Hike & Soak - 🚠 - Sulphur Mountain + Banff Hot Springs ♨️

This is a fitness 🏃 event and is "go at your own pace".

Read the Suitability Criteria below.

The organizer retains the right to manage participation.

We'll meet in the parking lot 🅿️ rather than at the Hot Springs 🏊 as shown in the event location: Meet Here

Trail Rating: T3
Distance: 10-11 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~680-700 meters
Pace ⩇⩇:⩇⩇:
We will make our ascent in approximately 70-105 mins (1 hr-10min - 1 hr-45mins) . After the ascent, we'll take a bio/snack 🚽/🍎 break in the building (if open) and then head down. The break will be shorter for those at the back end of the time window but will be at least 15 mins. If the building is closed and the weather is not that nice, the leading group will turn around after a short break, collect the rear group, and head down.

Your descent will take 1/2 to 3/4 of your ascent time.
Gondola down - approx. $35.

Suitability Criteria (Please understand this):

This hike is a fitness session suitable 👌 for the following people (all items should apply):

• You already do regular aerobic sessions - hike, run, cycle, etc.
• You understand the pace estimates in the trip description above and are confident 😉 you can accomplish the ascent within the stated time window.
• You are comfortable hiking alone for some or all of the ascent/descent.
• You don’t have an active injury 🚑 or you are confident any injury you do have won’t affect your ability to complete the event in the stated time.

This hike is probably not suitable ⛔ for the following people (if any one or more items apply):

• You’re just starting your fitness journey after a significant layoff.
• You have an active injury 🚑.
• You simply don’t hike, or do other aerobic activities, that much to begin with.
• You do hike regularly but need to go quite slow.
• You don’t like hiking without regular rest breaks.
• You are uncomfortable hiking alone for periods.
• You don’t understand the pace estimates provided in the trip description above.
• You have physical issues going downhill.

I plan to visit the hot springs 🏊 after for about an hour; join me if you like. The cost for the pool is $17.50 💵 & includes a locker token 🔒. You can also rent a towel and bathing suit if you forget yours, $2.25 each. Please ensure hot springs use is appropriate for your health situation and that you follow all facility recommendations for safety.

Note:
Please ✔️check this posting for updates, including up to the start time 🕓 for changes or cancellations. I will cancel ✖️if the pool will be closed or the roads are unsafe.

Carpooling 🚌 is voluntary. Make arrangements in the chat section or the comments section or however works best for you.

Carpool etiquette: Be respectful of drivers. Don't eat in the car without asking. Don't soil upholstery or carpets. Bring bags etc. to contain dirty footwear and clothes. Please be aware of odours - perfume, food, etc.

If you plan to carpool, try to arrange your ride with someone who plans a similar ascent and descent time. That way, people aren't waiting to get their stuff from the car. If you don't plan to visit the hot springs, make sure your passengers/driver also don't plan to visit the hot springs.

Each car needs a park pass or payment at the gate 🏰. Offer a pass if you have one.

The suggested gas share ⛽ for carpooling is Zone 3 - $20 💵 per passenger.
Carpool gas share zones.
Please, no 🚫 guests 👥, smoking 🚬, or loudspeakers 📣

🌲- REQUIRED: (Gear ⚙⚙ & Supplies)
· Appropriate footwear & traction device (microspikes, studded runners, etc)
· Appropriate clothing
· Pack to carry your stuff
· First-aid kit
· Plastic bag for your stuff
· Cash for carpooling/pool

🌲 - Suggested: (Gear ⚙⚙ & Supplies)
· Gaiters
· Poles
· Sunscreen
· Sunglasses (for trail & pool)
· Change of clothes post-trip
· Water bottle (plastic) for pool
· Clean shower shoes (for pool)
· Bathing suit - towel - (rentals are available)

WAIVER:
As per the new policy for waivers, the waiver form will be signed at the trailhead. You must sign it before you will be allowed to go on this event. You will also be asked for the name and phone number of an emergency contact. Please come prepared with this information.

Your participation in this event means you have read the waiver and by signing up for this event you have accepted the waiver. If you have stated "no" in your profile you will not be accepted to participate. You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being.
IMPORTANT: You are fully prepared with proper gear and you are physically fit to do this hike with the group.