Slow and Steady Hikers

Grotto Canyon is a short, easy hike with great views. We start off along the power lines until the bench which has excellent views of the surrounding peaks. We then start up the canyon and the rocks become smooth. We will photograph the two icefalls and possibly climb to the cave. After the canyon we emerge into an open space with great views of the mountains. Bring your skates if you want to go for a short skate afterwards. Note, it may be time to put away your camelback for the winter, unless the hose is insulated.

This trip is weather dependent. Check the website the morning of the trip to make sure it has not been cancelled.

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
Length: 7.5 km total
Elevation Gain: 350m
Difficulty: T2
See https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1EwslsRqLvFp-6anYK_pw_YNLrr94qklcbyZXsv87qs0/mobilebasic
for description of the trail rating system Slow and Steady uses.

Trailhead: Take the Trans Canada west. After the hwy 40 exit take exit 114. Take Bow Valley Trail / 1A west to the Groto parking lot (14.6 km)

RSVP RULES: Late cancellations without a valid reason, will result in a 'no show' at the organizer's discretion. Note that 'no shows' can hinder your attendance on hikes with other organizers.

PACE: steady. We will stay in 1 or 2 groups. We stop to layer and delayer, take photos and enjoy the day.

RESTRICTED:: No children

REQUIRED GEAR & SUPPLIES:
· backpack
· hiking boots
. headlamp
· personal first aid kit
· snacks/lunch
. water (2l), camelbacks have been freezing
· appropriate clothing
. spikes
· good attitude
. sense of humour
SUGGESTED GEAR:
. sunscreen
. poles
. change of shoes
. sense of adventure

CARPOOLING: Carpooling will not be arranged for this hike; however, please use the comment section to request a ride. Please be considerate of your driver’s car and bring a change of shoes and plastic bag for dirty footwear. Suggested gas fee contribution is $20.00.

CONFIDENTIAL ELECTRONIC WAIVER: You must provide an emergency name and phone number at the trailhead. By providing this information, you agree to the club waiver. Following is the Slow and Steady Club Waiver: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ExpOe-9cZweQV8mObp6t0VTb8YjjMpzzXlLNP0nnnD8/edit.

CODE OF CONDUCT: By signing up for this hike, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k2Zyj4O6tHRGSIMQQ3bH2PbH_u9v65bQN-DOA9SzZCc/edit

DISCLAIMER: You are fully aware that your host is a volunteer and not trained guide. Participants are responsible for assessing road, weather, trail and your physical condition.

We will meet at the parking lot and hike up the Powderface Trail until we start the steep climb to Vents Ridge. We will enjoy brunch at the summit while taking in the views before returning the way we came. Depending on the trail conditions, we will consider doing the loop.

It is a requirement to read the following trip posting very carefully and to make the proper and responsible preparations for it. Failure to do so, will result in participant not allowed on this trip.

A wait list has automatically been created to determine this trip’s suitability for you as a potential participant. You must meet all the pre-requisites to be eligible to attend this trip. the participation is not on first come, first serve basis, but at organizer's discretion. If the organizer deems it necessary to obtain additional information from you, please provide it, otherwise, you will remain on the wait list. As a potential participant, you must check this trip posting for additional directions from the organizer, including up to trip cancellation.

**This trip will be weather dependent, so please check the website the morning of the trip to make sure it has not been cancelled.**

RSVP RULES: Late cancellations without a valid reason, will result in a "no show" at the organizer's discretion.

EVENT PACE: The pace for this hike will be slow pace, no racers. We will hike together as a group or within view, taking short breaks as required to delayer, relayer, take pictures, and catch our breath!

TRIP DESCRIPTION:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/white-buddha-via-powderface-trail
https://www.theoutbound.com/canada/hiking/hike-white-buddha-via-powderface-trail
Weather:
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Moose-Mountain-Alberta/forecasts/2437

Distance: ~ 3.5 kms
Cumulative elevation gain: ~ 300 m
Time: Approximately 3 hours plus driving time.
Physical difficulty: T2
Trip Difficulty: T2 – for description of the trail rating system Slow and Steady uses.

TRAILHEAD DIRECTIONS:
Trailhead https://share.google/
CHqQV51FWmWCYYjP0

RESTRICTED: No dogs, no children, no guests.

REQUIRED GEAR & SUPPLIES:
· backpack
. Kananaskis pass ** Mandatory**
· hiking boots
. toque
· bear spray ** Mandatory
. headlamp
· personal first aid kit
· snacks
. water (2l)
· appropriate clothing (no cotton, no jeans)
. warm layers
. gloves/mittens
· personal first aid kit
. sense of humor **Mandatory
https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping

SUGGESTED GEAR:
· gaiters
· poles
· hot drink/food
· change of clothes
. sense of adventure

CARPOOLING: Carpooling will not be arranged for this hike. However, if you wish to carpool, it is at your discretion. Please be considerate of your driver’s vehicle and bring a change of shoes and bag for dirty footwear. Suggested gas fee contribution is $15. Carpool etiquette: http://bit.ly/Carpool_Etiquette

CODE OF CONDUCT: By signing up for this hike, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct. https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/19453923/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/

CONFIDENTIAL ELECTRONIC WAIVER: You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip, and provide an emergency name and phone number. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/

If you are confirmed on this hike, you must complete the following online waiver in order to attend: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D2C67SD

DISCLAIMER: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road, weather, trail and avalanche conditions for the trip. You must ensure you are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.

Route details: approximately 8 km with 700 m of elevation gain (uphill the entire way).

If you need a ride, please use the comments or messaging feature to arrange ride-sharing from your location. A suggested $10 gas contribution for drivers is appreciated.

### Waiver & Code of Conduct

All participants are required to review the Slow and Steady Hiker Club waiver in advance:
https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/

As per current policy, the waiver will be signed at the trailhead prior to departure. You must sign the waiver and provide the name and phone number of an emergency contact in order to participate.

Please also review the Slow and Steady Code of Conduct:
https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/

Looking forward to seeing you on the trail!