What do I need for the camp?

In the following table, we've attempted to list what each participant will need.  We will be staying at the Stanley Mitchell Hut in the Little Yoho Valley of Yoho National Park and all our excursions will be day trips from there.  It's only a 3 or 4 hour hike in to the hut and usually less out so we don't have too far to carry our gear.  

How to Get There: Anyone not familiar with this part of the world should consult this map.  If you are coming from the east (Calgary, etc), drive the Trans Canada Highway # 1 to Lake Louise, continue on towards Field (don't take Hwy 93 to Jasper!), crossing into BC, passing the exit to Lake O'Hara and down the Big Hill past the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint.  Just as you reach the bottom of the hill, you will see the exit on your right for the Yoho Valley Road and Takkakaw Falls (13 km to a parking lot).  The town of Field is just a couple of km ahead and the Yoho Park Information Center is just off the highway.  It will probably take around 2.5 hours to drive from Calgary to Field.  We will meet at the Takkakaw Fall parking lot - details will be sent out later on.

Remember that the trailhead and our camp are all in the Mountain Time Zone so if you are coming from Calgary and Saskatchewan..., there is NO time difference to consider.

NOTE:  All participants will be required to sign the official waiver form.  We will do this at the trailhead.  If you haven't seen one of these before, you can read it here.  This is necessary to ensure coverage for all members under the ACC's Liability Insurance.  This is also why all participants MUST be ACC members.

Peruse the following list and if you have questions, please contact the trip leaders: Dave McCormick, Jesse Invik or Ivan Hitchings.

Personal Equipment:

  • climbing harness
  • climbing helmet
  • sturdy boots (the snow will likely be pretty wet - make sure your boots are waterproof)
  • crampons (strap-on recommended - the kind for glacier travel)
  • gaiters (very highly recommended)
  • sleeping bag (light weight - the hut is plenty warm and does have a stove)
  • ski pole (optional)
  • ice axe (not optional!)
  • locking carabiner (2 preferred)
  • a long sling or 5 m cord (6 or 7 mm diameter)
  • camera
  • food - check the days and make sure you will have enough to keep you peppy!
  • water bottle (1 litre)
  • sunscreen (very important)
  • sunglasses (also very important)
  • hat with brim and some way of shading your ears and the back of your neck (very important)
  • lip stuff (very important)
  • windproof and waterproof clothing, including mitts - full protection for nasty weather
  • first aid for blisters, etc
  • warm clothing
  • light clothing that can shield your arms and legs from sun and yet isn't too warm
  • change of socks
  • personal hygiene stuff (include enough TP for yourself)

 

Group Gear - to be shared:

  • ropes (up to 5 rope teams) Trip leaders will bring the necessary ropes.
  • water filters if you feel you need one - the water is good and we usually boil some before drinking
  • Group first aid kit