Deer Ridge Snow Hike D2 Sun Mar 22 10:00 a.m.

A foothills snow hike, roughly 7.5km and 300m elevation gain. Join waitlist if it's full - I may add a couple of spots, preference to previous attendees.

** I may send you a meetup message - be sure you can receive (Settings/Email updates and Settings/Privacy), and respond within 24h. Also keep up with the Comments

Event 202606-slow pace

Don't rely on AllTrails(AllFails) app. It's sometimes wrong, and we often take different routes.

Equipment
-boots, spikes, gaiters
-outdoor basics: water, food, Winter sun, water, and wind-resistant gear
-emergency and safety essentials
-No bear bells, no jeans (very cold when wet)

-Consider these items
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bp_mSt5iSPf_ThRFeRzjRCowjfW_4hyx/
-Kindness, preparation, quiet

Read the entire description before asking questions

Rating: D2
https://docs.google.com/document/d/191se0NGIaEEhZZZfsAbdksKHnH0bbqiF/

*NOT a guided trip - organizers aren't trained guides and don't accept any responsibility/liability. Safety & navigation are everyone's responsibility. You need to research & be prepared with physical ability, clothing, & equipment for expected & unexpected conditions.
*We may turn away unprepared participants for the safety of all

-Moderate level of fitness (cardio/stamina) needed

-About 3h +/- on the trail including lunch, lazing, photos depending on conditions and contingencies

-Don't plan on being back for a specific time

-No alcohol or drugs. Sometimes we stop for one drink after a trip

**Waiver of liability form to print/sign/scan or at the meetup: provide an emergency contact and acknowledge as a driver
-Read in advance. It's found with other important files here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1owOHa6FCpR9Mgh3A7CJBPQ3YVKjx839-?usp=sharing

*We're a group - hike together, friendly, enjoy scenery, take pictures, bask. Allow the slowest members to catch up & have a breather. Enjoy some silent time.
*If you don't stay with the group during the hike you will be banned from this meetup.

Attendance/Late
-Cancel as early as possible even if you're on the waiting list; late drop out for a different meetup is a no-show
-Check your notification settings for this group to receive confirms of being added from waitlist
-Last minute update? Call or text (as well as meetup update) the organizer (Nitin at 403 612 7129) as soon as you know. Not email!

-Do not rely on cell service

Transport
Meet at 69 St CTrain station, park and ride lot on east side as shown by the pin on the map. If taking transit always check their website for service disruptions

Usually most people want to carpool: make a comment here whether you can offer a ride or need one, and meet us at the meetup point (usually in the city). Otherwise let us know that you'll meet us at the trailhead parking lot as described.
Don't leave valuables in the car at the meetup or trailhead. Let someone know where you're going

Directions
West on Hwy 1 to Hwy 68, south and west about 22km to Sibbald Lake Day Use, parking lot to the left. Outhouses. One way ~50m. Get an idea of where we're going. Don't rely on live GPS - use maps such as GemTrek, and/or download map data

Weather: Windy: Deer Ridge weather forecast
(ignore GFS) Usually cooler, windier, & subject to change quickly. Be prepared for any conditions - cold, hot, snow, rain, hail, sun, wind. A 20C change is possible & forecasts are flaky

Conditions: Probably some fresh snow over dry/mud/ice.

Specific hazards partial list
-Other people, weather, ticks, hypothermia, wild animals, rockfall, slip and fall, being lost, injury, auto travel, avalanche, etc
-Hiking is inherently risky as is getting to the trailhead

Costs
-Gas $ for drivers - suggest $10
-Park fees - Kananaskis
-Requested meetup contribution $3+ toward $550 meetup fee

Pets/Kids
-Fit and active adult-accompanied hiker/skier kids 12+
-No dogs

Etiquette
-Don't post (anywhere) your GPS track for uncommon or off-trail trips
-No music with speakers
-Texting, cell calls, and other electronics (other than GPS) aren't welcome beyond the trailhead. Phones silent - not vibrate; flight mode to save battery
-Leave no trace ethic
-Pack out all garbage including organics
-Watch what you step on - things grow slowly
-More Tips, Safety, and Etiquette https://docs.google.com/document/d/15Ep-FCzAdJUv1QZskDWz2MJIysNsLyxn/

Photo and Video
-Expect to be in pictures/videos that may be shared
-Ongoing video of more than ~1 min at a time is NOT welcome to preserve privacy and atmosphere
-Do post SOME highlight photos
-I may delete photos, but edit your own

I acknowledge that we are participating in activities on traditional lands of indigenous people who have lived here since long before European settlers arrived.

Why so many rules? Group mindedness - help everyone to have a good day.