Steep Camp: Intro to Steep & Technical Riding

 

  • Dates 2024: Jan 20-21; Feb 3-4, 10-11, 17-18; March 2-3 & 9-10
  • Women’s Dates: Feb 3-4; March 2-3; 
  • Duration: 2 Days
  • Level: Advanced/Double Diamond ski ability required
  • Client Ratio: 4:1
  • Cost: $450
  • Included: Instruction, ropes and group gear
  • Not Included: Transportation, Gratuities, meals and personal technical and touring equipment

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Book Women’s Program Online Now!

This weekend introduces the techniques of Ski-Alpinism in a non-glacial setting such as couloirs and steeper terrain found in zones such as The Kendall Adventure Zone, Snoqualmie North, The Alaska Adventure Zone and other classic lines across the Cascades! We will cover the following

    • -Non-technical solutions to increase security for steep entrances
    • -Belayed skiing
    • -Rappelling with skis on the backpack (and transitioning at the bottom of the rappel to get them back on your feet)
    • -Rappelling with skis on feet
    • -Coaching on technique in steeper terrain

If you want to work on your riding technique on 45+ degree aka ‘Pente Raid’ lines we offer Steep Clinics and ride the lifts @Alpental for a day or two on your own schedule.

BCA Guides operates under special use permit from the Mt Baker/Snoqualmie & Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests.

Field Day 1
@Snoqualmie Pass, arrive 7:00 am, ready to go at 7:30am, perform a gear check and tour to our first site to work on the following:

  • Belayed skiing,
  • Rappelling with skis on the backpack (and transitioning at the bottom of the rappel to get them back on your feet),
  • Rappelling with skis on feet,
  • Coaching on technique in steeper terrain

Field Day 2
We continue our education with a full day tour to one of the objectives to put our skills into practice!

Touring Gear

Technical Gear

  • Harness
  • Ice Axe
  • Boot Crampons
  • Belay Device with locking carabiner
  • Helmet for riding and climbing adjustable to fit over
  • 2 Large Locking Carabiners
  • 1 24” Sling
  • 1 48″ Sling

Upper Body

Lower Body

Backpack

Miscellaneous Equipment

  • Goggles and Sunglasses 100% UV protection
  • Personal first aid kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, etc.
  • Lip balm At least SPF 20,
  • Sunscreen At least SPF 40
  • Headlamp compact LED
  • 2 water bottles 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 bottle holster, or
  • Multi-tool.
  • Bandana
  • Hand wipes
  • 1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional)
  • Lunch & snacks
  • Camera
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?
You will receive an introductory email with the instructor for your course. We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with AIARE & AMGA. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $15-20 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?
No, we recommend renting from Cripple Creek where they have a full selection of rentals.

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
You will carry 10-15 pounds, which will include everything on the equipment list.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?
Payable when you make your reservation by check, or credit card.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
90 to 22 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost
30 days or less – 100% of trip cost

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CHANGE THE DATES OF MY TRIP?
Schedule changes are subject to a $50 fee per person up to 2 weeks out and $100 less than 14 days from the start of the trip and may not be possible. If conditions or circumstances preclude running a scheduled program we reserve the right to make the decision as to whether the program will be canceled, rescheduled, or an alternative provided.

WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.

BCAG highly encourages the purchasing of trip cancellation and travel insurance on domestic trips and requires it on international trips. Europeans and Canadians use it because travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses and emergency assistance. To avoid any financial hardship that an unexpected cancellation or interruption could cause,

Trip Cancellation/Interruption costs about 5% of your trip cost and it’s worth the peace of mind! If you find that you are not already covered for any of the above circumstances you have options!

BCAG has an account with Global Rescue, the world’s leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. They can provide you with medical and evacuation coverage.

https://partner.globalrescue.com/bcadventureguides/index.html

WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO LEAVE A RETURN HOME?
We often get this question because most people need to know how much total time they need to take off work. Our Avi and Ski Tours begin by 8 AM at the trailhead and return to the car by 3. Our return to Seattle on the last day typically allows you to get back between 5-7 with the descent and drive back.