Calgary Women 50+ Hiking

**Welcome to Calgary Women 50+ Hiking Group**

We are for women-only, aged (approx) 50+ exploring the Rockies on day hikes, increasing our fitness with walks together in the city and having fun socializing.

Here's some of the details of our group:

We're dedicated to providing a space for Women 50+ to find and attend walking and hiking events.  Maybe you want your get out into the mountains but none of your friends or family feel that same calling. Or maybe they're interested but don't have the time. Or maybe you've recently retired or had a life transition and you're looking to seek new environs, foster new friendships, and to see if day-hiking is for you. Maybe you want to keep active while having fun socializing in a women-only environment. We have two main activities for you:

**Walks** Walking events are designed to get to know each other and for participants to gauge their readiness for hikes. ( Don't worry, there is no test!) We walk twice a week to improve or maintain our hiking conditioning. These walks are done in Calgary on local paths and trails. Walks typically last 90 minutes to 2 hours, with frequent stops to keep the group cohesive and paced.   The average distance: 5-10 km.

**Hikes** We also offer day Hike events. These are organized once per week in easy to moderate terrain in Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis areas. We'll start with easy hikes and gradually build our confidence and repertoire to include more challenging hikes. Hikes start at a specified trailhead and last from 2-6 hours, including a lunch break and frequent stops.  The distance can vary from 5-20 km.

On walks or hikes, we stay together and are never out of sight of each other. So if you're a speed demon and can't stay at the pace of the slowest member of the event, then we're probably not the group for you. It's the group and the journey that matters to us.

While we are mainly Calgary-based, if you are from other areas and wish to join us, we'd love to have you.

All participants should have a moderate fitness level (you can walk 1-2km) We'd also recommend you check with your medical practitioner to see if participating in our activities is advised.

While you may have little (or no) hiking experience, you're welcome to join. You will need to find appropriate equipment (borrow, renting or buying second-hand is a great way to start) but our events are a great way to see if hiking is for you.

Or you may have lots of experience but just want another group to join to get out to the mountains with, so feel free to keep us in your hiking loop.

Locations for walks and hikes vary and are based on weather, trail conditions, and other factors.  If a trail gets closed, we will do our best to find a "back-up" trail.

**Code of Conduct**
We have the following expectations for participating in our events:

• At this time, we don't permit guests (please ask them to join the group).
• Please leave your pets at home.
• You agree to refrain from using alcohol or mind-altering substances while participating in any of our events.
• You agree to sign a waiver (provided online).
• You agree to provide an emergency contact and phone number, as well as let your event leader know if there are any medical issues/medications they need to be aware of for your safety. This must be done for each event you attend and will not be kept from event to event.
• All events are weather-dependent. While we do walk or hike in rain and snow, we avoid extreme temperatures and electrical storms. Please check the event posting the morning of the event to make sure the trip has not been cancelled due to weather.
• Attendance at our events are limited and at our discretion (not first come first serve). If you can't attend, please adjust your RSVP so those on the wait list can attend. Members with NO-SHOWS will be waitlisted for future events .
• If you develop symptoms before the walk or hike or come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms, or have returned from international travel within 2 weeks of this hike, please remove yourself from the going list.
• Often, a waitlist will be created to determine this trip’s suitability for you as a potential participant. Please answer any RSVP questions, and if the organizer deems it necessary to obtain additional information from you, please provide it or you will remain on the waitlist.
• 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, weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.

**Membership and Participation:**
- Join city walks by selecting the attending icon on Meetup.
- Hiking participants are put on a waitlist to ensure group cohesion and assess suitability (not first-come, first-serve).
- All participants must sign an online waiver and provide emergency contact info and notify leader of any medical issues.
- Some hikes or special workshops may require a fee, these will specified in the event post.
- Park passes are required for some hikes and must be obtained by the participant (links will be provided in event posts).
- We do not arrange car pooling but you may inquire on the event discussion list. No participant is obliged to provide carpooling.

**Group Dynamics:**
- We foster an atmosphere of health, support, encouragement, and vitality for women who want to explore the outdoors and Mother Nature. Members are encouraged to keep an open heart and mind toward sister participants.

**Contact and Coordination:**
- Main point of contact: Our group organizer is Diane Anderson.  Diane is a
Field Leader (Hiking) certified and recognized  by the Outdoor Council of Canada. Feel free to Direct Message Diane on the Meet-Up group if you have any questions.
- Stay informed about upcoming events and updates by checking the Meetup group page.

Join us and embrace the joy of walking and hiking in the beautiful outdoors with like-minded women celebrating a unique time in our lives!