Santa Updates Naughty Or Nice List On Elk Lakes Tour
A few photos from the annual Christmas tour to Elk Lakes Cabin.
Ski/Hike day Tour at Riverbend
The weather blessed us with ample snow so we were able to strap on the skis for the first ski of the season. The air was crisp with hints of sun as four members, Pat, Sheila, John and Linda eagerly glided on fresh packed snow on the perimeter trail. What a treat as the past few years it’s been tying on the hiking boots. It was great to get in some early season conditioning on snow, just a taste of the season to come.
Trail Preparation Begins
Some eager volunteers came out to help get the Red Deer ski trails ready for the 2012-2013 ski season.
What’s In Your Pack?
By Steve B
With the start of the season it is time to go check your gear and make sure that everything is ready to go when the snow flies. The following is a list of items that I will usually take on a back country, mid-winter, day tour. The list may change a bit depending on the tour and the season but this will give you some idea of what goes into my 30 – 40 liter pack (1).
The first thing that I load up on is knowledge and training. This may involve a refresher first aid and avalanche course and checking the avalanche forecast before heading out.
Safety Gear:
- Digital Avalanche Transceiver (11)
- Metal Shovel (6) (No Plastic Shovels Allowed)
- Avalanche Probe (10)
- Snow Saw with home made sheath (7)
- Personal Locator Beacon (9)
- Waterproof Matches & Whistle (4)
- Snow Study Kit (8)
- First Aid/Survival/Repair Kit (4)
- The knowledge to use the items you pack.
Most of this kit fits in an aluminum box that can be used as a pot to melt snow.
We will try to do a future article on what goes into a First Aid/Survival/Repair Kit.
Navigation Items:
- LED Headlamp (13)
- Map, Compass, GPS, Monocular and Guidebook (14)
Ski Gear:
- Skis, Boots and Poles appropriate for the terrain. Climbing Skins (1)
- Ski & Skin Wax, Ski Crampons (15)
Other Items:
- Spare set of Mitts, Socks and Balaclava (12)
- Down Parka (5) for lunch breaks or unexpected overnight stays
- Disposable Hand & Toe Warmers
- Sunglasses & Goggles (17)
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm (16)
- Food, Water in insulated wide mouth bottle (2) (The bottle is a great place to store some Duct & Fiberglass Tape)
- TP & Hand Sanitizer
- Spare Batteries
- Two 24” Voile Straps (18) (These rubber straps have a 101 uses)
**Camera so you can send in your spectacular photos for the newsletter and website.
I have probably forgotten something on my list so let us know what you like to have in your pack?