Seattle Jr. MAC Overnight Snow Camp - Smith Brook Area

Refer to this Wenatchee Outdoors page for detailed driving directions to the Smith Brook turnout.This is the spot! We will meet at 10:30am and be ready to start snowshoeing or skiing by 11:00am. This is a slightly later start in hopes of avoiding early morning traffic on Highway 2.

This outing is a chance for Junior MAC youth and families to spend a night out in the snow! To be successful, you will want to have prior experience with managing your clothing and activity levels and keeping your hands and feet warm in a winter environment, so this will not be an ideal first snow outing if you don't already have snowshoeing or skiing experience. Contact the leader before signing up if you're not sure.

Important notes: 

• A mandatory pre-trip meeting will be held on Zoom approximately a week prior to the trip.
• A weather forecast including measurable rain or an avalanche forecast of considerable or higher hazard will relocate, reschedule, or cancel this trip.

Mode of travel: 

We will travel about a mile from the cars, on and off trail over rolling terrain with all our equipment. Either snowshoes or (metal edged) backcountry skis can work. Consider your comfort level negotiating un-groomed terrain up and down hills and through trees with a pack and/or a cargo sled on your chosen equipment. Also consider which boots will keep your feet the warmest standing around in camp. We will have a handful of pairs of snowshoes available to borrow. Contact the leader as soon as possible if you would like to use some of these. Or get snowshoes from the Mountaineers gear library. Either way, bring poles! Downhill ski poles work fine.

Meals:

We will bring a group stove and serve a group dinner (vegetarian chili) and breakfast (hot cereal) as well as ample water for hot drinks. Please bring your own lunches (for both days) and snacks and any special hot drinks that you would enjoy. Also please bring your own bowl, spoon, and mug. A wide mouth water bottle that takes hot liquids can substitute for a mug. (In the case of dietary restrictions, bring your own just-add-boiling-water food. We will have ample hot water available.)

Shelters:

We will not be focusing on building snow shelters on this trip. Please bring a tent with as much fly coverage as possible. A four-season tent is ideal, but many three-season tents will work fine. For those who are excited to build stuff, there will be opportunities to create a wonderful group snow kitchen with all the amenities and as many extensions (forts) as time allows.

Leave No Trace:

Dealing with human waste responsibly can be one of the challenges of snow camping. On this trip, we will have a communal toilet (bag/bucket system) for the group with a standard toilet seat, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer provided.

Trip Sheet: 

Posted within two weeks prior to the trip.

Chaperones and siblings:

Please let the leader know if more chaperone slots are needed. Also, siblings and Explorers (Ages 10-11) may be added within 1-2 weeks of the trip on a space available basis.

Suggested reading: 

Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book. Even if you don't ski, this is a very nice cartoon reference for basics (and some of the finer points) of being comfortable camping out in the snow.