Trip Safety

BCMC is a peer-led club. Organizers are not guides, and everyone is responsible for their own decisions and safety.

This page isn’t meant to be a rulebook. It’s here to help you think through trips a bit more intentionally — especially as objectives get bigger or conditions get worse.

General Expectations

For organizers:
  • Be clear about the objective, pace, and expectations
  • Think about group composition — not just ability, but how people will move together
  • Do some planning ahead of time (route, conditions, contingencies)
  • Be willing to adjust or cancel if things don’t line up
For participants:
  • Be honest about your experience and fitness
  • Ask questions before committing
  • Bring appropriate gear and be self-sufficient
  • Make your own decisions — don’t just defer to the group

Pre-Trip Checklist

Does everyone understand the objective?
  • Distance, elevation, terrain, and time commitment
  • Technical requirements (scrambling, glacier travel, skiing ability, etc.)
  • What kind of pace are we actually moving at?
What are the conditions?
  • Weather: wind, visibility, temperature, precipitation
  • Avalanche conditions (if applicable)
  • How might things change throughout the day?
  • What's the plan if things are worse than expected?
Is the group a good fit?
  • Are experience and fitness levels reasonably aligned?
  • Is the group size appropriate for the objective?
  • Are expectations around pace and decision-making clear?
Is everyone properly equipped?
  • Does everyone have the required gear?
  • Is group gear accounted for?
  • Do people actually know how to use their gear?
Do we have a plan?
  • Route (map + GPX if needed)
  • Key decision points or turnaround times
  • Emergency plan (communication, exit options, shelter)
Have we actually talked about this?
  • Did we have a pre-trip conversation or meeting?
  • Does everyone know what they're getting into?

During the Trip

Are we paying attention?
  • Weather, snow conditions, visibility
  • Group energy, fatigue, and morale
  • Is the plan still making sense?
How is the group moving?
  • Are we staying together appropriately?
  • Are we communicating clearly?
  • Are people getting left behind or pushed too hard?
How are decisions being made?
  • Are concerns being heard?
  • Are we adapting to conditions?
  • Are we willing to turn around?

Remember: turning around is a mature decision.

Winter vs Summer Considerations

Winter:
  • Avalanche hazard is a primary risk
  • Whiteout conditions can make navigation difficult
  • Cold and wind increase consequences of delays
  • Travel is slower and more physically demanding
Summer:
  • Heat, dehydration, and exposure
  • Navigation challenges on less-defined routes
  • Rockfall, loose terrain, and objective hazards
  • Longer distances are possible, but still require planning

A Note on Experience

BCMC trips are a place to learn, but more complex objectives require a baseline of skills and preparation.

A useful question before joining a trip:
Do I have the skills and experience to manage this safely if things don't go as planned?

Final Thought

Successful trips are not just about getting to the top – they are about making decisions you are comfortable with on the drive home.