The Alpaca Traverse - Coquihalla

Mar 5, 2023 - 6:00 AM
Mar 5, 2023 - 10:00 PM
Trip Cancelled

Organizer Info

Shannon Healy

Meeting Point

Guildford Park and Ride, 6AM

Trip Details

Grade:
C3
Category:
Backcountry Skiing
Requirements:
  • Screening
  • Members Only
Max Participants:6

Trip Description

The Alpaca traverse includes Zupjok, Llama and Alpaca, and is considered a moderate backcountry ski tour with low avalanche hazard. I have never skied this traverse before, and it has been on the list for a while. This is a route that is advertised as a relatively easy tour, with a section of steep trees to negotiate on Zupjok that is characteristic of the area. There are a few avalanche paths to cross, so avalanche awareness and mitigation are key. Needless to say, this trip may be postponed or canceled, pending on the weather and avalanche risk. I would also be open to keeping it to Zupjok if the group prefers.

I am a moderate/intermediate skier (I cut my teeth trying to telemark in the Canadian Rockies), meaning I can get down 30 degree plus stuff if the snow is good, but slow down a fair amount in bad conditions. I like to think I can survival ski most things. I have been skiing the Coast Mountains for about 9 years on an AT set up (failing horribly at telemarking). I have taken my AST2, and have participated in several beacon practices. My pace is moderate, meaning we'll get to the top, but I won't be breaking any records.

You are a beginner-intermediate or better backcountry skier. You should be very comfortable skiing blue runs at the resort, you can confidently do a few black runs. You can make it down 25-30 degree snow in the crappiest conditions, even if it takes a period of flailing and traverse skiing. You are able to connect a few turns and survival ski through dense trees. You've skied something like Iago, Nak, Zoa or the Needles this year, and while you may not have looked all that graceful and stylish, you can stay upright, keep moving and get through the nasty West Coast tree line without too many profanities.  This might be your first backcountry ski season, but this isn't your first backcountry ski trip. You have AST1 or some avalanche education equivalent (thems the rules!), and are ready to participate in the organization and navigation of the trip.

I believe this is a not suitable trip for splitboarders, but I don't know this for sure. If you want to board, the onus is on you to sort out feasibility.

This is a day trip, so plan accordingly. Headlight and avalanche rescue equipment is a must. 

~18 km total distance, 1300m elevation. See "Exploring the Coast Mountains on Skis (Baldwin) for more details, and FatMap has a great track and description of the trip.

Participant List

6 / 6
Organizer
Shannon Healy
121
Attended
18
Joined & Left
2
No-Shows
Confirmed
Davit Khijakadze
16
Attended
1
Joined & Left
0
No-Shows
Confirmed
Alastair Dundas
24
Attended
0
Joined & Left
0
No-Shows
Confirmed
Anton Pitts
5
Attended
1
Joined & Left
0
No-Shows
Confirmed
Federico Leone
17
Attended
13
Joined & Left
0
No-Shows
Confirmed
Meredith Pavlick
28
Attended
2
Joined & Left
0
No-Shows
Waitlisted
Alexandre Babeanu
17
Attended
5
Joined & Left
2
No-Shows
Waitlisted
Joel Kailia
4
Attended
4
Joined & Left
4
No-Shows

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