Snowboard Alpine Classics

Course Details

DATES - PRICE - AGENDA - INSTRUCTORS & GROUP SIZE
DIFFICULTY, FITNESS & EXPERIENCE - TRANSPORTATION
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS - GEAR - INSURANCE - BOOKING

Imagine yourself carving endless turns down long alpine runs in the backcountry paradises of the Rockies or Selkirks. Join us on this new Snowboard touring program this Spring where you'll have the opportunity to improve your backcountry travel skills, avalanche awareness, glacier knowledge and route finding skills under the guidance of an experienced snowboard guide.

Dates

Roger's Pass ... Feb 19 - 23, April 9 - 13; Lake Louise ... April 16 - 20, 2001

Price

$740 CDN ($495 US) includes GST, guides, and use of safety gear only.

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Course Agenda

ROGERīS PASS

Day 1: Meet at the Glacier Park Lodge at Roger's Pass for 7:00am (PST) for introductions, day trip preparation and equipment check. We will then do short day tour in the area and cover equipment use, avalanche transceiver use, and backcountry travel.

Day 2 - 5: Each day we will pick an objective for our tour based on current weather and snowpack conditions. The touring in the Roger's Pass area is unsurpassed and we will have the opportunity to travel to such areas as Young's Peak, Hermit Basin, the Dome Glacier, Little Sifton and the Loop Brook area.

LAKE LOUISE

Day 1: Meet at the Lake Louise Alpine Centre in Lake Louise for 7:00am (MST) for introductions, day trip preparation and equipment check. We will then do a short day tour in the area and cover equipment use, avalanche transceiver use, and backcountry travel.

Day 2 - 5: Each day we will pick an objective for our tour based on current weather and snowpack conditions. The day tours around the Lake Louise area are some of the best the Rockies has to offer and we will have the opportunity to travel to such areas as Observation Peak, Cirque Peak, Mt. Hector, and Crowfoot Peak.

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Instructors and Group Size

Your guides are keen shredders certified by the internationally-recognized Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and also licensed by Parks Canada. There will be an average of 6 participants per guide.

How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?

Typically, for both these areas, the terrain ranges from moderate to steep and even has some flat sections. Participants should be comfortable traversing and controlling their speed in tight terrain. Participants need to be at least strong intermediate to advanced snowboarders able to take a few spills and 'carry on'. They must be in good physical condition, able to carry a day pack up to 20lbs for several hours each day. No prior ski mountaineering experience needed. This program is not suitable for snowboarding.

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Transportation

Roger's Pass is 400km west of Calgary on the Trans Canada (#1) Highway in Glacier National Park while Lake Louise is 180km west of Calgary on the Trans Canada Highway in Banff National Park. Calgary International Airport is regularly serviced by flights from Europe and throughout North America. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Roger's Pass or Lake Louise which can be reached by regular bus service (on booking we'll send you full bus info). You may want to arrive the day before the course.

Transportation on the course is not included. We will coordinate a car pool among participants.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation and Meals are NOT included. Reasonable options can be found in both places. In Rogers Pass the Glacier Park Lodge has skiers packages and in Lake Louise you can stay at the Alpine Club's Alpine Centre or a range of hotels.

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Equipment and Clothing

You will need to bring your own clothing, pack, and snowboard setup. We are recommending a split touring board to keep weight down (can be rented from the University of Calgary Outdoor Program Centre in Calgary). Another good option would be snowshoes and a regular snowboard although this mode of traveling is considerably slower. You will be provided with an avalanche beacon and shovel. We will send you a complete list of what to bring when you book.

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Insurance

There is no charge for rescue as long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass (obtain on entry to National Park). It is wise, though to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra coverage if necessary.

Booking Information

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a $247CDN deposit with the balance due 8 weeks in advance, after that, full payment is required. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance for an extra non-refundable $37, this must accompany your deposit.

For detailed booking instructions and conditions, click here.

Along with all relevant receipts we will send you a full trip logistical kit (containing meeting times, a list of what to bring and info on how to get here), a sample copy of our waiver which we will ask you to sign when you meet us and a experience questionnaire which we ask you to return to us in advance of your arrival.