What we’re about
More than discovered, friends are made by shared experiences. Join us and make new friends. This group is for backpackers interested in year-round non-technical, challenging, and enjoyable hikes to the snow-covered ridges, frozen lakes, and icy summits of the Cascade Mountains. Most groups will be small, 3–12 people. If you like the beauty of snow, are committed to Leave-No-Trace ethics, love wildlife and panoramic views, please join us.
Our motto: "Always warm and comfortable!"
PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS BELOW!
Organizers are facilitators for the trips. Everyone shares responsibility together. There are no guides, first responders, or medical professionals provided. There is usually no phone service in the wilderness. Be prepared for the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. Arrive self-sufficient. Backpacking in the Cascade Mountains is dangerous and people get injured and killed doing it. None of the planned trips are risk-free. There are many risks including falling, hypothermia, and avalanches.
IMPORTANT: You can be new to snow camping, but this is not a beginners hiking group. You need to be fit and capable of hiking 8–16 miles in a day, with elevation gains up to 5000ft a day with a winter pack and snowshoes. Depending on snow conditions trip distances can be 4 miles (snowshoes on deep fresh snow), 6–9 miles (snowshoes on deep settled snow), 8–12 (snowshoes and microspikes on firm snow), and up to 16 miles (microspikes on occasional firm snow). Standard avi-gear (shovel, probe, and transceiver) is recommended, especially November–March, and sometimes required. Some hikes involve deep snow, scrambling, whiteouts, and high winds at high elevations and wet trails at lower elevations—all on the same trip. Be prepared, be equipped, and be responsible for your own navigation and safety. Always follow Leave-no-trace practices.
The goal is to have 2 trips per month, usually on weekends. Most will be 1 night, some longer. Some will be rescheduled if the weather is too cloudy. The maximum group size is 12.
Joining means you agree to the RELEASE OF LIABILITY. For each trip, in the prompt questions, indicate you agree to the release https://winterbackpacking.com/release-of-liability-agreement/
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
You must read and agree to this Release of Liability: I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather. I agree that the Organizer has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip Organizers or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards. I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed. To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing. I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability.
Please Read the Discussion page for more information about this meetup group and gear requirements. Recommended reading: Avalanche Essentials: A Step-by-Step System for Safety and Survival, Paperback by Bruce Tremper, Mountaineers Books.
Learn more here: https://winterbackpacking.com/
