D3 - Beginner Snowshoe - Chester Lake

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION

Rules of Conduct (clickable): By participating in this CORA activity, you automatically agree to follow the CORA Rules of Conduct. Please read them by clicking here. (https://www.meetup.com/Calgary-Outdoor-Recreation-Association-CORA/pages/Rules_of_Conduct/)

The Organizer is not a guide, just a experienced hiker willing to share his time.

RSVP:
Update your RSVP as early as possible, at least 48 hours before the meeting time. If you are unable to attend for any reason whatsoever, LET ME KNOW as soon as possible. You cancel in less than 48 hours without a “really juicy story” (involving flying monkeys or UFO abduction) at your peril; I may not take you on my future trips. If you do not let me know, you will be recorded as a "no show" (https://www.meetup.com/Calgary-Outdoor-Recreation-Association-CORA/pages/Rules_of_Conduct/).

Car Pooling:
Please indicate in your COMMENTS if you can drive. I need to know if we have adequate transportation for all participants, not your preference to ride.

Please ensure you complete the questions thoroughly.

Participation:

This trip is meant for people with little or no snowshoe experience to get them into the mountains in winter.

The trip organizer reserves the right to move people on and off the trip or wait list, or to increase or reduce the size of the group, in order to match people to the trip based on fairness, ability, safety, and other criteria.

TRIP WAIVER AND CONDITIONS: You must sign a trip waiver to attend this event. Please read the document .I will have the waiver. Your organizer will be your witness.You can view the waiver online under the MORE tab. 2013 Memberships available now. Yearly membership fee is $20 which lasts until the Annual General Meeting in February 2014. Alternately, you may participate as a non-member for $5 for the day.

Description: Day Snowshoe
Difficulty Rating (clickable): D (http://files.meetup.com/1575023/Difficulty%20Ratings.pdf)3
Distance: 8.6 km return

Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)

We follow a well used trail up to a lovely alpine meadow. If time permits we may get to do a short trip to the Elephant Rocks. There will be some off trail and the chance to explore for those who want to. This is slightly more difficult than the trip to Burstall Pass but still sutiable for beginners.

Time: 3- 4 hrs on trail only an estimate. Plus driving time.

Level: D3

This is a fairly easy snowshoe. The trail is easy and straightforward. An average level of fitness is required but our pace is moderate-slow. Please be realistic about your abilities. Please gauge your abilities appropriately.

Dogs:
Dogs are welcome but should be on leash at all times. There is a fine for unleashed dogs (and the bears might eat them).

Driving and Directions:
We will meet in the parking lot at McMahon Stadium at 8:15. There will likely be another group there so please be sure you are with the right group. From the intersection of highway #1 and highway #40 turn left and head south on highway #40. Proceed for 50 km. Turn right onto the Kananaskis Lakes Trail then right again after 2.2 km onto the gravel Smith-Dorrien/ spray Trail (Hwy. 742) Travel north for 18 km to the Chester Lake Parking area.

Weather forecast: unknown
Trail conditions: unknown

Costs:
Members are free. Non-members fee is $5. Gas contributions for drivers (see below).

Transport:
CORA trips start at the trailhead. As a convenience to participants only, we meet at the meeting point in Calgary then car pool from there. Please be on time. We don't want to have to wait around long. You may choose to meet us at the trail head, but please advise us ahead of time. Please indicate in your RSVP COMMENTS if you can drive, if necessary. Please reimburse some $$ to drivers for gas.

EQUIPMENT:

Please dress for the weather: Weather can change quickly -- rain, snow, wind, warm, or cold -- BE PREPARED. NO COTTON (link: cotton kills (http://friends.backcountry.net/m_factor/cotton.html))!
Mandatory - sense of humor, lunch, 2 liters of water, layers, sturdy warm boots and snowshoe's.

Recommended - camera, gaiters, hiking poles.

Advice from REI for beginner snowshoers: click here (http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/snowshoeing+first+steps.html)