Information for Tour Participants

Description of Tours

Beginner - 4 to 6 miles on roads and marked xc ski trails. Required skills: basic Nordic diagonal stide.  Ability to perform emergency stop using snowplow on gentle slopes. Limited ability to turn whilst moving (wedge turn, snowplow turn)

Intermediate - 6 to 10 miles on roads and marked xc ski trails over varied terrain. Required skills.  Intermediate diagonal stride and good cardiovascular conditioning to be able to cover distance efficiently. Ability to maintain effective control of downhill speed (without resorting to constant emergency stops) and be able to navigate turns while moving using combination of snowplow, wedge and step turns.

Advanced - a) Same as intermediate but longer than 10 miles that requires skiing at a faster pace b) A tour that would normally be classified as intermediate but snow conditions are expected to be challenging (icy etc)  c) Tour carried out on marked trails which have numerous steep sections requiring advanced stopping and turning skills (wedge, step) skills (for example Yellowjacket Trail)

Backcountry - As Intermediate/Advanced but not limited to roads and marked ski trails. Skills required are dependant on tour and may include: ability to ski off trail, ability to turn through trees (telemark, efficient snowplow turn etc), ability to navigate/cross exposed slopes possibly with low level avalanche danger, map and compass skills

Telemark - Tour carried out at Timberline Ski Resort. Skills required:  ability to link turns using telemark turn

Gear

Ski’s and poles suitable for the class. - For beginning, intermediate and advanced classes unless otherwise specified, non metal-edged touring skis are all you will require. There is no need to bring metal edged skis unless specifically directed by the leader. They will only slow you down. Non-metal edged skis are lighter and have superior glide.  If conditions are very so poor (icy) it is likely the tour will be canceled or rescheduled. For backcountry, contact the leader for what skis are required For telemark, it is expected that single camber telemark skis and boots will be worn.  If you have other equipment (i.e backcountry/patterned) skis contact the leader.

Clothing
- Base layer, optional mid layer, fleece layer and outer (shell) layer suitable for the weather conditions expected. No cotton.  If in doubt contact leader
- Gloves and optional waterproof overgloves/mittens.
- Bring an additional layer of clothing to be worn when stopped (lunch etc) and consider a spare pair of gloves.
- Pack. Bring a pack which can carry ten essentials and other gear
- Food and water. Bring extra water for your vehicle for the ride home.
- “Ten Essentials” - first aid kit, sunscreen, space blanket/bivvy sack, repair kit (for poles, skis), flashlight, extra clothing, foam sit padmap, compass, whistle, map. fire-starter/lighter.  These items may seem excessive but remember, if you injure/incapacitate yourself 5 miles away from the trailhead it will be multiple hours before help will arrive.  Be prepared, do not rely solely on the equipment of others.
- Backcountry gear.  For backcountry classes, 10 essentials are mandatory.  Other equipment may be required.  Leader will specify.