Redearth Creek Light Touring for Novices/Newbies (12/1/2012)

IMPORTANT - Read Before Signing Up

This event is great for you if:
   · You have a bit of skiing experience, whether it's cross country, light touring, alpine touring, etc.
   · You'd like to try light touring.
   · You are comfortable on hills (going slow on those is fine).
   · You are willing to go the distance - all the way to the warden cabin and back.
   · You are willing to take your time; event duration may vary.

This event is NOT for you if:
   · You are a fast skier and not willing to stay with the group.
   · You do not have a sense of adventure. If the weather's great, we'll take more time to explore, possibly going off trail a bit further near the end.
   · You do not show up with all mandatory gear/items as listed below.

A note on equipment:
Your coordinator wishes to get more experience on light touring skis (aka cross country with metal edges; skis that you can attach skins to), so the event is geared more towards those. It would be preferred that you ski with light touring skis as well (and we can all learn together), though you can also show up with cross country skis. Please indicate in the Notes section when you sign up what type of skis you will be bringing.

Difficulty:
Do not be deterred by the D4 rating. This event is aimed at those who wish to give light touring a try and has this rating mainly due to the distance. Elevation gain is quite gradual and the return (i.e., 11km) will be a nice gradual downhill cruise. We will be taking our time, stopping for photos, and will be going slower for the uphill.

Itinerary:
The Redearth fireroad provides access to some spectacular country just east of the Great Divide. The trail is always within the trees but there are lots of viewpoints. Pilot Mountain towers to the east of the valley while Copper Mountain lies to the west and the peaks of the Sawback Range can be seen across Bow Valley.

Although the fireroad climbs out of the Bow Valley and into the valley of Redearth Creek, the hills are gentle and the road is smooth making this a relatively painless ski. You'll cross a couple of bridges and pass by backcountry campground before reaching the Shadow Lake trail and the warden cabin. The cabin marks the end of the main trail. Depending on time and the desires of the group, we may explore further. Going to the lake would add on a couple of kilometres and have a steeper trail, but could be very rewarding on a blue sky day. The retun to the highway offers a nice downhill cruise.

Trail Directions:
   · 0.0km - Trail departs east end of parking area, joining former fireroad in 300m
   · 7.0km - Cross bridges Lost Horse Creek
   · 7.2km - Cross bridge over Redearth Creek to northwest bank and pass Lost Horse Creek camground
   · 10.8km - Junction. Then warden cabin.
   · Return the same way.
   · Approx. 22km - Back at trailhead

References:
   · Ski Trails in the Canadian Rockies by Chic Scott
   · Redearth Creek - November 26, 2012 report by SkierBob
   · Banff Weather
   · Banff National Park Trail Report
   · Avalanche Bulletin - Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks

Ski Rentals:
If you do not have your own pair of light touring skis (similar to cross-country skis, but slightly wider and with metal edges, also take skins) or cross country skis, you will need to rent a package. Note that no matter which place you rent these from, you must reserve these in advance. If you try to rent skis on a Thursday or Friday, chances are you won't get them and it's not uncommon for rental places to be all out of skis for the weekend by Tuesday or Wednesday. Information for rentals is below. If you go for the light touring package, make sure you ask for the metal edges and skins (plus poles, boots, and wax kit). You must have your skis with you at carpool. MEC lets you pick up the day before and drop off the day after.

Mountain Equipment Co-Op:
   · Rental Policies and Procedures
   · Rental Rates
Note that light touring skis aren't listed separately. I've found that they usually charge the cross country package rates for these, but have also seen them charge the alpine touring package rates).

University of Calgary Outdoor Centre:
   · Rental Policies and Procedures
   · Rental Rates

Winter Safety Considerations
Entered by Barbara on November 30, 2012.
Terrain Classification: Simple (Class I).
Conditions: Moderate (2) at Alpine, Moderate (2) at Treeline, Low (1) Below Treeline. Read the Avalanche Bulletin for Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks.
Plan: If the avalanche forecast for Saturday ends up at "High" or "Extreme" at any elevation, this event will be cancelled. Friday's avalanche bulletin (generally posted after 4:00pm) will indicate the most up-to-date avalanche rating for Saturday.
Note that COC event coordinators are volunteers and are not trained guides. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip.

- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Wendy W and Lynda H., at content@calgaryoutdoorclub.com.