Trips and Tours
Please call the Contact for more information or to to sign up for a specific tour.
Parkland Cross Country Ski Club takes safety in the back country seriously has a policy that all tourers on back country trips with AST1 required carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe and have a minimum of Avalanche Safety Level 1 (AST1) training. If you need avalanche safety equipment, we have some for rent at the following rates:
Transceivers $10/weekend $5/extra day
Probes $2/weekend $1/extra day
Hoe Shovels no charge – we encourage all tourers to use hoe shovels!
Day Tours
While most Day Tours are planned in advance, they may also be organized on quite short notice due to changing snow conditions and weather. Check back frequently!
Day tours are for both club members and non members are welcome to try one out as well. If you are not a members you will be required to sign a waiver. Please call the Contact if you are interested in attending a tour, as tours may be cancelled if no interest is shown prior to one week in advance. Please watch for any changes or additions to the schedule.
Avalanche Rescue Training
Since the 2013/14 ski season any tours that go into avalanche terrain have required that all participants be certified in at least Level 1 of avalanche rescue training (AST1). All tours that go into avalanche terrain and require AST1 have been identified on the schedule below. For the safety of all concerned, there can be no exceptions.
The avalanche rescue certification can be any level of the Avalanche Skills Training (AST) beyond Companion Rescue. The Yamnuska Centre and the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre both operate excellent programs if the club is not running one itself.
The two day AST1 course will give you an understanding of avalanches and avalanche terrain to help you assess your position and provide the rescue skills required to participate and contribute to your touring companions’ safety. The AST2 course is generally 4 days, requiring AST1 as a prerequisite, and will provide opportunities to enhance and deepen your knowledge and practice of the skills.
Calendar of Events
| DATES | Event | Description | Contact | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3, 2022 | Executive Meeting | Executive Meeting | Lisa Marr-Laing 403-352-1900 | Marr-Laing Home 7:00pm-9:00pm |
| Oct 11, 2022 | General Meeting | Season Opener | Marilyn Strilchuk 403-347-8494 | Location TBD 7:30 pm |
| Oct 18, 2022 | Executive Meeting | Executive Meeting | Lisa Marr-Laing 403-352-1900 | Marr-Laing Home 7:00pm-9:00pm |
| Nov 8, 2022 | General Meeting & Presentation | General Meeting - all are welcome! | Marilyn Strilchuk 403-347-8494 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre 7:30 pm |
| Nov 10, 2022 | Course | Packing for the backcountry | Lisa Marr-Laing 403-352-1900 | Marr-Laing Home 7:00pm-8:00pm |
| Nov 18-19, 2022 | Mountain Tour | Kananaskis Lookout Accom: book your own | Ivan Dixon dixon.r.ivan@gmail.com | Easy Ski - good season starter |
| Nov 22, 2022 | Executive Meeting | Executive Meeting | Lisa Marr-Laing 403-352-1900 | Marr-Laing Home 7:00pm-9:00pm |
| Dec 2-4, 2022 | Mountain Tour | Hilda Creek Accom: Rampart Creek Hostel | Dave Allan 780-460-8573 | Yo-yo powder skiing - intermediate, AST1 required |
| Dec 9-11, 2022 | Mountain Tour | Molar Meadows Accom: book your own | Ivan Dixon dixon.r.ivan@gmail.com | Intermediate backcountry, AST1 required |
| Dec 13, 2022 | General Meeting and family campfire | General Meeting - all are welcome! | Marilyn Strilchuk 403-347-8494 | Hotdog roast at River Bend picnic area (near boat launch) 6:30pm |
| Jan 5, 19, & 26, 2023 | Adult Classic Lessons 7:00-8:30 | River Bend Golf & Recreation Area | Alanna Butler 403-582-0110 | Register Here |
| Jan 10, 2023 | General Meeting & Presentation | General Mtg & Don Wales' Backcountry Huts Presentation | Marilyn Strilchuk 403-347-8494 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre 7:30 pm |
| Jan 11, 18, & 25, 2023 | Adult Classic Lessons 7:00-8:30 | River Bend Golf & Recreation Area | Alanna Butler 403-582-0110 | Register Here |
| Jan 20-22, 2023 | Mountain Tour | Healy Pass Accom: Canmore Downtown Hostel *max 8 booked | Dion Brosius saskfan77@hotmail.com | Intermediate backcountry, AST1 required |
| Jan 24, 2023 | Executive Meeting | Executive Meeting | Lisa Marr-Laing 403-352-1900 | Location TBA 7:00pm-9:00pm |
| Jan 27-28, 2023 | Mountain Tour | Crowfoot drainage and West Nile Accom: book your own | Ivan Dixon dixon.r.ivan@gmail.com | Intermediate skier looking for turns; AST1 required. (You can do just one of the days) |
| Feb 8 & 15, 2023 | Adult Skate Ski Lessons 7:00-8:30 | River Bend Golf & Recreation Area | Alanna Butler 403-582-0110 | Register Here |
| Feb 14, 2023 | General Meeting & Presentation | General Meeting & Presentation | Marilyn Strilchuk 403-347-8494 | Location TBD 7:30 pm |
| Feb 17-19th Alberta Cup 7 & 8 in Red Deer | Regional Race Event | Come Race the Bend! A great way to spend the Family Day weekend! | Lisa Marr-Laing 403-352-1900 | Volunteers Needed! |
| Feb 28, 2023 | Executive Meeting | Executive Meeting | Lisa Marr-Laing 403-352-1900 | Location TBA 7:00pm-9:00pm |