ACC Calgary Section – BITS Program 2011- 1 2012

Backcountry in the Canadian Rockies with the Alpine Club of Canada

An introduction to the gear and skills required for ACC backcountry trips.

The Canadian Rockies remain one of the finest destinations in the world for , touring, and . With this fantastic winter playground only an hour to the west, Calgary Section members have no shortage of ideas for how to spend their weekends in the winter. Trips on the Calgary Section winter schedule generally visit locales in Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park during the early part of the season before venturing farther afield for longer day or overnight trips later in the season when the snowpack, weather and length of day improve. Ski touring and mountaineering difficulties range from an easy tour up Paradise Valley to a day of telemark turns around Helen Lake, from lots of vertical feet of skiing at Rogers' Pass to ski mountaineering routes on the Wapta and Columbia Icefields.

BEGINNER INTRO TO SKIING (BITS) PROGRAM

The BITS program is run by the Calgary Section every winter, and consists of an orientation evening session (most years) and then a series of backcountry ski trips of increasing difficulty throughout the winter. ‘BITS specific trips’ are posted on the online schedule to try to ensure that those in the BITS program are able to participate in ACC trips - as trips fill up very quickly. trip participants are not selected on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis and it’s the trip coordinator’s decision of who can participate on their trip.

RENTING GEAR

If you are getting into backcountry skiing, it is a good idea to rent your gear for a few trips before buying your own. There is a wide range of types of ski gear available, and if you buy too soon you may not get the right type for the trips that you want to do. In Calgary, gear can be rented from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), and the University of Calgary (U of C) Outdoor Centre. You will need , boots, poles, ski skins (material that sticks to the bottom of your skis to help you go uphill), and most trips will require avalanche gear – avalanche transceiver/beacon, snow shovel, avalanche probe. Consider selecting your gear in advance and reserving ahead to avoid a last minute rush the evening before your trip.

When you select your rental gear, make sure that the skis are the correct length (if your skiing skills are a bit rusty select shorter skis to make it easier to do turns), the skins fit the skis, and the boots are the correct type for the ski bindings. Get the rental person to show you how to change the boots from walk to downhill mode, how to fit skins to skis, how to attach the boots to the bindings and how to set the DIN (German term) setting on your ski bindings. If you are renting a transceiver, they do not come with batteries. Bring batteries or you will not be leaving the carpark/trailhead!

TYPES OF SKI BINDINGS, SKIS AND SKI TOURING BOOTS

Cross Country Skis and Boots Cross country gear is used for skiing on reasonably gentle terrain, often with set tracks. The skis are long, straight and very light. The bindings attach at the toe. The correct type of boot is needed to match the binding type. The boots are very light and do not provide much support making it quite difficult to do turns on steep descents. Cross country skiing is not the focus of the BITS program, and this type of gear will not be discussed in detail here. ACC Calgary Section – BITS Program 2011- 2 2012

Fat Carving Skis or Shaped Skis On ACC trips, many people use skis quite similar to downhill skis, i.e. short fat skis with no camber (compared with cross country skis which typically have a strong camber). The camber is how much they bow in the middle to lift the foot off the ground. If they were bought in recent years, they are usually “shaped” or “carving” type skis, i.e. wider at the front and back than they are in the middle. Carving skis make it easier to do turns than straight skis.

Ideally for backcountry, it is better to use a specialised touring ski. Touring skis are lighter than downhill skis. However backcountry bindings can also be used on normal downhill skis.

Light Metal Edged Skis Some people ski with an older style ski, which is closer to a cross country ski, but has metal edges which allow the skier to traverse across icy slopes. These skis are usually fairly straight (i.e. not much wider at the front and back than the middle) and sometimes have a partial camber (i.e. bowed in the middle like a cross country ski). The oldest skis are wooden, which grip better than modern skis, but ball up (i.e. collect snow under the ski) badly in wet snow conditions. Light metal edged skis are usually faster than fat skis when traveling on gentle terrain, and if they are narrow enough can be used in set cross country tracks. They are more suitable than fat skis for a long ski traverse on easy terrain. Used metal edged skis with telemark bindings can often be bought very cheaply at used gear sales. However long narrow skis will make it harder to do turns, and will give less flotation in deep snow. Most alpine club trips require metal edged skis as a minimum.

Alpine Touring (AT) Bindings and Boots AT bindings have a locking mechanism at the heel that allows you to ski downhill in the same way that you would on the normal downhill skis that you use at a resort. You unlock the heel for walking/skiing on flat sections or uphill so that the binding pivots at the toe like a cross country ski. Alpine touring boots are fully rigid like a downhill , but they have a mechanism at the heel to release the ankle for more freedom of movement when skiing in walk mode.

There are several types of AT bindings available which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Some examples are Fritschi Diamir, Dynafit, Naxo, Silveretta and Onxy.

Fritschi Diamir is a great choice if you want to use your backcountry set up at the . The bindings are easy to use, have a high DIN setting of 12 and are extremely durable. On the downside, these bindings are quite heavy.

Although Dynafit bindings are a bit more complicated to use, most people get used to them quickly and reap the benefits of a very light system (lighter than tele!). With the Tourlite the skier needs to remove the ski to go into uphill mode. (Don't use the hard twisting technique as it is very rough on the bindings). Removing the skis can be awkward in deep snow. Dynafit bindings require specialised boots, and cannot be used with a non-Dynafit compatible boot. (However Dynafit boots can be used with any AT binding.)

Naxo offers a more natural movement in the uphill mode, however these binding breakdown a lot and the company was unable to get around this problem and went out of business. These bindings are also pretty heavy.

Silveretta has made great bindings in the past, and was once the gold standard, albeit one without a releasable toe. As they redesign the binding to remedy their toe release issue they've struggled to recapture their past success.

Advantages of AT over Telemark bindings: If you already know how to downhill ski, you can get out in the backcountry immediately without having to learn how to do telemark turns. AT is easier on the knees than tele. AT bindings usually release the skis in a fall or avalanche (i.e. safer).

Telemark ‘Tele’ Bindings Tele bindings are connected at the front of the boot, but there is no mechanism to lock the heel. A special technique (“telemark turns”) is required for skiing downhill with a free heel. This technique can take several seasons to learn, and most people find it harder to master than normal downhill ski technique. ACC Calgary Section – BITS Program 2011- 3 2012

There are several types of tele binding. Cable bindings are the most common type nowadays. These have a cable behind the heel that is fixed to the ski at the front of the boot. Another tele binding is the 3 pin system, which requires a particular type of 3 pin compatible boot. Any telemark binding requires telemark type boots, which are different from AT boots in that they have a flexible section at the front of the foot to allow the foot to flex when doing telemark turns. Tele and AT boots are not interchangeable.

Advantages of Tele over AT bindings: Tele bindings are usually lighter than AT (with the exception of the AT Dynafit bindings). Used tele gear is more readily available and cheaper than AT.

Snowboards and Split Boards Most ACC backcountry trips are not suitable for . A few trips (particularly yoyo type ski trips – see below) may be done by snowboarders using snow shoes for the ascent.

Split boards can be used on some trips and are most suitable for yoyo skiing. Many touring trips cover large distances over gentle rolling terrain and the split boarder will need to change his/her board into ski mode to be able to keep up with the group. Descending on a split board while the board is split can be very difficult and not much fun. Always ask the trip coordinator before bringing a or split board on an ACC trip.

AVALANCHE GEAR

Most ACC backcountry ski trips will require avalanche gear to be carried. Participants must have attended an avalanche training course or equivalent (see below). The transceiver must be functioning (note that rented transceivers do not come with batteries). The trip coordinator will usually do a transceiver check at the start of the trip.

Avalanche Transceivers / Beacons Older transceivers (e.g. older style PIEPS and Orthovox) are the analog type that signal by beeping louder as you get closer to the buried transceiver. They transmit a 457 kHz radio frequency. Some also have a light which also indicates the strength of the signal. Newer digital type transceivers (e.g. Backcountry Access Tracker, Mammut Pulse Barryvox) have two or three antennas that allow the transceiver to display the distance in metres along the flux line from the buried skier. With little practice a user can find a buried companion quickly using a digital transceiver compared with an analog transceiver which may take more practice. However the digital beacons may have more complicated features, and can be more confusing than analog transceivers when searching for multiple burials. Whichever type you chose, it is most important to do lots of transceiver practise and become familiar with the type of transceiver that you will be carrying. It is also important to become familiar with beacons used by other members in your ski group as well - in case you need to use theirs in an emergency. Note: Effective November 1, 2011 modern avalanche transceivers (i.e. digital, multi-antenna) are only permitted on ACC trips. Analog and single-antenna transceivers are no longer acceptable. This new policy can be found here: www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/services/safety/index.html#policies

Other Avalanche Gear As well as a transceiver, all skiers going into potential avalanche terrain must carry a snow shovel and an avalanche probe. Both shovel and probe are usually designed so that they can be broken apart for ease of carrying them. Other specialised avalanche gear may be carried (usually only by the trip coordinator or advanced skiers and avalanche experts going into high risk terrain). ACC Calgary Section – BITS Program 2011- 4 2012

OTHER GEAR

Ski Repair Kit Trip participants should carry a small repair kit sufficient for repairs to their own ski bindings. Since there are so many different binding types, you should not depend on the trip coordinator to carry spares for you. A basic repair kit should include duct tape and a light metal hose clamp (for attaching the boot to the ski if your binding breaks).

Usual Outdoor Gear Skiers should bring the usual gear for backcountry winter trips. Layered clothing is recommended so that you can keep warm but don’t overheat. Winter conditions in the Rockies can be very serious, and it is essential to have a down jacket or sufficient spare warm clothes to keep warm if the group is delayed due to injury, gear failure etc. A thermos of hot drink is a good idea. Bring an extra toque and spare mitts or gloves. Bring a headlight since the days are short and an accident or delay could mean skiing out in the dark. Every trip participant should have a basic first aid kit.

Skins Skins are long strips of synthetic material (formerly animal hides) that are attached to the bases of skis for uphill climbing. The skins run smoothly over snow in a forward direction but have texture that prevents the skis from sliding backwards. Each manufacturing company designs skins so they are somewhat different from each other (e.g. type of glue) and therefore may perform differently (e.g. glide). Very cold temperatures may play havoc on your skins, which may be glue related. Attachment systems vary and some seem to perform better than others. In your repair kit, you may want to have vinyl straps to help with keeping your skins on your skis if you run into problems. Duct tape or hockey tape will work in a pinch as well! Make sure your skins fit to your skis!!

SKILLS

Avalanche Training The majority of ACC backcountry ski trips will go into potential avalanche terrain, and the trip coordinator will usually require trip participants to have done an avalanche training course or equivalent. All BITS trips except for the first trip to Chester Lake will require participants to have completed an avalanche course.

The avalanche course will teach you how to assess snow conditions, route finding skills to avoid high risk avalanche terrain, use of avalanche equipment including searching for a buried person using an avalanche transceiver, snow shovel and avalanche probe. The introductory course typically involves one day of theory, and one day of practical training in the field. Avalanche courses are available through the U of C, and Yamnuska. See: http://www.calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca/avalanche-safety/intro-avalanche-safety/ http://yamnuska.com/

Skiing Ability The majority of ACC backcountry ski trips will go into terrain where it will be necessary to do turns for some of the descent. You must be able to ski on the gear that you are bringing! If you are not a confident downhill skier (or telemark skier if you have telemark skis), then it is recommended that you go to a ski hill to brush up your skills before you get into the backcountry. For the first BITS trip to Chester Lake you should be able to ski at least easy (green) runs on the ski hill on your own ski gear, and preferably be able to ski moderate (blue) runs. On backcountry ski trips you will see a range of snow conditions from fantastic deep untracked snow (i.e. powder!) to horrible breakable crust or icy steep narrow trails through the trees. You need to be able to get yourself home safe even when conditions are poor. If in doubt ask the trip coordinator whether your skills will be good enough for the terrain and expected conditions. ACC Calgary Section – BITS Program 2011- 5 2012

Participant Responsibilities To comply with insurance regulations, participants must be members of The Alpine Club of Canada and have completed an insurance waiver form prior to every club activity. Please read the waiver in advance which can be found at the following websites: http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/calgary/documents/documents.html - “ACC Group Trip Waiver Form”

Most trips listed in the Calgary Section's trip schedule are coordinated by amateur volunteers. The trip coordinator is not a guide! When on a trip, participants must act in a manner that is safe and responsible and be prepared to take part in the decision making. Participants should find out the requirements and demands of the trip well in advance by asking the coordinator and researching the trip in guidebooks and other literature. Make sure you have the fitness required for the trips you will be going on. Sign up for trips that will challenge you, but are not beyond your technical ability and fitness. Ensure that you have the right equipment and that it is in good repair. Share expenses. Show up at the designated meeting place on time.

TYPES OF TRIPS

Yoyo Skiing / Touring / Ski Mountaineering The term “yoyo” skiing refers to doing multiple laps up a slope in order to enjoy the turns on the descent. This is similar to skiing on a ski hill, but with more effort required than riding the (and hopefully fantastic un-tracked powder as the reward!). Some examples of popular yoyo skiing destinations are Black Prince, Bow Summit and Parker Ridge.

The term “touring” is more often used for trips that have a particular destination or route, and usually follow popular summer hiking trails. The trip may have some downhill sections requiring turns, but will also have some gentler terrain where cross country skis or metal edged light touring skis could be an advantage for faster travel. Examples are Burstall Pass, Skoki and Paradise Valley.

Ski mountaineering refers to climbing mountains using skis for the approach, and sometimes for the ascent. Some trips may require technical climbing gear (ice axe, crampons, rope), and some trips may have a gentle enough approach (or a strong enough skier) to ski from the summit. Examples of ski mountaineering trips are Mt Gordon, Mt Hector, Mt Columbia and the Wapta Traverse.

Typical ACC Calgary Section Ski Trips

Please see the ACC Calgary Section website for a description of ski trip ratings: http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/calgary/winter/winterTripSchedule.html

Following are a few typical ski trips that Calgary Section organises, and a brief summary of the level of experience required for this trip.

Morriane Lake, Lake O’Hara. Easy. Cross country gear suitable (skis with no metal edges). No avalanche gear required (unless you are going onto slopes above the lakes).

Chester Lake. Fairly easy. No avalanche gear required (unless you are going onto slopes behind the lake. The descent has some steep sections requiring turns or vigorous snow-ploughing. Backcountry skis (with metal edges) can be used, or cross country skis (no metal edges), however the first BITS trip will require metal edged skis as a minimum (since BITS is an introduction to backcountry skiing).

Burstall Pass, Healy Pass, Paradise Valley. Highly recommended moderate-level introductory ski trips. Some flattish sections (where people sometimes take cross country skis), and some steeper slopes where backcountry skis are ACC Calgary Section – BITS Program 2011- 6 2012 preferred. ACC trips will usually require backcountry skis (with metal edges). Requires traverse across some avalanche run-out zones, and some potential avalanche slopes on the final ascent to the pass. Full avalanche gear required.

Bow Summit. Good yoyo skiing destination. Full avalanche gear required.

French-Robertson Traverse. Difficult, long. Full avalanche gear required. This trip has a short section of glacier travel, and steep skiing often in poor snow conditions. Good skiing skills are essential.

Wapta Glacier trips (eg Bow Hut, Yoho traverse, etc). Full avalanche gear required. Glacier travel skills usually required. Good skiing skills required.