Skis or snowshoes can be used on this course.

Two days in the mountains are spent learning - and applying - snow shelter construction (snow caves, igloos, tent camps, etc), winter camping skills, route finding, backcountry hazard recognition and avalanche safety skills.

The first field day is spent approaching a backcountry base camp area. Locations are chosen that will require minimum travel times, usually less than 2 hours. Skills covered on the approach will include equipment use, route finding, track setting, avalanche safety, weather and snowpack observations, campsite selection, winter camp set-up and backcountry hazard awareness.

After camp is reached you will spend time building a variety of snow shelters such as snow caves and igloos. The main emphasis is to learn and practice skills for establishing a good winter camp.

Day-2 will provide an opportunity to go for a 3-4 hour tour and work on more winter backcountry travel skill, skiing techniques for the skiers, route finding, avalanche skills and generally gain more backcountry experience under the guidance of your Instructor.

Participants should plan on returning to the trailhead at approximately 3 or 4 pm at the end of Day-2

• Touring skis and bindings; or, snowshoes. Alpine Trekker touring inserts for alpine skis are acceptable if you are experienced with them (Trekkers and climbing skins are available for rent from CWMS)
• Boots - touring boots appropriate to your bindings. Regular alpine boots may be fine as long as they are not a tight fitting race boot. Boots should be warm and suitable for snow camping.
• Poles
• Climbing skins for skis
• Backpack – internal or external frame; large enough to hold overnight gear – approx. 60 – 70 litres (1)
• Sleeping bag – preferably synthetic; good for –10 to –15 degrees Celsius
• Sleeping pad – Ensolite or Therma rest type (1)
• Extra clothing as required (fleece pants, down jacket, etc. for around camp
• Lightweight camp booties for around camp (optional)
• Personal kit (toothbrush, toilet paper, candles, etc.)
• Eating utensils (cup, bowl, spoon)
• Outerwear jacket – waterproof/breathable type with hood (Gore-tex, etc.) (1)
  
• Outerwear pants – same as above (ones with full zips are nice for ventilation while touring)
• Personal clothing layers that are adjustable and suitable for all conditions; no cotton
• Gaiters (unless your ski pants have built-in gaiters or snow-cuffs)
• Gloves or mitts – wool or synthetic (1 pair, plus 1 pair extra)
• Warm parka - down, fleece or pile
• Sweater or vest - wool, fleece or down
• Toque/warm hat - wool or fleece
• Sunglasses
• Ski goggles
• Headlamp with fresh batteries plus 1 set extra batteries
• Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
• Water bottle/hydration system w/insulation - min. 1 liter
• Compass & map in waterproof bag (map case, zip lock, etc.) - #’s to be detailed at pre-trip meeting
• Note pad and pencil
• Knife - small pocket-knife style
• Lighter or water-proof matches
• Avalanche transceiver (supplied by CWMS)
• G3 Shovel (supplied by CWMS)
• G3 Probe (supplied by CWMS)
• G3 Snow Saw (supplied by CWMS)

• 2-person or 3-person tents (as required)
• Single burner gas stoves and fuel (1 per 3 people)
• Cooking sets (2 pots per 3 people)

Please go over this list before the course to ensure that you are properly prepared. Contact our office if you have any questions, and we can suggest places for you to purchase or rent equipment if needed. Keep in mind that you will be spending all of your time outdoors in the snow in cold and possibly wet conditions (+5 to -20), and that the weather can vary from one extreme to the other.

It is recommended that you also have a set of spare street clothes for the end of the course after you have left the mountains.

The sites that are used for our Winter Snow Camping course are usually close to the trailhead and do not require more than 2-3 hours of approach on skis or snowshoes. This allows for more time to be spent building igloos, snow caves and setting up your winter camp!