This group is for anybody who enjoys winter activities. Our approximately two hour outings take place on the North Shore mountains on Monday mornings except for statuary holidays. No experience is needed, just enthusiasm and a certain level of fitness as there are hills to navigate.
Snowshoe Trails
Cypress Snowshoe Trails
—Bowen Lookout free trail—this trail, which starts in the Cypress Mountain downhill parking lot, meanders past lakes and through a meadow before climbing to the viewpoint overlooking Bowen Island.
—Hollyburn free trail—this trail starts in the Cypress Mountain Hollyburn Nordic parking lot. It is a steady climb up but we don’t go to the top of the mountain as we stop part way up to enjoy the view and lunch.
—Cypress Mountain paid groomed trails—these trails, like the Hollyburn free; trail start in the Cypress Mountain Hollyburn Nordic parking lot. As there is a range of trails of varying difficulty here, we usually start the season with these trails. Plus, there is the lovely Hollyburn Lodge for hot drinks, food and washrooms.
Seymour Snowshoe Trails
—Dog Mountain free trail—this trail, which starts from the Mount Seymour parking lot, wanders through the forest to an outcropping with a beautiful view over the lower mainland.
—Mount Seymour paid trails—these trails start from the Mount Seymour parking lot. These beautiful trails go through the forest, past lakes and up and down slopes.
Callaghan Valley
—at the end of the season, we try to snowshoe the Callaghan Valley trails that are located close to Whistler.
Vehicles
—it is best to have an all wheel drive car and essential to have tires with the peaked mountains/snowflake symbol on the sidewall.
—-carpooling will be self organised with the expectation that everybody is double vaccinated and the cost of gas be shared. As we are an older group with some being immunocompromised, please understand others comfort level regarding carpooling.
Gear
—Snowshoes—if you wish to buy snowshoes, MEC has a good selection of the MSR brand. Make sure when you select a pair that they have teeth across the front [toe area] and also, teeth down the sides. These side teeth are important to prevent sliding when going downhill.
At the paid trail sites, snowshoes can be rented.
—Crampons—if the trail is well packed, crampons instead of snowshoes can be used. We recommend the Hillsound brand which can be purchased at Alpine Start Outfitters at 68 West Broadway, Vancouver. 604-876-2555. There are three types of crampons—you want the TRAIL crampons. The ones with small teeth are for slippery sidewalks and the ones with large teeth are for ice climbing. Make sure you try the crampons on with the boots that you intend to wear as they come in different sizes.
—Boots—an above the ankle waterproof hiking boot works well.
—Poles—poles that have baskets [like a ski or hiking pole] are strongly recommended for stability.
—Sit Upon—this is an insulated pad to sit on while eating lunch. A piece of a therm-a-rest used for camping is great. You can get chilled in the snow without it.
—Emergency Blanket—these very thin silver blankets can be purchased [they are inexpensive] at most outdoor or hardware stores. We suggest buying two as they are quite small.
—Backpack—one that is big enough to hold your lunch, snacks, warm drink, sit upon, emergency blankets, whistle, flashlight, extra non cotton clothing layers, sunglasses, first aid kit etc
Clothing
—basically, you need to wear layers as you start off cold but quickly warm up. It is better to wear several layers which you can take off rather than a heavy jacket. Needed are leggings or hiking pants, waterproof pants, waterproof hooded jacket [the hood prevents snow, that slides off the branches on warmer days, from going down the neck],a polar fleece, wool or moisture wicking fabric for shirts, mittens, toque [you need to cover the ears], above the ankle waterproof hiking boots. PLEASE no cotton—-there is a phrase that says cotton kills. Cotton absorbs a lot of moisture but doesn’t wick it away from the body. So, if you cool down like when eating lunch, that moisture becomes very cold. So, wool or synthetic wicking fabrics only.
Forms
—Waiver form—all snowshoers must fill out and sign the FWC waiver prior to any outing.
—Medical form—a medical form with your name, healthcare number, emergency contact name and number, family doctor name and number, medications, allergies, health conditions is needed. This form is to be placed in a baggie and put in the outermost pocket of your backpack.
Contacts
Lesley Hutton—-lesleywh@telus.net
—-landline —604-228-9592
Moya Stokes—moyastokes@gmail.com
—-landline —604-709-4487