Slow and Steady Hikers

Colonel's Cabin Trails

Details
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 waiting 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 waiting list. As a potential participant, you must check this trip posting for additional directions from the organizer, including up to trip cancellation. PLEASE ANSWER ALL RSVP QUESTIONS OR YOU REMAIN ON WAITLIST. Please respond with your recent hiking history not with what you have done last summer! no kids, no smoking, no dogs, no guests, no speed demons. THE QUESTIONS ARE: 1. WHAT IS YOUR RECENT HIKING HISTORY, 2. WHAT IS YOUR PACE. 3. DO YOU NEED A RIDE OR PREFER TO DRIVE. 3. HOW MANY PASSENGERS CAN YOU TAKE

this trip will be weather dependent. in case of the snowfall, etc the trip might be cancelled or destination might change
MICROSPIKES ARE MANDATORY.

Grotto canyon is a nice and popular ice walk. it is a great winter destination and good to do while the creek is frozen.
it is a relatively flat walk, it is going to be a beginner friendly hike.

http://banffandbeyond.com/winter-hiking-in-grotto-canyon/

http://hikingwithbarry.com/2013/02/08/grotto-canyon-ice-walk-bow-valley-hiking-alberta

distance and elevation: +/- 5-8 km return, about 100 meters elevation gain. if there is time we might add another short flat hike to this trip

Time: 4-4.5 Hrs on trail +1.5 hrs driving one way from Calgary

this is Advanced Beginner hike but we will be moving with a pace of the slowest hiker. If you are a Speed Demon please find another event.

Gear requirements: think layers, mitts, merino socks, toe and hand warmers, microspikes! always good to have something hot, tea or soup for lunch, 3 bottles water, dress in layers.

Passenger gas share: $15.00 per person, and in cash.

Meetup Location: BATTING CAGES PARKING LOT JUST A COUPLE OF BLOCKS PAST SHOULDICE ARENA

IF YOU CANCEL PAST THE RSVP CLOSE WITHOUT GOOD REASON YOU CAN EARN A NO-SHOW

Waivers: Must sign new waiver form. You will also be asked for the name and phone number of an emergency contact. You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/ 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 conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being.

​🌸 International Women’s Day Celebration Hike 💜
​Join us for our annual tradition! To celebrate the strength and solidarity of women everywhere, please wear something pink or purple—whether it’s a jacket, a hat, or a simple bandana on your pack.
This is an exploratory snowshoeing hike Elbow falls. A portion of this journey (3–5 km) will be on terrain requiring microspikes, so you must have a reliable way to strap your snowshoes to your backpack.
​🤝 The Group Ethos
​We move as a team, navigate as a team, and finish as a team. This event is about embracing the challenge of the terrain and the company of the group at a relaxed, steady rhythm. If you are a "trail runner" or prefer a fast, aggressive pace, this event is not for you.
🏔️ The Challenge - Be prepared for a true adventure. Parts of this route will be Off-Trail, involving "bushwhacking" through brush and deep, untouched snow. Expect the unexpected!
​📝 Attendance Policy
​Priority will be given to group regulars and those with a consistent record of reliable attendance and teamwork.
​🕒 Logistics & Meeting Point
​Meetup Time: 8:15 AM
​Location: Somerset LRT Station, East Parking Lot (Opposite Tim Hortons).
​Carpooling: Suggested contribution of $15/person to your driver.
​Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours. Please do not book evening plans; off-trail navigation is unpredictable, and we will not rush to meet a deadline.
​📊 Hike Stats
​Difficulty: Challenging / Technical Off-Trail
​Distance: ~12 km
​Elevation Gain: ~500m
​Pace: Slow / Steady / Group-focused
​❄️ Mandatory Gear & Safety
​Winter conditions are in full effect. Proper gear is non-negotiable for your safety and the safety of the group.
​Traction: Snowshoes, Poles and Microspikes are mandatory.
​Visibility: Headlamp is mandatory.
​Protection: Gaiters are highly recommended to keep snow and debris out of your boots during bushwhacking.
​Clothing: Technical layers or wool only. Strictly no cotton or jeans.
​Supplies: Personal first aid kit, plenty of water, and a hearty lunch/snacks.
​⚠️ Disclaimer
​Your hosts are volunteers, not trained guides. All participants are responsible for assessing their own physical fitness, the weather, road conditions, and avalanche risks. By joining, you acknowledge that you are fully prepared with the proper gear and are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being throughout the duration of the trip.