Going for an easy loop up Black Mountain. You can take a look at this site for a detail trail description.

Snowshoe'ers are welcomed. A good chance you could do it with microspikes or crampons instead as the trail is probably packed down by previous travelers. I'm testing out my new ski touring setup so I am going at an easy pace and expect faff from myself. If you choose to snowshoe, you have to exit the way we came and we would have to split up the group. I will be skiing out by the ski resort via Panorama run.

Approximately 7 km return (on foot/snowshoe). This is classified as Simple Terrain for avalanche conditions. The trail is usually marked by wands during the winter.

Meet at Black Mountain Lodge. You will need to come here to pick up your backcountry tag. Thinking of an early morning 8 AM start before the ski hill opens at 9 AM. I am flexible on the start time if you need to take the Cypress Bus (but still would be doing this in the morning).

• Bring warm layers. It's a chilly out there.
• Bring your avalanche beacon, shovel, probe if you want to do some practice while we are out there.
• Don't forget snacks and a thermos of a hot beverage of your choice to warm yourself.

In light of Omnicron variant, we probably should not carpool. Cypress has a bus if you need to take public transit. If you are experiencing symptoms before the trip, please stay home and send me a text message letting me know.