Lakes Shelter - photo credit: ClubTread forum post

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

For last minute questions and updates contact me by phone.

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

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

Gear for Winter Backcountry travel. AT or Tele skis preferred.

Helmet is your choice -- we wear a ski helmet when returning on the downhill portion from Paul Ridge.

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

Feel free to bring your own: GPS, PLB, camera, first aid kit, and chocolate & cheese to share :)

Recommended carpooling cost:  approx. $15 per passenger; please arrange with driver; bring funds.

Access to Diamond Head Parking (Elev ~900m) is a narrow unpaved mountain road which can be rough, muddy, icy, or snow covered.

Snow tires and chains often required.

Max 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 telephone/email.

---