The options are plentiful for backcountry skiing in the Mt Baker area. And apparently Heather Meadows has snow! Wow! I thought to leave the exact destination open to the whims of the participants, to be discussed in the forum. Super casual laps on Artist Point? Drop a chute or two on Shuksan Arm? Catch some scenery on the Table Mountain Circumnavigation? Speed things up on Ptarmigan Ridge? Lots of objectives to choose from. Or maybe wait until we get to Heather Bowl and see what's in, know what I'm saying?

Needless to say, this trip may be postponed or canceled, pending on the weather and avalanche risk. 

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. I've been up Round Mountain and Mulligan a few times this season, and I'm down for busting out and giving the day a try irrespective of the gloomy snow conditions (a useful attribute this season!).

You are a moderate or better backcountry skier. You should be able to connect a few turns and move at a good pace on the up and down track. This isn't your first backcountry ski trip, and some familiarity with backcountry terrain would be an asset. You have AST1 or some avalanche education equivalent (thems the rules!), and are ready to participate in the organization of the trip. Wanna go hard and fast? This might not be the trip for you unless you are cool with dialling it back a bit. But, I will try to screen and select people that seem to mesh in fitness and skill.

This is a day trip, so plan accordingly. Headlight and avalanche rescue equipment is a must. This objective involves international travel, so don't forget your passport/visa and some travel insurance. No park pass necessary. Let's go shred! Or survival ski on the Creme Brûlée snow! Whatever!

See "Exploring the Coast Mountains on Skis (Baldwin) for more details and ideas. The snow report on https://www.mtbaker.us/snow-report/ is a great and usually entertaining daily read.

Meeting time and place: East Guildford Park and Ride, 6AM. Carpooling can be discussed in the forum.