Alumni Trip Descriptions
Introduction
This year marks the third season for which the Snowcamping Section will offer a series of trips for alumni of our Training Series. Once again we have a line-up of fun and exciting trips ranging from an outing to one of our all-time favorite destinations, Dewey Point in Yosemite National Park, to a new trip that will teach participants about winter wilderness ecology. We also have two skill-building trips - one that is designed to help participants master back-country skiing with a full backpack, and one that provides instruction on how to build an igloo. Please note that these trips are limited to people who have completed our Training Series (including the classroom instruction and both trips) and who are comfortable with winter travel and camping conditions. Unless otherwise noted, no snowcamping instruction is provided. . Check individual trip descriptions for other prerequisites. Skis or snowshoes are permitted on most trips with the approval of trip leaders unless otherwise stated (skiers must get clearance from the trip leader).Basic fees are $20 for Sierra Club members and $25 for non-Sierra Club members, but some trips may include additional costs, such as cabin rental fees, as noted. The number of participants for each trip is limited, so please register early for best selection. Please note that due to weather conditions, some trips may be canceled and/or rescheduled to backup dates.
NOTE: Additional trips may be announced through the 2009 snow season, so you might consider signing up for the alumni mailing list (no spam, we promise!) or checking back on www.snowcamping.org periodically if you would like to be notified of such trip announcements. Alumni snowcampers are also welcome to sign up with a training series group (space permitting, subject to approval of the group leaders). The cost for doing so is $40 per group ($50 for non-Sierra-Club members) (i.e. $20/ $25 per trip for 2 trips)
Alumni Refund Policy
The basic fee for Alumni Trips is credited toward a future trip of your choice. Any portion of fees paid beyond the basic registration fee will be refunded only if an alternate participant is found or other arrangements can be made to prevent the cost from affecting others on the trip.
Alumni Trip Overview
| Trip | Date | Leaders | Sierra Club Member | Non-Member (Join) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Ecology | ||||
| Glacier Point | ||||
| Emigrant Lake | ||||
| Igloo 101 | ||||
| Crocker Point | ||||
| Try It On Skis | ||||
| Cold Canyon Train Trip |
Alumni Trip Details
To check availability and sign up, go to the application page. To contact a trip leader for more information, please use the question and feedback form.Winter Ecology
Ever wonder how different plants and animals survive in harsh winter conditions? Or whose animal tracks you.re seeing in the snow? This is an opportunity to enjoy the year.s most beautiful season and learn a little something about it at the same time. Specific destination will depend on snow conditions.
Difficulty: Moderate Leaders: Marilyn Smulyan and Jodi Bailey Trip dates: TBA Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 6 miles RT (distance is approximate) Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Yosemite National Park entrance fee not included. Glacier Point
This long, strenuous trip offers us the incredible reward of stunning views into Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point, one of the Yosemite National Park's premier destinations . but without the summer crowds. We will use our four days and three nights to comfortably cover the distance and by moving camp each day, we will have the opportunity to visit other landmarks along our way such as Sentinel Dome and Taft Point.
Difficulty: Strenuous Leaders: Jodi Bailey and Craig Riebersal Trip dates: TBA Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 21 miles RT with +400 feet elevation gain/loss Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Because we will be moving to a new campsite each day and the time and distance involved, this trip requires participants to take extra care in keeping pack weight down and planning for quick-cooking, light-weight meals. Yosemite National Park entrance fee not included. Emigrant Lake
An easy trip past Caples Lake along Emigrant Creek will bring us to Emigrant Lake, which is tucked in a small, dramatic cirque. Along the way to our destination, we will have views of Little Round Top Peak and Black Butte. On our second day, there will be ample opportunity to explore the area, including possible hikes to along the crest of the ridge featuring Melissa Corey, Covered Wagon, and Thimble peaks which should offer us spectacular views.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Leaders: Jodi Bailey and Mark Johnson Trip dates: TBA Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 8.5 miles RT +1000 feet elevation gain/loss Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Parking: limited parking on this trip will require extra effort to carpool; SnoPark passes may be required. Sierra Club Snowcamping Training Series and Alumni Trips Information Material (continued) Page 6 Igloo 101
Ever wonder what it would be like to build and then sleep in an igloo? Learn to construct an igloo and other snow-block-based shelters on this three day trip. On the first day, learn the basics by watching and helping as we construct an igloo together. On the second day we will pair off into small groups to construct igloos that everyone can shelter in for the second night. This trip will be a prerequisite for more advanced igloo trips.
Difficulty: Moderate Leaders: Mark Johnson Trip dates: TBA Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 4 miles RT +350 to 400 feet elevation gain/loss: Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Prerequisites: Snow saws and shovels are mandatory equipment for each participant on this trip. During orientation, you will have the opportunity to purchase a Yang Fang snow saw at a discount. (see www.snowsaw.com). Crocker Point
This trip takes us to one of Yosemite National Park's most spectacular view points, Crocker Point, the balcony overlooking Yosemite Valley. From our destination, take in views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, and more.
Difficulty: Moderate Leaders: Lloyd Sawchuck, Marshall Ricker, and Ted Pekny Trip dates: TBA Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 7 miles RT, Elevations Gain/Loss +300 feet Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Yosemite National Park entrance fee not included. Try It On Skis
Interested in moving from snowshoes to skis for your snowcamping trips? This trip in the vicinity of Bear Valley will give you lots of opportunity to practice skiing with a full backpack and includes professional instruction. Participants are expected to be familiar with basic Nordic ski techniques, since the focus of this trip is to gain experience skiing with a backpack.
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Leaders: Craig Riebersal, Cynthia Knowles (plus Steve Heerema, ski instructor) Trip dates: TBA Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 4 miles RT; Elevation Gain/Loss +1000 feet Cost: $40 / $45 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting, location and date to be announced. Participants will be required to use appropriate backcountry ski equipment. Cold Canyon Train Trip
Join us for this joint Alumni-Family Group trip on which we will travel by train from the Bay Area to Truckee where we will stay overnight before heading off on our snowcamping trip the next day. Friday.s train trip via Amtrak will start our adventure from the moment we leave the Bay Area. We will travel through the scenic foothills and mountain passes in style and without the traffic! On Saturday we will snowshoe into Cold Canyon along a mostly level route. A base camp will be established, if needed, along 2 to 4 miles from the trailhead with the option for a second part of the group to travel further into the mountains of Cold Canyon. There will be a group commissary for all meals during the camping phase of the trip and we will teach you how make pizza and cinnamon buns while snowcamping! Cost includes train fare, ground transportation to and from Amtrak, and meals during the snowcamping portion of the trip. Cost does not include meals during train travel, motel on Friday night, or lunch on the final day. For more information contact Rodger Faulkner (Rodger@rodgerfaulkner.com).
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Leaders: Rodger Faulkner Trip dates: TBA Group Limit: Limited to 20 participants Distance: 4 to 8 miles RT (see trip description) Cost: $150 / $155 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Adults and children who are first-time participants in the family group training who elect to use this trip as one of their training trips may deduct the $20.00/$25.00 Alumni base fee. Children $102.00/$107.00 (non-Sierra Club members)