Winter Backcountry Travel And Living Skills

April 12 - 14, 2013

Day One: After meeting in Nordegg and a general review of gear and the itinerary, we will head out to the trailhead and start to ski or snowshoe to the cabins. The route selection will vary depending on weather conditions and the assessed ability of the group. Along the way we will get to know each other, conduct some basic navigation tasks, examine efficient trail breaking and route selection and take a practical look at equipment and clothing usage. After arriving at the cabins and settling in we will make equipment and clothing adjustments as part of our preparations for the next day and enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal.

Day Two: Once we finish breakfast, we will wind our way up to one of the surrounding mountain ridges where we will enjoy spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies before descending to the treeline to set up a comfortable winter camp and practice efficient tent use and cooking arrangements. A clear sky may enable us to experience some night skiing and star recognition or even entice the local wolves to howl back at us.

Day Three: After packing up camp and implementing “Leave No Trace” procedures, we will head back down to the cabins where we will reorganize, repack and review key elements learned. After lunch, we will practice our newly-learned navigation and trail selection techniques and make our way back to the trailhead, where all participants will receive a certificate of achievement.