Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Alpental Backcountry

Alpental Lot 1 -- Exit 52 of I-90, then left   8:30AM

47.4444648805, -121.42399993

We will use the Alpental lift system and progressively explore more challenging runs. 

The intent of this outing to provide an opportunity for folks with advanced skiing skill with an opportunity undertake "expert" terrain and develop skills and confidence in navigating more challenging terrain and conditions.

 We will start out on the blue runs on the lower chair, progress to the black runs on the lower chair and then sample the black runs and double black runs on the upper chair.   If conditions are favorable and ski patrol opens the backcounty gates  -- we will explore the backcounty bowls, but will try to avoid any lines with manditory air time. 

If you need an Alpental backcounty card to use the backcountry gates, we will visit ski patrol to obtain one -- though last year with COVID-19 protocols in place the ski patrol had suspended the issuing of new backcountry cards -- so we will just have to see on this aspect.

I'll provide some coaching along the way to help you improve your steep skiing confidence.    In prior sessions, some folks have found my tips to be helpful.

Even though we will be skiing at a lift served area -- please come equipped for backcountry touring, including avalanche gear, touring bindings and skins.   I expect we will make some runs outside the defined runs and skin up a short distance.  Also skiing with your pack on lift served runs helps developed proper balance for backcountry skiing.

You must buy a lift ticket or have a season's pass.

If you need to buy a lift ticket:

https://br-summitatsnoqualmie.secure-cdn.na2.accessoticketing.com/package-planner/LiftTickets

Roster Lottery

Last year's trips  were highly popular,  frequently having as many people on the waitlist as on the roster.    In order to distribute places on the roster more equitably than the "first come, first served" sign up model,  I'm trying a "weighted lottery" approach.    I've made the trip "Leader Permission Required" -- so when you request permission please provide the following information, which I will use for assigning "points" in the weighted lottery:

1) You are a current Mountaineer's member that meets the minimum requirements to participate -- 1 point.
2) Whether you will be fully vacinated for COVID-19 by the trip date -- 1 point.
3) If you haven't been on a Mountaineers ski touring trip within the last year. (classes  or courses aren't considered trips for this purpose) -- 2 points.
4) If you have a Wilderness First Badge or other first aid competency (e.g. you are an EMT, MD, LPN, or other medical professional) and are willing to use your skills if  necessary on the trip -- 1 point.

So a first time ski tourer , vaccinated, with a WFA badge would have 5 points.

Folks qualified as ski trip leaders and willing to act in that capacity as a co-leader will be accepted without using the lottery.

I will configure the trip so that everyone that enrolls will go on the waitlist,  after the registration closure date passes,  I will conduct the weighted lottery and transfer the winners from the waitlist to the roster manually.   

Additional Info:

Note:  A Winter Storm Warning, Extreme Avalanche Forecast from NWAC, Freezing Rain or "Chains Required" on the highway will cancel the trip.    If NWAC forecast is for a High avalanche hazard -- inbounds lift skiing  will be a fallback option considered.

My Touring Tips
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ORz50-KICoi6mhjK2LsNFTqCrf3MpxuCYJsxm61dZ0k/edit?usp=sharing

My day touring ski pack contents:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tZvHTlJXqYwxn0sF7adqf5SWEqIXgFY5ELi-nQjfjfg/edit?usp=sharing

My Driving Tips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zJFjWZQ5HXp8UE5pIgKP3ZwursgV_TmkaBGMWRYwN_s/edit?usp=sharing

My Carpooling Tips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rw46O5vpvOYh6Ouo5kDIk0ENAtunc4ZdGw6oYKZAvSM/edit?usp=sharing