Headway Systems: Norseman Ski Trips

(Click any image for a larger view.)

Highwood Pass - Nov 2006

Steve Riggs led a trip to Highwood Pass just before the gates closed in December. There was a bitter wind and very cold along the side of the highway. Once we started to gain elevation we climbed out of the valley wind and it was quite a pleasant day.

Getting ready on the highway near the summit of Highwood Pass

Steve Riggs leads us across the meadows

John Davies climbing

Roy and a guest make the most of the perfect snow.

New Members Day - Dec 2007
Mt. Shark Ski Trails

We had great turn outs for both the Saturday and Sunday New Members Day ski event. Gord McLean did a great job of organizing the bus trips again this year. We put a challenge out to both seasoned and new members alike with questions and scenarios relating to duties as both Volunteer Trail Coordinator and as a participating member as well as trail etiquette.

Both Sat and Sun we split into 3 different groups to accommodate the different speeds and levels of skiers. We had 3 special guests, Zippy P. Bear, Freddy T. Frog, and S.S. Sam to lead the different groups. On Saturday our leaders were Lloyd Ericksson (Zippy), Ann Murphy (Freddy), Adam Noel (Sam) and on Sunday (below) here are our fearless leaders. Elaine Bouey and Chris Virii also helped out with one of our groups. Not enough hats to go around.

Unloading the bus

Our leaders for Sunday's ski

Jim Eickmeier (FreddyT. Frog)

Sally Luttmer (S.S. Sam)

Roy Scarisbrick (Zippy T. Bear)

Sally's Group

Two groups merge at the trail head

I guess we're going up.......

Zippy's group
Back Row - ? Neil, Roy, ?, ?, Connie
Front Row- Patti, Gail, Carol
Can you help me out with the names I've forgotten?

If you go up, you gotta come down.....


We enjoyed lunch while Zippy read out a safety scenario for us to ponder.

I think he's fallen for her

Which way shall we go?

Elaine and Ann enjoying the last views before the bus departs

Jim eyes up the desert in Kananaskis

Avalanche Course - Jan 2007
Robertson Trail Head and area

Adam Noel organized an avalanche course for the Norseman and it was well attended by about 30 people. Jesse Montigny, ACMG Guide, led the classroom session on Sat and with the help of two other trainers we did our field session in and near the Robertson parking lot. It was -30C at the start of the day but it did warm up a tad. Well, not much at all, but we still enjoyed the day.

Our group heads off with Geoff Ruttan for the day.

Talking about transceivers

Probing technique

Chilly but attentive

Time out to enjoy the sunshine

Digging into the snow pack to do a pit test

Now that the pit has been dug.....

.....Geoff explains how to look and feel for strong and
weak layers in a profile

Compression test

Gayle and Cathy performing their own tests

The team trying compression tests

Adam arrived at the end of the day to
congratulate the participants

Carol receives her certificate and refund cheque

Jesse passing out certificates

I think it was pretty unanimous that the course was extremely valuable even for those who mainly cross country ski. Having the knowledge allows you to make informed decisions. Many thanks to Adam who organized the course and to Jesse and his crew who provided the course.

Highway 93 - Feb 2007
Across from Stanley Glacier

We decided to do a little exploring and try an area along highway 93 south. Rumor had it that their was some good skiing among the burnt trees across from Stanley Glacier. It was pretty cool skiing amongst the burnt trees as the contrast between the white snow, black trees and colorful ski clothing was quite and eyeful. We found some great slopes varying from gentle 20° and wide open to much steeper and narrower. Great fun for all levels of skiing.