Trip Dates
July *20, 21-23, 2012 Women’s Hike Retreat *based in New Denver
August *9, 10-12, 2012 Backcountry
August *14, 15&16, 2012 Youth Trip
Price
$360 / person *based on a group of 4
Group Size
1:6 maximum
Skill Level
Beginner to intermediate, route dependent
Related Trips
Introduction to Backpacking
Learn from an experience local guide how to travel and camp in the alpine wilderness, experience the joy and freedom...
Hike with a professional guide who can teach you tricks around your pack, setting up camp and locating yourself on the map. Enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of carrying all your belongings on your back to tenting in the rugged back country of the West Kootenays. Backpacking trips range from easy to advanced programs and range in length from two to five.
We offer a number of backpacking locations for this course, site selected will depend on student prior experience and trail/weather conditions, visit our favorite trails page for inspiration.
Easy Low Elevation & Shoulder Season
Fry Creek Canyon, Pilot Bay Penisula, Slocan Lakeshore & Beatrice Lake
Moderate Alpine Hikes
Kokanee Glacier Chalet & Glory Basin, Gwilliam Lakes & Lucifer Pass, Monica Meadows & Starbird Pass, Whitewater Canyon & Pass, Alps Alturus & Marten Mt.
Moderate Plus Alpine Hikes
Gimli Ridge & Mulvey Basin, Lyle Basin & Mt. Brennon, McKeen Lakes & Wooden Peak, Mt.Loki or Heart Lakes, Around Silverspray or Woodbury Cabins
Itinerary
The complete itinerary is somewhat flexible and will vary depending on participant needs, weather, conditions and course location and travel times to trailhead.
Below is a sample itinerary for a four day program. Skills sessions covered include pacing and walking tips, navigation (maps, compass and GPS skills), preparedness, safe route selection and more.
Day 1: Pre-trip meeting 5 PM in Nelson (2 hours)
Day 2 Hike in to remote mountain hut or back country camp location
Day 3 Explore alpine meadows, pass or summits
Day 4 Hike out
Prerequisites
Programs are beginner to advanced. Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability.
Good physical fitness and ability to carry a pack is required. Please contact us to discuss your background and what kind of course would suit you best.
Equipment
Backpacking_Equipment_List.pdf
Weather
Due to the higher elevations, proximity to dominant winds and weather conditions, mountain weather is difficult to predict. It is most often worse than the weather in the surrounding valleys and can change quickly as it is really hard to predict for more than 24hrs ahead.
In summer you expect temperatures to be from 10 C to 28C in the day while overnight temperature can drop dramatically in the high alpine, even below zero. Temperatures are much colder at higher elevations, even in the summer. It is not uncommon to have overnight freezing temperatures in the alpine, outside a mountain hut or near a back country camp.
It is always an interesting challenge to know exactly what you are going to get, therefore is important to be flexible with timing and not too attached to a particular goal or objective. Be prepared by bringing all required items, this ensure you will be dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation.
Location
Our backpacking programs occur in the Valhalla Mountains, Goat Range, Selkirk and Purcell Mountains near Kaslo, Slocan City, Nelson and New Denver.
Contact your guide by phone or email the week before for meeting location. Your guide will do a two hour briefing and packing demonstration the night in Nelson.
Services Included
- Pre-course planning support
- Fully certified ACMG Hiking or Alpine Guide services
- 15 years of experience in the area
- Alternative plan based on current conditions
- Park permits and Liability Insurance
- Emergency response plan
- Group safety equipment
Not included in price:
- snacks & meals *additional $40/day
- Personal equipment
- Transportation costs
- Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance
FAQ
How experienced do I need to be?
On this backpacking program will benefit from previous hiking experience. Good physical fitness is a must, comfort and experience with carrying a pack is very useful.
Is it safe?
On all back country programs, we provide you with fully certified IFMGA / ACMG Mountain, alpine and hiking guides. This gives you the highest safety standards in the industry. While it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the equipment needed during the programs?
On the overnight tenting programs we offer participants access to hiking or camping equipment at no extra charge, however you are welcome to bring your own. This includes: hiking poles, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, stove, pots. Contact us for specifics and availability.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
