Snowshoe to Chester Lake and Elephant Rocks (3/27/2023)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Snowshoe

Event Location:

Smith Dorrien - Kananaskis Country

Date(s) & Time:

Mon, Mar 27 2023 9:30 AM (Carpool Departure: 7:30 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Sun, Mar 26 2023 5:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

~ 5 hrs plus driving time

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

Sibel (Mushroom)
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 18 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 (Log in to see who's signed up.)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

We'll take the snowshoe trail up to the lake, and then proceed up to the elephant rocks for a break.
The pace will be relaxed and we will stay together as a group, so speed demons and slow pokes will need to adjust their pace. Look forward to awesome scenery.

Distance: ~ 11km
Elevation Gain: ~ 375m

Note that this event requires driving several kilometers up the Smith Dorrien Road, which is a gravel road, and can be icy/treacherous. Obviously we need drivers to make this event happen, but please indicate that you're willing to drive ONLY if you and your vehicle are prepared for driving in more difficult winter driving conditions.

Kananaskis Conservation Pass fees apply for any vehicle access into Kananaskis Country. The mandatory fee of: Day pass - $15 (registers one vehicle) or Yearly pass - $90 (registers up to 2 vehicles) applies. You can purchase your pass beforehand, online at:
Kananaskis Conservation Pass OR in person at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Center at Barrier Lake.

Rentals are available, if required, at:
Sports Rent
UofC Outdoor Centre
MEC

Required Items to Bring:
- snowshoes
- poles
- hiking boots + gaiters, or winter boots
- warm clothing, including hat & gloves
- easy-to-eat snacks + drinks

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
- camera
- hand warmers
- flask with hot drink

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Take Hwy 1 west out of town. Go south on Hwy 40 for approx 56km. Turn right onto the Kananaskis Lakes Trail just before the winter gate. Turn north onto the Smith- Dorrien Trail (gravel road) and go about 20-30km. Park at the Chester Lake trail head (past Sawmill). See Peter Lougheed Map.
Ref: GemTrek's Kananaskis Lakes map.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

275Km

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $96.25 (calculated at total Km * $0.35, effective Tuesday, March 21, 2023). This is based on $0.16/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.

Notes:

Winter Safety Considerations
Entered by Sibel on Mar 16, 2023
The trail up to Chester Lake and the Elephant Rocks is considered to be free from avalanche danger; it is a snowshoeing route listed in the book A Beginner's guide to Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies" by Andrew Nugara.
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.

Cost & Payment:

Voluntary Donations:

Although there is no cost for this event, please note that the club survives on voluntary donations. Please consider making a donation based on the value you feel you receive from the club. See our How You Can Help page for more information.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: