Our scheduling application went live in the winter of 2007. To get started quickly simply click on the link to the calendar below and in the login area left click on the "Need help logging in?" link to retrieve your username and password, then get out there! For more details and some helpful hints, please read this brief introductory how-to document.
You must be a current Calgary Section member to participate in the section trips listed.
Below are descriptions of ratings as used for our ice climbs and ski trips. Please read and understand them before committing yourself to a trip. If you have any questions about the individual trip ratings, please contact that trip's leader.
Last but not least here is amazing Online Trip Calendar for all seasons for all Calgary section members! While you are perusing the calendar have a look at the Backcountry Intro to Skiing (BITS) events. Enjoy yourselves, be safe and have an awesome winter!
Backcountry Intro to Skiing (BITS) Program
A series of progressive events and trips intended to introduce a person to backcountry skiing. The series starts with an evening session in Calgary where the basics of what's involved and required are introduced. Then there is a series of trips starting with easy trips and moving up to intermediate trips. Along the way there is a telemark practice trip to Sunshine Village coordinated by a certified ski instructor. Also recommended for people getting into backcountry skiing are the recreational avalanche and crevasse rescue courses offered through the club.
The Introductory Avalanche Skills Training Course (AST 1) is a must for many section trips. For those who are confident on the downhill in the backcountry, the Avalanche Skills Training Course (AST 2) will take you into the realm of route finding and decision making in avalanche territory.
Coordinator contact info and other trip details are found on the Online Trip Calendar. A participant need not attend all of these events to participate in the BITS program. If you have any questions about getting involved in the BITS program, please email our ski committee at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Ski Trip Ratings
The trip ratings are assigned on length and difficulty of the trip. Since both can vary considerably depending on conditions, ratings should be used as a guideline. The ratings take into consideration three factors: Duration, Distance, and Level of Difficulty.
The level of difficulty is assigned based upon the general knowledge of the route and an assessment of the route by the trip coordinator. These grades should be used as a guideline only, due to seasonal variances in route conditions.
A route rated as "Easy" will be easy terrain, probably on a trail, little elevation gain, no steep sections. Example: Chester Lake, Boom Lake, Kananaskis Trails.
A route graded "Moderate" will be moderate terrain, probably backcountry travel, some steep sections. Example: Healy Pass - Redearth Creek, Dolomite Circuit, Molar Meadows, Burstall Pass.
A route rated as "Difficult" will be difficult, steep terrain, may involve glacier travel, route finding or some travel on foot. These trips may involve multi-day outings. Example: Wapta Icefields, Haig-Robertson Glacier, North Twin, Mt. Gordon.
A route rated as "Expert" will be ski mountaineering, may involve serious glacier travel, route finding or technical climbing. These trips may involve multi-day outings. Example: South Twin, Twins Tower, Mt. Collie / Ayesha, Mt. Robson, etc.
Note: Trips that involve hut bookings, longer duration, or which have special requirements require extra planning on the part of the trip coordinator and are marked with comments. Please contact the trip coordinator at least 3 weeks prior to the trip date.
For any inquiries about the skiing ratings or trips, please either contact the respective trip lead or email our ski committee at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Ice Climbing Ratings
Ice climbing ratings are different in concept from rock climbing ratings in that they refer to overall seriousness instead of to the greatest difficulty encountered on the route. This rating does not necessarily include length or difficulty of the approach. Check with the leader before to be sure.
Grade
Description
Grade 2 (WI2)
A climb with short sections up to 80 degrees.
Grade 3 (WI3)
Sustained ice up to 80 degrees. May have short sections of steeper ice but will have good resting places.
Grade 4 (WI4)
A sustained full pitch of off-vertical or a shorter length (10-25 m) of vertical ice. The ice may have some technical features like chandeliers and may have long runouts between resting places.
Grade 5 (WI5)
A long strenuous pitch. May be a full ropelength of 88-90 degree ice with few resting places or a shorter pitch on bad, featureless ice.
Note: Trips that involve hut bookings, longer duration, or which have special requirements require extra planning on the part of the trip coordinator and are marked with comments. Please contact the trip coordinator at least 3 weeks prior to the trip date.
