D5: Red Peak - Difficult Hike

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION FIRST!

I AM NOT A MOUNTAIN GUIDE AND I DON'T PROVIDE TOURIST HIKES!

"Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it."

Henry David Thoreau

• I've never done this trip, so it'll be an adventure. We'll go by Bob Spirko's description.

http://bobspirko.ca/Hiking/Kananaskis/RedPeak/RedPeak.html

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Where: Peter Lougheed PP/ Buller Pass Area

Max: 12 people.

Distance: 17km

Elevation gain: 994m (Calgary tower is 191 m)

Hiking time: 7-8 hours (roundtrip). Only an estimate.

Difficulty: Strenuous hike.

Skill level: A good level of fitness with strong legs required.This is a steep hike with scrambly sections that can be avoided.You must be comfortable with the elevation and heights as well as character-building weather conditions. I'll be asking your level of experience.

Pace: Slow-Moderate

Hazards: Mountains are obviously dangerous places!

Trail Conditions: Probably snowy.

Weather Conditions: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/alberta/kananaskis

Driving/Carpooling: CORA trips start at the trailhead. We'll carpool at Dalhousie prior to setting off.

Mandatory Gear: Backpack (20+ litres with straps), waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, windstopping shell layers, down jacket, food and snacks, 2 litres of water, gaiters, headlamp, sunglasses, toque/beanie, first aid kit (minimum blister and wound care kits), hand warmers, microspikes.

Optional Gear: Camera, map and compass, GPS, sunscreen, sonic balaclava, fire starter.

• Do not bring the following:Jeans, casual shoes (including sneakers/trainers), cotton layers, small running packs.

Costs: CORA membership is $20. If you are not a CORA member, you're required to make paypal online payments. (Trip organizers will not accept cash payments). There are two options: (1) Paying $20 and purchasing a full annual membership. (2) Paying $5 drop-in fee.

Cancellation Policy: 24 hours prior to the trip. Friday late night cancellations will result in having 'No Show.'

During the trip, you are expected to follow the trip organizer(s) and stick with the group. However, CORA trip organizer(s) are NOT certified mountain guides, but only experienced hikers volunteering and sharing their knowledge. As such, you are responsible for your own safety and equipment.

PLEASE READ CORA RULES OF CONDUCT!

YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO SIGN A TRIP WAIVER.

My cell phone is # 403-862-1727