Last week I had a post about the local ski resorts, when they were opening, and what impacts were expected during the Olympics.

This afternoon I came across a good report of how backcountry skiing will be impacted this winter season. The info below is taken from the Cairn Publishing website: http://www.cairnpublishing.com/author/articles/olympic_access.html (on a side note, I think I’m going to have to buy Scrambles in Southwest BC from this website, looks great! Anyone have this already?)

So, what will the impact of the 2010 Olympics be on backcountry skiing access?
The long and the short of it is that it’s probably a good year to head out towards the Coquihalla and Mount Baker.

Cypress
Trails closed to the public:

• • Black Mountain: December 1, 2009 to April 1, 2010
  • Howe Sound Crest Winter Access including Bowen Lookout: December 1, 2009 to April 1, 2010
  • Hollyburn Hikers Access Trail:
    • Above Water Board Cabin Site: December 1, 2009 to March 8, 2010
    • No access on the entire length of the trail: February 1 to March 8, 2010.
  • Road Closures
    • During the exclusive use period (February 1 – March 8, 2010), access to the mountain will be limited to Olympic and local traffic only as a security and public safety measure.
    • There will be no spectator or public parking at the Cypress Mountain venue during the Games period.

Sea to Sky Highway

• Feb 11 – Feb 28 Sea-to-Sky Highway checkpoint opens at Alice Lake turn-off. Only Olympic vehicles, residents with permits and people with hotel accommodation will be allowed northbound from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Day skiers or tourists should take commercial motorcoaches or travel during off peak hours.

Whistler Parking

• Sept 1 ¯  Day skier lots 7 and 8 were closed
• Nov. 15 ¯ Whistler Creekside staged parking restrictions begin.
• Feb. 1 ¯  In Whistler, day skier lots 1, 3, 5, 6 closed
• Feb. 4 ―  In Whistler, local vehicle permits go into effect

Callaghan

• Sept 1 – Mar 21 Whistler Olympic Park access will be closed at the main gate
  just past the Callaghan Lake road at Alexander Falls. Access to Callaghan
  and Madely lakes will still be open. Cross country trails and backcountry
  access will be via Callaghan Country’s base at Alexander Falls.

Feb 5 – Restricted access to Callaghan Valley Road begins

Related Posts:
• Cypress 2010 Commemorative Season Pass – Worth It?
• It’s Snow Time!
• November Recap

Tags: Backcountry skiing,Olympics
Categories: Snowboarding & Skiing, Snowshoeing
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From the Vancouver Sun the other day: BC avalanche deaths trigger calls to regulate snowmobile operators:

A central Interior heli-ski operator is calling on the province to immediately bring in controls over backcountry snowmobilers, saying the large number of deaths on the mountains this past season has hurt B.C.’s international reputation as a safe and desirable outdoor recreation destination.

“It’s not a good image when, in the backcountry, so many people die. It’s not a good image for the province and the industry,” said Mike Wiegele of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in the North Thompson Valley.

Nineteen snowmobilers — all but one of them in B.C. — have died in avalanches in Canada this season, according to statistics provided by the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC). The number accounts for 75 per cent of all national backcountry fatalities, which also includes a heli-skier, a mountaineer and four out-of-bounds skiers.

In several of the snowmobile-related incidents, slides were triggered as a result of highmarking — a deadly practice where riders push their machines as far up a steep slope as possible.

Wiegele said his company has been called to help out in four rescue operations this winter, putting strain on both the business — which attracts about 1,500 mainly international skiers each year — and its employees.

“We have to stop everything, stranding some of our skiers in the mountains to save snowmobilers from themselves,” he said.

He said it’s long overdue for the province to license snowmobilers and regulate the sport, in the same way drivers on the roads are regulated.

“The problem is that snowmobilers can go anywhere, any time, any day — day or night — any place. It’s wild,” Wiegele said.

“The [current] practices are for accidents, not for safety.”

By contrast, he said, heli-ski operators and other backcountry professionals are heavily regulated.

And while operators “don’t have a problem with that,” he said, there is growing sentiment that the rules are being applied unfairly.

“When we first started our business, we had to go through miles of red tape and mountains of safety training … so why are snowmobilers exempt from that?” he asked.

Read the full article:

Related Posts:
• $20 Avalanche Workshop
• Missing Snowmobilers Found Alive In Sicamous
• Poll: Will BC Have More Avalanche Or Gang Related Deaths?

Tags: Avalanche
Categories: Hiking, Movies & Videos, News, Random or Unrelated, Safety, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Website Updates
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I started snowshoeing this season and am loving it. Being able to get up into the mountains and snow covered trails has helped me deal with the hiking withdrawals I used to go through during the winter. I picked up the Atlas 930 snowshoes on a boxing day sale and have been very happy with them. My girlfriend picked up the women’s Elektra version and has found them to be great as well. They are a good all-around snowshoe, that do reasonably well in different terrains at a great price-point. They are easy to fasten, and I have not had any problems with needing to readjust straps or having them come loose. Below is a good review I’ve found, as well as a video about the Atlas 9 Series snowshoes.

The Atlas 9 snowshoes are the perfect beginner snowshoe for anyone with an adventurer & explorer personality. These snowshoes offer an excellent combination of features and value pricing. Atlas 9 snow shoes are designed for moderate terrain and beyond, including uneven & sidehill terrain and untracked exploration. The flexible Wrapp bindings are a cinch to adjust and tighten. Very secure and comfortable cradle of foot. A noticeable step-up from the entry-level Atlas 8 Series shoes. Whether you’re new to snowshoeing or looking for Atlas technology at a great value, the 9 Series are built to explore winter’s rolling terrain.

Atlas 9 Snowshoes Technological Features & Benefits:

* 6061 Aluminum V Frame – 6061 aluminum is proven and durable, and Atlas Snow-Shoe Company’s proprietary V shape provides the strength needed to flex as part of the Spring-Loaded Suspension (SLS) system.

* Spring-Loaded™ Suspension (SLS) – Suspension allows natural articulation of the foot and deeper crampon penetration for unmatched control and comfort.

* Wrapp™ Bindings – Cinches completely with one easy pull on web loop. The flexible binding cradles and wraps around the foot for a secure fit. Adjustable urethane heel strap with SureClick buckle.

* All-Trac™ Toe Crampon – Tried and true, this durable stainless toe crampon provides sure-footed traction. * Aft Traction – Stainless steel heel cleats add traction and aid in descending.

*Nytex Decking – Durable and flexible when cold.

* Atlas Snowshoes Lifetime Warranty

Related Posts:
• Webtogs Review – North Face Hedgehog Trainers
• The Yeti – Canadian Snowshoe Racing Series
• Gearing Up For Winter Fun Pt. II

Tags: 9 series,Atlas,Review,Snowshoes
Categories: Products & Gear, Snowshoeing
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Race #2 of The Yeti – Canadian Snowshoe Racing Series is coming to Seymour this Saturday, Jan 31.

The Yeti™ Mountain Snowshoe Series was founded in 2001 by Marc Campbell (formerly Cooney) and Rick Carty in response to an ever-increasing demand for managed outdoor adventure. It is Canada’s first mountain snowshoe series and is open to participants at all skill levels, from beginner through advanced level athletes, who want to be outdoors and having fun.

Named after the Abominable Snowman that roams the Himalayas, the Yeti™ started its first season with three races, two on Mount Seymour and one on Cypress Mountain, each with both 5km and 10km courses.

The next 2 races of the series are at Grouse (Sat, Feb 14) and Cypress (Sat, March 7)

Related Posts:
• Gearing Up For Winter Fun Pt. II
• It’s Snow Time!
• 48 Hours Of Winter At Grouse Mountain

Tags: Cypress,Grouse,Race,Seymour,snowshoe,The Yeti
Categories: Events, Snowshoeing
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In part one I told you all about the ski & boarding lessons offered by our local mountains. Today I’m going to focus on snowshoeing at Seymour, Grouse and Cypress.

Cypress Mountain “offers 10 km of snowshoe trails running through pristine, sub-alpine meadows and snow-laden forests”. They have 3 guided tours:

• Hollyburn Meadows – A great introduction to snowshoeing. Trek through snowy mountain forests and meadows with a stop at historic Hollyburn Lodge for a hot drink. Experience the beauty of nature amidst the magic of winter.
• Starlite Adventure Tour – Enjoy a 3 hour snowshoe tour that includes a 2 hours snowshoe trek through the snowy mountain forests and meadows, snowshoe rentals, and a stop at the Historic Hollyburn Lodge where you will enjoy a selection of appetizers and canapés.
• Snowshoe Fondue Tour – This special tour combines spectacular terrain and great food in one adventure. Each tour includes a delicious fondue meal in the rustic ambience of historic Hollyburn Lodge. You’ll enjoy an easy snowshoe trek with your experienced, informative and entertaining guide through towering snowy mountain forests and sub-alpine meadows. A truly unique winter experience that is especially popular with groups.

Grouse Mountain “is a popular destination for snowshoeing; the Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park offers four groomed and marked trails ranging from 1 km to 3.5 km.” Grouse offers one tour (fondue), and 4 clinics:

• Beginner Snowshoe Clinics
• Ladies Only Clinics
• Race Prep Clinic
• Drop-in Nights

Seymour Mountain “has over 10 km of well marked and maintained trails at the Discovery Snowshoe Area. The network of trails leads through meadows and lakes surrounded by wildlife. Look for animal tracks en route”. Seymour offers the largest variety of snowshoeing programs. A few of the different ones to look at are:

• Full Moon or Big Moon Tour – Let our interprative guide and the moon’s radiance lead this two hour tour! A fun chance to get out on a full or big moon. Even on cloudy nights there are lots of things to see and do related to the moon and stars. Explore the moon and the star’s superstitions, myths and legends associated with the night sky.
• Silver Snowshoe Club – A perfect combination of fun, learning, fitness and social interaction for those 50 plus. Your own 50 plus guide will take you along gentle forested trails on a two hour journey to explore nature, the beauty of winter and the joys of meeting new friends.
• Baby & Me Snowshoeing – This invigorating snowshoe series is designed for parents and babies! (or expecting Mom’s with their caregiver’s consent). Enjoy a 90 minute guided snowshoe tour followed by tea and a social. Parents must be able to carry their babies for at least 1.5 hours and have their own comfortable carrier. Change tables available before and after snowshoeing. Includes interpretive guide, snowshoes, poles, trail pass, and an indoor light snack and hot tea afterwards.
• SnowFit Series – For those looking for a great workout, don’t miss out on SnowFit! This focused 90 minute power hike is geared for those comfortable on snowshoes who want to take it to the next level by incorporating a beginner to intermediate fitness routine within a group setting.

The choices are definitely there for snowshoeing in Vancouver, and if that’s not enough you always have plenty of great back country opportunities outside of Vancouver at places such as Elfin Lakes.

Related Posts:
• Gearing Up For Winter Fun Pt. III
• 48 Hours Of Winter At Grouse Mountain
• VACC Bike Commuter Skills

Tags: Cypress,Grouse,Seymour,Snowshoeing,winter fun
Categories: Snowshoeing
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