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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

A little cold weather is no reason to pack up your camping gear – especially when you live in or are visiting Alberta. Winter is actually a great time to break out your tent and enjoy the outdoors.

No crowds means the natural world is even more tranquil. Combine this with how many beautiful campgrounds stay open year-round and you’ll want to pack up your [long johns](/en/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear) and a warm [winter sleeping bag](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-sleeping-pads-quilts-and-pillows?facets.Ideal%20for=Camping%20and%20hiking,Winter%20and%20expedition%20camping) to head out on the weekend.

Winter campsites don’t usually require reservations, which usually means they’re filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Wherever you go, remember to [bring lots of layers](/en/explore/clothing-layers) and follow our tips to [stay warm and sleep warm](/en/explore/staying-warm-and-sleeping-warm).

Here’s where you can find some of Alberta’s best winter camping:

### Chain Lakes Provincial Park
Where: Municipal District of Ranchland

Even though the town of Nanton is less than 40km away, [Chain Lakes Provincial Park](https://albertaparks.ca/parks/south/chain-lakes-pp/information-facilities/camping/chain-lakes/) provides a feeling of seclusion – which is perfect if you’re looking to recharge your batteries. And speaking of batteries, you may as well power-down your phone because you’ll have to drive 10 minutes out of the park to get any reception. There’s a payphone on site for emergencies (and a [satellite phone](/en/products/electronics/satellite-communicators-and-locators) is another option you could bring), but otherwise, you’re blissfully cut off.

After a day outside hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, you can get cozy in one of the heated shelters, which come equipped with gas stoves so that you can warm up with [delicious, hot beverages](/en/article/7-delicious-ways-to-stay-warm-outside-this-winter).

Other nearby attractions are [Head-Smashed In Buffalo Jump](https://headsmashedin.ca/) and [Frank Slide Interpretive Centre](https://frankslide.ca/). If your trip is delayed until the summer months, you can add [Bar-U Ranch](https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/baru) to your list (open May through September).



### Big Elbow Provincial REC AREA
Where: Sheep River Valley Area, Kananaskis Country

Hugging the eastern slopes of the Rockies, [Big Elbow Provincial Recreation Area](https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/don-getty-wpp/information-facilities/camping/big-elbow-backcountry/) is your winter camping pick if spotting wildlife is an essential part of your adventures. The valley it’s in is named for the bighorn sheep that roam the area, but the Big Elbow Backcountry Campground also offers nature fans the chance to keep an eye out for elk, moose and deer without the summer crowds (pack your [binoculars](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-and-accessories/binoculars-and-monoculars)). You can also strap on some skis or snowshoes and explore the surrounding [Sheep Valley trails](https://www.albertaparks.ca/media/3063748/sheep_valley_map_final_600x600_x95__revised.pdf) (pdf). Campsites offer outdoor fire pits and free firewood, so you can warm up under the stars after a day of exploring.

### Beauvais Lake Provincial Park
Where: Pincher Creek

Infinitely peaceful [Beauvais Lake Provincial Park](https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/beauvais-lake-pp/) provides a spread of sprawling winter scenery for the cold-weather camper. Big mountain views make this park a popular year-round destination – though winter brings a special feeling of peace and quiet. For wildlife watchers, keep an eye out for signs or tracks of deer, moose, rabbits or maybe even a wolverine. With a number of dog-friendly trails and cross-country skiing options, Beauvais Lake is a perfect choice for those who want both beautiful wilderness and a healthy dose of exercise.



*Bonus campground:*

### Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Where: Milk River, Alberta

This one’s a bit of a drive from the Rockies, but the Milk River Valley makes it well worth the added effort. [Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park](https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/writing-on-stone-pp/) offers some of the finest winter camping in Alberta, and also has the largest concentration of rock art on the North American Plains – some of which might be as much as 5000 years old. The park features over 60 campsites (some with electricity) for winter use, and there are hoodoos and trails that follow the Milk River. It’s a sacred area and the Milk River Valley is home to more First Nations pictographs (rock paintings) and petroglyphs (rock carvings) than any other park in North America.

### New to winter camping?
Or need ideas on what to pack? Check out [26 winter camping tips beginners should know](/en/article/winter-camping-tips-26-things-beginners-should-know). Now bundle up, get out there and have fun until your eyelashes get frosty.

**Wherever you go, always leave a trip plan. If your destination takes you into the backcountry, make sure you have all the appropriate winter backcountry *[safety essentials](/en/article/ski-touring-checklist)* and avalanche training. And of course, remember to follow *[Leave No Trace principles](https://leavenotrace.ca/the-seven-principles-of-leave-no-trace/) – they apply year-round.**





*Images: Danny Xu / Shutterstock, Blazej Lyjak / Shutterstock, Pexel*



Looking for some of Alberta's best winter camping? Find out where to go for big mountain views and quiet sites with trails and other attractions nearby.

Where to go winter camping near the Rockies | MEC Blog

Where to go winter camping near the Rockies

Many people think winter camping is something impossible or extreme. But in reality, as long as you have the right gear and plan ahead, it can be a fun way to get your friends together outside in the off-season.

The biggest thing about winter camping is to be prepared. If you’re a beginner winter camper, choose a location that’s easy to get to and plan a single night trip, so you can fine-tune your systems and have an easy out in case of anything unexpected.

Want to give it a try? Here are 26 things to keep in mind for your winter camping trip:

## What to pack


1. Start with a gear list – you don’t want to forget anything, especially if it’s something you need to keep warm. Take a look at our [backpacking checklist](/en/explore/backpacking-checklist) and [ski touring checklist](/en/explore/ski-touring-checklist) for ideas on what to bring.

2. Pack plenty of warm layers, including clean, dry layers to sleep in. Are you someone who’s always cold? Read more tips on [staying warm and sleeping warm](/en/explore/staying-warm-and-sleeping-warm).

3. Avoid clothes made of cotton and go for synthetic or merino wool [base layers](/en/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear) instead. [Wool is an excellent material](/en/explore/wool-garments-for-the-outdoors) that keeps you warm and traps heat, which makes it a great choice for damp conditions.

4. Wear [waterproof boots](/en/products/footwear/boots?facets.Features=Waterproof) that have soles with solid traction for snowy trails.

5. [Hand and toe warmers](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/emergency-and-survival-gear/hand-and-toe-warmers) are excellent ways to keep fingers and feet warm.

## Making a fire
6. If you plan to make a fire, come prepared with [fire starters](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-kitchen/stoves-fuel-and-fire/fire-starters-and-matches), wood, paper and an extra lighter.

7. Make sure to bring enough wood – don’t underestimate how cold it can get during the winter! Since winter is the off-season at many campgrounds, services can be limited in some parks so there may not be wood for sale. Some parks sell wood at their visitor centres since it’s forbidden to gather wood in most parks.

8. If your campsite is far away from the parking area or trailhead, bring a sled to drag in your wood and supplies.

9. Dig a hole in the snow to help keep your fire from collapsing when the snow melts. Using a fire pan is a good alternative (see [Leave No Trace](https://leavenotrace.ca/services/5-minimize-campfire-impacts/) for info).

## Sleeping warm
10. Use a [foam pad](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-pads/closed-cell-foam-sleeping-pads) under your [inflatable sleeping pad](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-pads/inflatable-sleeping-pads) for added warmth. It also doubles as a good seat that won’t get soggy in the snow. (Find out how to [choose a sleeping pad](/en/explore/about-sleeping-pads).)

11. Depending on the expected temperatures, bring a [sleeping bag](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-sleeping-pads-quilts-and-pillows/sleeping-bags?facets.Ideal%20for=Winter%20and%20expedition%20camping)) rated for winter camping (-15°C to -30°C). Get tips on [choosing a sleeping bag](/en/explore/choose-your-sleeping-bag).

12. Use a [sleeping bag liner](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-quilts-and-pillows/sleeping-bag-liners) in your sleeping bag for a bit of extra warmth.

## Meal time


13. Bring extra fuel, since you’ll likely be melting snow for water. [White gas stoves](/en/product/5020-289/coleman-946ml-unit-32fl-oz-stove-fuel) work well in freezing cold temperatures.

14. Make sure you bring meals that are quick and easy to prepare (single pot options or just add hot water [freeze-dried meals](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-kitchen/food-and-drink?facets.Ideal%20for=Winter%20and%20expedition%20camping) are good ideas). Cooking and cleaning up in mitts can be challenging!

15. And to set the mood (if it's not too windy), Light candles outside the tent to give a touch of [hygge](/en/article/how-to-get-hygge-outdoors-and-more) to your outdoor meal.

## Setting up your campsite


16. Bring a [shovel](/en/products/ski-and-snowsports/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-shovels) to clear the snow for your tent site. Dig an area in the snow for your tent to help protect you from the wind. Packing down snow under your tent gives you an even sleeping surface, and you won’t sink down into the snow at night.

17. Make sure you give yourself enough time to organize your campsite, since you’ll be doing some snow shoveling. Start preparing your site at least an hour and a half before sunset so that you won’t be caught in the dark.

18. Use a [four-season tent](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tents-and-shelters/tents/winter-and-expedition-tents).

19. Bring a [tarp](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tents-and-shelters/tarps-and-light-shelters/tarps) to cover anything that will remain outside at night in case it snows.

20. When you [select your tent site](/en/explore/choosing-a-tent-site), make sure you’re not under any tree branches heavy with snow.

## Extra tips


21. Don’t forget [lighting](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/headlamps-and-lighting) (lanterns, headlamps and candles are a must) and extra [batteries](/en/products/electronics/batteries).

22. If you want to keep your backpack light, bring [water treatment](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-hydration/water-filters-and-treatment/water-treatment-tablets-and-drops) and melt snow instead of packing in water.

23. All electronic equipment loses power faster in the cold. Try portable power packs like the easily transportable [BioLite Charge 20 PD Power Bank](/en/product/6012-134/biolite-charge-20-pd-power-bank). They work great!

24. Bring [camp chairs](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-furniture/chairs), blankets or your closed-foam pad so that you don’t have to sit directly on the snow. It’s the best way to avoid freezing your buns.

25. Condensation and snow can make your tent and sleeping bag damp. When you get home from your trip, make sure to dry out all your gear very well before you pack it up. This prevents mildew and is [good tent care](/en/explore/how-to-care-for-your-tent).

26. HAVE FUN!!

For a full list of what to bring winter camping, see our [winter camping gear checklist](/en/explore/winter-camping-gear-checklist).

*Wherever you go, always leave a trip plan. If your destination takes you into the backcountry, make sure you have all the appropriate winter backcountry [safety essentials](/en/explore/ski-touring-checklist) and avalanche training. And of course, remember to follow [Leave No Trace principles](https://leavenotrace.ca/the-seven-principles-of-leave-no-trace/) – they apply year-round.*

Happy winter camping!




Want to camp year-round? Check out these helpful tips for camping in the snow, from how to stay warm at night to what kind of food and gear to pack.

Winter camping tips: 26 things beginners should know | MEC Blog

Winter camping tips: 26 things beginners should know

Exploring new places by mountain bike is my favourite way to travel, and I’ve been lucky enough to ride in many stunning locations around the world. Whether I was guiding clients on a mountain bike tour or riding with friends, my top travelling memories are from behind a set of handlebars on trails that were totally new to me.

When it comes to favourites, here’s my list of some of the best places to mountain bike in the world, along with a few places I haven’t been to (yet) but come highly recommended by fellow riders and friends.

### 1. Zermatt, Switzerland


One of the world’s most famous mountaineering and skiing destinations also offers an incredibly unique mountain bike experience. The town of [Zermatt](https://www.trailforks.com/region/zermatt/) sits below the Matterhorn, and from there you can access trails using a combo of funicular railways, gondolas and trams. When you step off the Gornergrat Bahn railway at 3089m elevation, you get a 360-degree view of the Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn and the Matter Valley, with nearly 1500m of singletrack ahead of you to the valley.

### 2. South Chilcotin Mountains: BC, Canada


There are few places in the world that offer riding as epic and beautiful as the high alpine singletracks of the [South Chilcotins](https://www.trailforks.com/region/south-chilcotin-mountains-provincial-park/). This vast area gives mountain bikers so many options for legendary flow, big days of riding and accessing adventure, including travelling into the backcountry by float plane.

### 3. Laugavegur Route: Iceland


One of the most geographically interesting places in the world, Iceland’s a true adventure when it comes to riding destinations. The Laugavegur, a famous hut-to-hut trek, is a 55km ride through changing landscapes of hardened lava flow, desolate mountain passes and meandering river valleys. All with challenging weather conditions. Riding in Iceland is not for the faint of heart as it’s a true backcountry experience with limited support and services, but it’ll leave you with amazing life-long memories.

### 4. Sea-to-Sky Corridor: BC, Canada


When it comes to mountain biking, the Sea-to-Sky corridor is home to some of the most famous trails in the entire world. [Squamish](https://www.trailforks.com/region/squamish/), [Whistler](https://www.trailforks.com/region/whistler/map/) and [Pemberton](https://www.trailforks.com/region/pemberton/) have extensive networks with something for every level of rider. Whether you want to warm up on Whistler’s Zappa Trail network, challenge yourself in Squamish on Somewhere Out There, or navigate Pemberton’s dry and rocky routes, it’s all at your fingertips in the Sea-to-Sky.

### 5. Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec
[Mont-Saint-Anne](https://www.trailforks.com/region/montsainteanne-dh-park/) has more to offer than just the XC and DH race tracks made famous by the UCI World Cup events. At the top, you’ll see huge views of the Saint Lawrence and be treated to a choice of nearly 50 trails built upon its slopes. Another bonus? Since it’s about 30 minutes from the rich culture of Quebec City, you can stay in the city and use its central location as the perfect staging ground to other nearby up-and-coming riding destinations, like Sentiers du Moulin and Vallée Bras-du-Nord.

### 6. Queenstown, New Zealand


[Queenstown](https://www.trailforks.com/region/queenstown/) has become an international adventure destination and a popular escape for North Americans looking to chase summer. The town sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by XC, all-mountain and lift-access mountain biking. Trails like Salmon Run in the Fernhill Trails area give you 578m of descending, which puts you nearly at lake level.

### 7. Kananaskis Country: Alberta, Canada


West of Calgary in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains, [Kananaskis Country](https://www.trailforks.com/region/kananaskis-country/) has an amazing network of cross-country singletrack. I grew up riding the trails in West Bragg Creek, and they’re a great option for putting together intermediate-level rides. One of my personal favourites is the Jumpingpound Ridge/Cox Hill descent. It is without doubt one of the best rides in Alberta.

### 8. Liguria, Italy


The coastal region in [northwestern Italy](https://www.trailforks.com/region/Liguria) has amazing beaches, diverse trails, and is a prime destination for riders in spring because of the mild climate. The trails of Finale Ligure have gained in popularity since they host the Enduro World Series year after year, but the entire area has so much to offer. Calice Ligure has some fantastic singletrack descents, and Calizzano is a must-ride if you’re interested in high-speed flow trails.

### 9. Portes du Soleil, France


The [Portes du Soleil](https://www.trailforks.com/region/morzine-bikepark/) is a riding network that’s made up of *12*different resorts. Linked together across the borders of France and Switzerland, the trail network uses 20 mountain lifts and varies from full DH bike park style to perfect alpine singletrack. The access to alpine riding and tracks for every level of rider have made the Portes du Soleil a world-famous destination.

### 10. Moab: Utah, United States


Home to some of the top riding on the planet, [Moab](https://www.trailforks.com/region/moab/)’s trails come in a wide variety of technical difficulties. Slickrock and Porcupine Rim are some of Moab’s most well-known trails, and offer incredibly tacky trail conditions and stunning views. Moab’s a quick flight away from most major cities in Canada, and it can make a great spring getaway to help get your legs in shape for the season.

*Want to get inspired to ride more trails? Check out some of the many* ***[mountain bike groups across Canada](/en/article/mountain-bike-trails-you-helped-build)*** *MEC has helped support over the years, and some of the trail highlights in those areas.*

*Top photo: Mattias Fredriksson*



## Related articles
- [Mountain biking gear checklist](/en/explore/mountain-biking-gear-checklist)
- [Expedition: mountain biking in India](/en/article/mountain-biking-in-northern-india)
- [Mountain bike tires: tubes vs. tubeless](/en/explore/mountain-bike-tires-tubes-vs-tubeless)



Some of the best places to mountain bike in the world. From hut-to-hut treks in Iceland to epic alpine singletrack in Canada, your dream bike trip might just be on this list.

Must-do mountain bike destinations | MEC Blog

Must-do mountain bike destinations

Little known fact: MEC helps build mountain bike trails. A lot of them. Sometimes, it’s our [staff that do the digging](/en/article/getting-our-hands-dirty-mec-vs-arcteryx-trail-building) themselves, but way more often it’s the talented trail associations across Canada doing the heavy lifting – both in terms of dirt and plans. MEC helps make their trail goals happen with support via community grants and partnerships.

Every time you buy something from MEC – whether it’s a bar end plug or a [bike](/en/products/cycling/bikes) – 1% of your purchase goes directly toward our community programs, which includes things like supporting trail networks and mountain bike groups.

Wonder where some of your 1% has gone? Here are a few highlights (from a much bigger list) of mountain bike organizations across Canada – from west to east – that you and other MEC members have helped support through your purchases. There are also lots of local tips on what to check out when you’re riding in these areas.

### BC: Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association


Over 20 years, [SORCA](https://www.sorca.ca/) has evolved from a couple of buddies building trails on Sundays to a collective organizing everything from races and social rides to mass trail maintenance days. In the past few years, MEC’s helped restore the flow with $13,500 to the iconic corners rebuild project, and also gave $9900 to the Alice Lake/Garibaldi Diamond Head trail access project. We caught up with Trail Funding Director Todd for some things to know about the area:

**Most popular trail in the area:** [Half Nelson](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/all/top/), according to Trailforks. It’s listed as one of the top mountain bike trails in the world.

**What’s unique:** The combination of grippy rock slabs, technical singletrack, machine-built flow trails and an ever-expanding number of dedicated climbing trails.

**Total kilometres to ride:** About 173km, but I expect it’s actually higher.

**Big plans for the area:** In 2017, SORCA will open a new climb trail that’ll extend the Legacy climb by approximately 6km, for a total trail length of 12km. This will mean a singletrack climb from Quest University all the way to the Garibaldi Park boundary.

### BC: North Shore Mountain Bike Association


Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, the [NSMBA](https://nsmba.ca/) works to protect and maintain trails on the iconic North Shore. Their mission? “Trails for all. Trails forever.” MEC’s been a partner for years and has given grants for projects like restoring Bridle Path ($15,000), trail signage ($4500), and even a capacity building grant for an NSMBA staff position ($30,350). We’re also the proud trail adopter of Expresso. We connected with trail-building legend Todd “Digger” Fiander and NSMBA President Jenny for some highlights to check out when you’re riding in this area:

**Most popular trails on the Shore:** [Bobsled](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/bobsled/) and [Expresso](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/expresso) (some of the most popular trails in BC, according to Trailforks).

**Personal favourite:** [Ladies Only](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/ladies-only), because it has the first-ever teeter-totter on a mountain bike trail. The 13 little waterfalls between the teeter-totters are quite pretty as well.

**What’s unique:** The creative use of cedar and woodwork. Our trails give you the feeling that you’re surfing the lay of the land.

**Big plans for the area:** Redirting all of Expresso. Lower Expresso opening in 2017, which will extend this route to 1865m of continuous singletrack and introduce new A-frames and tabletops. This trail was created with more than 450 volunteer labour hours – a terrific example of what we can accomplish by bringing our community together.

### BC: Western Canada Youth Bike Coalition Society


In 2016, we gave $15,000 to the Western Canada Youth Bike Coalition Society to help build partnerships and capacity in First Nation communities to plan, create and maintain trails – all with a strong focus on youth and mountain biking. That helped fund different trail areas, including the [Xats’ull Nation trails](https://www.trailforks.com/region/xat-sull-soda-creek/) north of Williams Lake, the system in Chu Chua built by Simpcw Nation, and trails in [Williams Lake](https://www.trailforks.com/region/williams-lake/). When you’re exploring there, here are some highlights to look for from local riders:

**Most popular in these areas:**

- [DH Hipsta](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/dh-hipsta/) (Xats’ull Nation trails): fun, fast and has quite possibly the biggest wooden feature in BC. “The Separator” is a crazy-big wallride/gap jump that splits the trail into two lines.
- Axehead Trail ([Chu Chua](https://www.trailforks.com/region/chu-chua-39628/)): a fast, flowy track that follows the footsteps of our ancestors as they moved throughout our traditional territories hunting, gathering and trading with other Nations.
- [Chief William XC](https://www.trailforks.com/region/chief-will-yum/?lat=52.131714&lon=-122.055016&z=14&m=trailforks) (Williams Lake): wonderful intermediate-level technical cross-country trail that runs along a ridge with amazing lookouts over the valley.

**Big plans for the areas:**

- Williams Lake: Plans to build a short connector from the campsite to the South Lake Side trail network. This will open up an amazing XC route, connecting all four major Williams Lake networks.
- Xats’ull Nation trails: Lots of plans… a long XC is up next.

### AB: Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance


The [CMBA](https://www.cmbalink.com/) works across five areas: Station Flats in Kananaskis, Bowmont Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Paskapoo Slopes and 12 Mile Coulee. MEC recently hooked up the CMBA with a $5500 grant to help build the Fish Creek MTB Skills Park. David from the CMBA gives us the lowdown on what to look forward to when you’re riding here:

**Most popular in the area:** [Ridgeback](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/ridgeback-3/) (especially since we added the boardwalks). The [Fish Creek MTB Skills Park](https://www.cmbalink.com/projects/#fish_creek) has dramatically exceeded our expectations in terms of popularity. It’s amazing how many people are using it.

**Personal favourite:** [Moosepackers](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/moose-packers/) to R4/R3 is so much fun. It’s fast, with everything from roots to rock gardens to berms.

**What’s unique:** Most of our trails are fairly narrow – 1m max between trees – and usually don’t have technical trail features. This will change, since rider skills and the capabilities of bikes have improved dramatically. People are riding faster and looking for more advanced features.

### ON: Simcoe County Mountain Bike Club trails


About an hour and a half north of Toronto, the [Simcoe County Mountain Bike Club](https://scmbc.ca/) is one of the largest trail organizations in Ontario. In 2016, SCMBC were winners of the $10,000 MEC Dirt Search grant to improve and expand their singletrack network, flow trail and signage. SCMBC board member Ian gives us the latest on the region:

**Three words to describe the trails:** Clean, fast, flowing.

**Big plans:** We’re negotiating with private landowners to gain access to private property connectors; we’re on a path to create a mountain bike mecca in Ontario.

**Favourite trail:** Creeks Trail. This 10km trail was built by a dedicated group of volunteers (with financial assistance from the MEC Dirt Search). It’s a long ride without many intersections, and has 9 bridges from 15 to 75ft long. It was designed for winter grooming so the elevation changes are gradual, which makes it fun for all abilities and all seasons.

**Post-ride recommendations:** Kenzington’s Burger Bar (Barrie, Orillia, Bradford) for one of the best burgers you’ll ever eat.

### ON: Ottawa Mountain Bike Association


Founded in 2005, the [OMBA](https://www.ottawamba.org/) works with landowners and stakeholders to support mountain bike access in the South March Highlands Conservation Area, and are now the voice of mountain bikers in the Ottawa area. In 2016, they received a $500 Staff Choice Community Grant through MEC Ottawa to support their group. Here’s the info on the area from Sandra at the OMBA:

**Most popular:** [PWT](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/pwt-west/) (Pete’s Wicked Trail), a great intermediate trail with interesting rocky features. Advanced riders can ride it all, and it has fun flow sections for intermediates.

**Personal favourite:** In summer, it’s [Outback](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/outback-4426/), a technical trail that’s a full-body workout. For winter fat biking, it’s [Trail 66](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/trail-66-upper/) in Gatineau Park, which is a blast to ride when it’s hard-packed snow.

**What’s unique:** The South March Highlands trails are more technically demanding (with many large rock features) than the average trail network. If you learn to ride here, you can use those skills at other riding areas around the world. It’s a tough place to learn, but also very rewarding.

**Big plans:** [Shadow’s Ridge](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/shadow-s-ridge-4448/), a fun new trail finished in 2016 that’s aimed at beginner and intermediate riders. The signs go in for the 2017 season so it’ll be easier to follow. A dedicated team of volunteers creatively built it using the natural features of the area.

### QC: Velo MSM trails
[Velo MSM](https://www.velomsm.com/en/) provide stellar intermediate and advanced trails for the Ottawa-Gatineau region. In 2013, MEC set them up with a mega $15,000 grant for Mont Ste-Marie trail development. Here’s what you can look forward to when you’re there, courtesy of Ted at Velo MSM:

**Most popular in the area:** [Growler](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/growler/): flow trail, super fast and fun. [TTOP](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/taylor-s-tower-of-power/): climbing trail seen as the best uphill in the region. [Lager](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/lager/): our toughest technical all-mountain downhill trail.

**Personal favourite:** Lager – it’s a white-knuckler no matter how many times you ride it. Plus the faster you go through the technical sections, the more flow they have.

**Big plans for the area:** Watch for another beginner trail in the lake area, a new technical downhill trail, and a lollipop loop into a new ridgeline in an undiscovered area for trails.

### QC: Vallée Bras-du-Nord


The [VBN](https://valleebrasdunord.com/) is a long-standing pillar of the Quebec City trail community. Primarily known as a XC destination, a number of high-quality gravity trails have recently emerged. Over the years, MEC has supported them through different partnerships and grants that total about $46,000. We caught up with VBN communications director Magalie for info on the area.

**What’s unique:** The VBN experience is all about rustic nature, varied places to stay, rigorous trail maintenance and a warm welcome.

**Personal favourite:** For beginners, it’s [Beurre d’Érable](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/beurre-d-erable-6976/) trail, a sweet singletrack for first-timers. For more advanced riders, the [Boréale](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/la-boreale/) trail wins the gold. This fantastic enduro style trail has descents with berms and jumps, the perfect combo for adrenaline junkies.

**Most popular in the area:** [Neilson](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/neilson-est/) is the signature trail. It’s a cross-country type trail that offers technical climbs, descents with berms, wood bridges and natural obstacles. It winds through the valley along the river and has spectacular views of the mountain – a must when you’re riding here.

### QC: Plein-Air Ste-Adèle


[Plein-Air Ste-Adèle](https://pleinairsteadele.com/) serves riders from Montreal and the surrounding area with trails for all tastes, from cross-country to freeride and even fat bike trails in winter. Along with a staff choice grant, they also received a grant from MEC for their freeride trail and bike park. Here’s the scoop, at a glance, from Matheiu at PASA:

**Most popular in the area:** [L’érablière](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/erabliere/) is at the top of the list. And for the best riders, [La BouBou](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/la-boubou-24422/) and [40/80 trails](https://www.trailforks.com/region/parc-freeride-40-80/?activitytype=1&z=17.0&lat=45.95460&lon=-74.14454) in the freeride park are very popular.

**Three words to describe this area:** Diverse, close (Montreal’s less than an hour’s drive away), accessible (no trail fees).

**Personal favourite:** [Yogi](https://www.trailforks.com/trails/yogi/) trail. It’s long, winding and is just as nice going up as down because of it’s grade. There are also wooden bridges and boulders that add to the fun.

### NB: Club Plein Air de Caraquet


Established in 1989, [Club Plein Air de Caraquet](https://clubpleinaircaraquet.com/) wants to get people outside, and mountain biking is a part of that goal. MEC contributed a grant when they built their first kilometres of trails, along with funds to help them hire a recreation expert for the organization. Here are some things to know about the area, from a number of riders in the region:

**Three words to describe the region:** Forest, sea and Acadian culture.

**Most popular trail:** La Clairière. Riders love its sunny panoramas, its wildflowers, its five berms as well as its bumps and jumps.

**Big plans for the area:** Our goal for 2017 is to build an additional 4km of mountain bike trails. We also want to offer a second round of the Sprockids program and third edition of Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.

### NS: Na Beinn Trails Cycling Association


The [Na Beinn Trails Cycling Association](https://www.facebook.com/nabeinntrails) helps make mountain biking happen in and around Mabou and Port Hood, and wants to create an accessible trail network for riders of all levels. In 2015, MEC gave trail crews $5800 to boost trails and infrastructure. Here’s the scoop from Yann at the association:

**Most popular:** The [Celtic Shores Coastal Trail](https://www.celticshores.ca/), the product of an absolutely amazing rails-to-trails project that’s part of the Trans-Canada Trail. The ride is accessible to all, with great surfaces, gentle grades and amazing sights likes ocean views, beautiful valleys and historic bridges.

**Personal favourite:** An abandoned road that’s still used by ATVs, but with some provisions for singletrack for hiking or mountain biking (your GPS may say you can drive on this road, but you better not fall for it!). It connects the amazing Mabou Coal Mines area to the more remote areas of Cape Mabou.

**What’s unique:** There’s a bit of everything for everyone. From calm gravel backroads to the accessible Celtic Shores Coastal Trail to the rugged hiking trails of the Cape Mabou Trail Club.

*From coast to coast, these are just a few of many highlights from busy mountain bike clubs and organizations – there too many to fit in a single blog post!*



## Related articles
- [Must-do mountain bike destinations](/en/article/must-do-mountain-bike-destinations)
- [How to choose a mountain bike](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-mountain-bike)



From BC's North Shore to Nova Scotia, these MTB groups have been busy. Find out some highlights from years of support – made possible by the community program and MEC members across Canada – along with local tips.

Mountain bike trails you helped build | MEC Blog

Mountain bike trails you helped build

I ride bikes, but until recently, they weren’t the mountain kind. Instead, they were the ones that require shaved legs, a superhero outfit, clip-in shoes and paved roads. But after some convincing from fellow MEC staffers to give this whole mountain biking thing a try, I found myself slowly pedalling an enormous bike up a climbing trail for the first time ever.

What did I learn on the trails? A lot. There were many things I was surprised to discover about mountain biking, and a few tips I wish someone had passed along before I dropped in for the first time. To help all the beginner mountain bikers out there, I asked MEC staffers and riders what they wish they’d known before day one of shredding.

So here it is: the first-timer’s guide to mountain biking (that I wish I had many months ago).

### 1. Don’t stress
Watch any mountain bike video, and you’ll assume it’s only for those with high-octane energy beverages in their blood. But that’s not true at all. Sure, the best riders are talented maniacs, but for the rest of us, mountain biking represents something really fun. I learned that with almost any trail network, there’s something for everyone. Yes, for the first while you’ll be cruising green and blue trails – but who cares? If you stick with it, you’ll look back fondly on the green and blue days of your mountain bike youth.

### 2. Trust the bike
You’ll be amazed at what a modern, [full-suspension mountain bike](/en/products/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension-mountain-bikes) can handle. When you come across obstacles and trail sections that make you pause, trust the bike. Chances are you’ll be blown away by how easily a mountain bike handles gnarly, rough looking terrain when you let it do the work for you (especially compared to your commuter bike that bumps through gravel and potholes). Note: this tip assumes you’re either renting, borrowing or have purchased a *competent* trail bike.

### 3. Don’t be bummed when a 10-year-old passes you
Trust me. It’s going to happen. You’ll be “flying” down a trail, feeling like a true hero, in-tune with your surroundings and the bike between your legs. All of a sudden, a very small child will squeak, “On your left!” and dart past you with feline-like precision and grace. This is normal. Do not be disheartened, and focus on where you’re at (this will keep you stoked and prevent you from bailing).

### 4. Bring a repair kit
Flat tires and mechanicals happen to everyone. Few things are more demoralizing than walking your bike with a flat tire or broken chain back to the parking lot, so kit up with the right [bike tools](/en/products/cycling/bike-maintenance/bike-tools) and a [pump](/en/products/cycling/bike-maintenance/bicycle-pumps).

### 5. Rest. Rest you need.
You might be the 328th-most-fit person in your province, but you’re still bound to feel the burn. I thought I’d be fine as a seasoned roadie, yet I was absolutely shattered after 45 minutes. Expect your forearms to get exhausted from braking, and your legs to feel like ground meat after a 5-minute run. The solution? Take breaks. Riding with pumped-out arms isn’t just exhausting, it can be dangerous (grabbing a handful of brake lever with pooped arms can lead to aggressive over-braking). Stretch, sip some water, and give yourself a few before you tackle another stretch of singletrack.

### 6. Use the buddy system
A patient friend or guide can make a huge difference to keep your stoke-level high and prevent you from getting in over your head. Just be sure that they don’t mind easing up the pace, waiting for you, and showing you the ropes. Which brings up another good point…



### 7. Don’t fake it
Just because you’ve ridden on gravel roads or through the park doesn’t make you a mountain biker. If someone asks if you’ve ever been riding, don’t lie. For one, they’ll know within 30 seconds, but there’s also a chance you’ll get in over your head. “Fake it till you make it” is a great motto for certain things in life, but mountain biking isn’t one of them.

### 8. Appreciate the difficulty
If you’re cross-country riding, you may have to walk your bike up tricky, technical climbs. When riding more aggressive trails, you might be spooked by certain features or sections. Don’t worry! Mountain bike skills take time to develop. Ease into it, appreciate the challenge and trust that you’ll improve over time.

### 9. Don’t film yourself (yet)
When you’re cruising flowy singletrack, you may feel like you’re travelling at warp speed – effortlessly darting through berms and across gnarly sections of root and rock. And when you hit that jump? You were *flying*! Truth is, it might have looked a little like the “sweet jumps” scene from *Napoleon Dynamite*. And that’s okay. Do yourself a favour, and save the video footage for when you’re just a little further down the line. (When you are ready to cut some sick edits, we’ve got [video stuff](/en/products/cycling/bike-accessories/action-cameras-and-accessories) to make it happen.)

### 10. Wear the right gear
That old helmet you’ve been using for commuting and weekend riding since 2005? It’s no good, especially not for trail riding. Make sure you wear a solid [helmet](/en/products/cycling/bike-helmets-and-body-armour/bike-helmets) designed for mountain biking. On top of that, [armour](/en/products/cycling/bike-helmets-and-body-armour) is a good idea. If you do happen to go over the bars or slide out in a berm, you’ll be thankful for the extra protection.

### 11. Wear good shoes
Something with grippy tread is best, like trail runners or trainers (you don’t need to invest in [mountain bike shoes](/en/products/cycling/cycling-footwear/cycling-shoes) for your first rides). They’ll give you a touch more grip on the pedals – most pedals feature aggressive pins to help keep your feet in place – and you’ll appreciate the traction when you hike the bike up or down hairy sections. Also expect your shoes to get very, very dirty. Best not to wear your most stylish kicks.

### 12. Realize the power of demo rides
Trying to decide which new bike is the right one for you? It’s a great idea to take a bike you’ve got your eye on for a test ride to get a solid feel for how it rides. Some bike events and trail areas host demo days, which gives you the chance to try different bikes to help you narrow down your decision on what bike to get.

### 13. Keep your bike dialled
Mountain biking puts a bike through its paces. As a result, bolts can gradually loosen, linkage systems can get sloppy, and wheels can go out of true. Stay on top of your bike maintenance before you head out. Rule of thumb: before each ride, make sure your headset bolts are snug, your quick releases/thru-axles are tight, and that your handlebar isn’t flopping around. [MEC bike shops](/en/explore/bike-service) offer everything from quick safety checks to complete overhauls.

### 14. Age doesn’t matter
Countless publications, websites and Youtube montages may suggest that it’s a young person’s sport. But in reality, there’s something out there for everyone regardless of age, skill level or perceived bravery. It’s never too late, so kit up, hop in the saddle and get at ’er!



Nervous about trying mountain biking for the first time? Don’t stress. Follow these mountain bike tips for new riders.

A first-timer’s guide to mountain biking | MEC Blog

A first-timer’s guide to mountain biking

If the idea of spending hours of your hard-won rec time wading through swarms of people sounds like your own private version of hell, I get it. My inability to deal with crowds is the main reason I’ve sought out (and found) some of the best smaller ski resorts in Canada. These sweet spots offer all the enjoyment of the big resorts, but with a fraction of the people – and often, at a fraction of the cost.

[Bundle up](/en/products/ski-and-snowsports/ski-and-snow-clothing), pack your gear and hit the road – it’s time to get your ski on.



## White Hills Ski Resort
**Where:** Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador

The unpredictable Newfoundland weather can make it a bit of a trial to visit this ski resort, but when it’s open, it’s pure, powdery bliss. Sure, it’s no BC mountain, but if you’re looking to hit the slopes on the east coast, [White Hills](https://www.whitehillsresort.com/)’ 40km of groomed trails are a welcome retreat.

## Crabbe Mountain
**Where:** Central Hainesville, New Brunswick

Dozens of alpine and Nordic trails (bring your [XC gear](/en/products/ski-and-snowsports/cross-country-skiing-gear)) make [Crabbe Mountain](http://www.crabbemountain.com/) one of the east coast’s premier ski resorts – and the 260-m vertical drop (the largest in the Maritimes) doesn’t hurt either. Once you’re done for the day, the Thirsty Boot Lounge is on-site for you to rest, replenish and take in the evening’s entertainment.

## Calabogie Peaks
**Where:** Calabogie, Ontario (100km west of Ottawa)

At [Calabogie Peaks](https://www.calabogie.com/), you can experience the highest vertical drop among all the public ski hills in Ontario. This boutique resort is big on charm, natural beauty and quality trails, with over two dozen runs for different skill levels. I highly recommend staying the night. Their mountain lodge hotel overlooks Calabogie Lake and Little Sand Bay, and you can pop into Black Donald’s pub to enjoy the mountain view while you have a drink.

## Lakeridge Ski Resort


**Where:** Uxbridge, Ontario

This is a personal favourite of mine, and the first place I ever went skiing. [Lakeridge](https://ski-lakeridge.com/) is situated in the scenic sprawl of the Oak Ridge Moraine, and offers a wide variety of trails to choose from. The 407 extends right to Lakeridge Road, so it’s an ideal day trip from Toronto. If you want the full Lakeridge experience, head to the cafeteria and dig into a heaping serving of their famous poutine.

## Holiday Mountain
**Where:** La Rivière, Manitoba

[Holiday Mountain](https://www.holidaymountain.ca/) makes the list for a bevy of reasons: it’s a ski resort with on-site accommodations, they offer all-season ziplines and of course, they have amazing skiing and snowboarding. Here you’ll find 11 slopes that cater to skiers of all levels. This place has been open for over 50 years, and the owners know their stuff.

## Castle Mountain
**Where:** Westcastle Valley, Alberta

With a vertical drop of 863m, [Castle Mountain](https://www.skicastle.ca/) allows you to enjoy huge mountains – without huge crowds. The old-school appeal of this gem makes it endearing, but of course, the 79+ trails help. Soak in the resort’s history at the T-Bar Pub & Grill, which serves a full spread of delicious pub fare. I recommend renting one of their ski-in, ski-out condos for the most optimal experience.

## Canyon Ski Resort
**Where:** Red Deer, Alberta

Even though [Canyon](https://canyonski.ca/) is Alberta’s biggest non-mountain ski resort, it still makes the cut as a small resort since its hill status renders it less busy than many of the mountain destinations. You can explore over 283,000 square metres of terrain spread out on 18 immaculate runs.

## Shames Mountain


**Where:** Terrace, British Columbia

Looking to take on some serious snow? Ready to explore the backcountry? Then [Shames Mountain](https://mymountaincoop.ca/) is just the ticket for you. The mountain itself is nearly 490 vertical metres, and according to *Powder Magazine*, Shames has “one of the deepest, most consistent snow packs in North America.” In fact, guests have had to stay overnight in the resort’s day lodge due to the massive snowfall. But don’t worry, you’ll be in good hands. Something else that’s cool about Shames? It’s run by Canada’s first non-profit community service ski co-operative.

If you’re looking to spend more time on the hills and less time in line, then you’ll want to check out these ski resorts. You’ll find all the natural beauty and many of the technique-building opportunities of the bigger resorts, but you won’t have to cattle-prod your way to a lift to get it.

*Photo credits: Elena Elisseeva / Shutterstock.com, Lukas Gojda / Shutterstock.com, oneinchpunch / Shutterstock.com*



## Related articles
- [How to wax skis and snowboards](/en/explore/how-to-wax-skis-and-snowboards)
- [How to choose downhill skis](/en/explore/how-to-choose-downhill-skis)
- [How to choose and fit ski boots](/en/explore/how-to-choose-ski-boots-and-bindings)



Skip the lift lines and crowds with these lesser-known Canadian ski hills, from big powder at Shames in BC to a day trip from Toronto.

Hidden gems: 8 small ski resorts worth checking out | MEC Blog

Hidden gems: 8 small ski resorts worth checking out

Whether you’re about to go ski touring around snowy peaks in the BC backcountry, travel through lush rainforests in Southeast Asia, or board a plane for a trip on the other side of the country, knowing how to pack efficiently is undoubtedly one of the most useful skills to have.

As senior equipment designers at MEC, James Brittain and Mark Knight are packing experts. They devote one-third of their time to travelling – across Canada and around the world – to visit factories that make our gear, meet with materials suppliers, and scope out new places to explore outside. They’re also the people behind the designs of MEC backpacks (along with tents, sleeping bags and more), and offer up these practical packing tips:

### 


Roll or fold: Packing Tips from MEC Designers

Both James and Mark are advocates for rolling their clothes rather than folding them.

The beauty of this technique is that you can easily stuff these “burrito-shaped packs” – as James calls them – inside items with empty space, like your shoes. Plus it means you can unroll your clothes without them ending up all creased. Mark points out that another advantage of rolling your clothes is that you don’t have to rummage through stacks of folded items to find a specific shirt.

### Store smaller items inside bigger items
Besides your clothes, you can get creative with how you store other items in the empty spaces of your belongings. For instance, on hiking trips, Mark recommends that you stuff your [sleeping pad](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-pads) or a [storage bag](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-quilts-and-pillows/compression-bags-and-stuff-sacks) inside your [outdoor cookware](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-kitchen/outdoor-cookware). He explains that, “not only does this help eliminate the unused space, it also serves as protection for your pot so it won’t get crushed.”

### Categorize your stuff with packing cubes


To make it easier to find things jumbled in your backpack, use [packing cubes](/en/products/travel-gear/luggage/travel-pouches-and-packing-organizers). James likes to separate his belongings into different categories for each packing cube: one for electronics, another for first-aid items, a third for cooking utensils and so on. Each packing cube is colour-coded and labelled for clear identification.

Not only does this help you stay organized, it’s also handy in emergency situations when other people might have to sift through your bags to find something fast. Let’s say you get injured in the backcountry, and you’re unable to open your bag and grab a first aid kit. With a properly labelled packing cube, your travel buddy can find the first aid kit with ease.

Mark uses packing cubes with two compartments to separate his clean clothes from his dirty laundry. This is a great way to help keep your fresh t-shirts away from your well-worn socks, and when you get home, you can empty the “dirty” compartment straight into the washing machine.



### Keep everything dry
Travelling to a rainy destination? Mark has these three simple tips to keep your belongings dry:

1. Put a [rain cover](/en/products/packs-and-bags/pack-accessories/rain-covers-and-pack-liners) over your backpack. Besides keeping your backpack free of moisture, a rain cover will also help protect your bag from tree branches on the hiking trail.

1. Store vulnerable items in a [waterproof stuff sack](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-quilts-and-pillows/compression-bags-and-stuff-sacks) and then put the sack in your backpack. This will keep your items dry, even when you need to put your bag down on wet, marshy ground.

1. As you’re packing up from a camping trip, put the wet portion of your tent in the outer compartment of your backpack so that it’s exposed to fresh air and can dry more quickly.

Consider these packing tips when prepping for your next trip. You never know how much you’ll want to bring back home, so get creative with how you squeeze in that extra souvenir t-shirt or two.

*Looking for more travel tips? Check out [16 rad travel hacks from adventurous Canadians](/en/article/16-rad-travel-hacks-from-adventurous-canadians).*

*Photo credits: Redshinestudio / Shutterstock.com*



Roll or fold? How do you pack up a wet tent? Use these creative packing tips from MEC experts to make travelling easier.

Roll or fold? Packing tips from the pros | MEC Blog

Roll or fold? Packing tips from the pros

This is a story of luck and survival in avalanche terrain. I’ve told it before, but after exploring [Avalanche Canada](https://avalanche.ca/map)’s excellent [Rescue at Cherry Bowl](https://avalanche.ca/cherry-bowl#/intro) feature, I’m sharing it again. Both as a reminder of the role human factors play in backcountry decision-making and in the hope it might alter a single group’s actions or save a life. (If you haven’t explored the extraordinary story of what transpired at Cherry Bowl, just outside Terrace, BC, in March 2013, it’s well worth your time, particularly the embedded video interviews of survivors and rescuers.)

My story started, as all adventures do, with the simple, wholesome desire to have some fun. My good buddy – and expedition partner of fifteen years – suggested we go ski touring. Despite the fact we live in the same small town, busy schedules had prevented us from getting outside together for over a year. To remedy the situation, we picked a day in late February or early March and marked it in our calendars weeks in advance.

The night before our planned departure, a heavy winter storm blew in. By dinnertime, snow was piling up at over an inch an hour, and for the first time, I began to wonder about our plans. Had the commitment been with anyone else, I would have suggested spending the next day at our local ski hill instead of travelling in the backcountry, but there was human history to consider. For years, I’d been the conservative one in our partnership; the one suggesting bailing when things didn’t look or feel right. It had become such a bone of contention that my friend and I began doing less together. This outing was supposed to be a step towards healing that rift, and I knew he’d still be game. I set my alarm for 5:30am.

By dawn, a foot of new snow lay on the ground outside my house. There would be more in the high peaks. The avalanche danger rating was *Considerable* for alpine and treeline – one of the most challenging forecasts to deal with; the same one the skiers at Cherry Bowl had faced – but neither my friend, nor the two experienced skiers he’d invited to join us, seemed concerned. They’d all been out more than me that winter, and lacking the heart for confrontation, I decided I’d bite my tongue. In fact, I decided I’d bite it all day long, and for once, to just go with the flow. It was a mistake that nearly killed me.

The road into the southern Purcells was obliterated beneath a blanket of featureless snow. Just minutes outside town, my friend missed a curve and drove full speed down a farmer’s lane, soft powder billowing over the hood as we drifted to a stop. Even as it happened, I knew it was another warning. We should have turned back, but we didn’t.

An hour-long snowmobile ride along abandoned logging roads brought us to the basin where we planned to ski. Heavy clouds and mist meant we could see nothing. I’d visited the area before in the summer, but never winter. Now I would have to rely on others for their understanding and judgment regarding the terrain both above and below us; we were in that grey zone between the treeline and the alpine.



Even as we attached skins to our skis and tested beacons, the ominous sound of natural avalanches filtered through the forest. Somewhere, in the cliffs above, snow was coming down on its own. First one. Then two. Then three. Surely we weren’t going to ski now? “Not a problem,” someone explained. “We can stick to safe trees.”

Skinning upwards, the trail we cut felt protected, weaving through stands of old-growth draped in old man’s beard. An hour later, as we reached a high ridge, the trees were thinning. In the mist to our left appeared silhouettes of thicker forest. To our right, blowing snow and cloud obliterated what looked like an open slope. “Which way?” shouted my friend, in the lead. “Go right,” came the answer from behind. “Better turns.” I knew it was the wrong call, but said nothing.

We had a quick snack, shared a few sips from a thermos of tea, took off skins, made our plan, and dropped in. Skiing one at a time, we regrouped after just ten turns in a small clump of wind-blown alpine larch. Then the first skier set out again. Soon his faint call wafted up through the mist. “Safe!” I went next.

Six turns in I dragged a hip in the powder to slow speed, and I suspect that is what broke the hillside free. Suddenly, everything in front of me was moving. As far as I could see, the slope was breaking into blocks the size of washers and dryers, tumbling away as puffs of snow rose like smoke. Acting purely on instinct, I managed to make a quick, messy turn away from the chaos. But ahead of me, in the opposite direction, the slope was moving too. Not knowing what to do, I put on the brakes.

Far above, I heard my friend scream, “AVALANCHE!” There was an urgency in his voice I’d never heard in fifteen years of friendship. My skis ground to a stop. I wasn’t moving? The hillside was silent. From below, a muffled cry: “I’m okay.”

It took a moment to piece together what had happened: a massive fracture had ripped across the slope above, 160cm deep and roughly 100m wide. Miraculously, a single vertical finger of snow smack in the middle of the avalanche path had not slid. And that finger extended all the way down from the crown to the point where I now stood. I’ll never know what caused that sliver of snow to stick – micro variations in the terrain or the finger of god – but I was perched atop the only safe island in a swath of total destruction. Had I been skiing just a few metres to either side, I’d have been swept away.

What about the skier below?

Leaping off the snow finger, my skis landed on the rock-hard slide surface below. Side-slipping as quickly as I could, I followed the yells until I spotted him, jammed between two pine trees, buried up to his neck.

“I always stop on the uphill side of trees,” he smiled, still unshaken. It was a decision that probably saved him. By the time I’d dug him out, the other two had joined us.

Below us, the slide had run over 800m to the valley bottom. We followed its path though the old-growth stands where we’d skinned earlier. Far overhead, beyond the reach of our extended poles, was a “high-tide” mark of refuse (branches, twigs, ice) showing the depth of snow that ran through these stands. Below, the slide funneled into a rocky gully, tumbling downwards and eventually spewing across flats below.

I appeared to be the only one shaken. And in my final act of stupidity, I kept skiing with the group that day.

I take full responsibility for the incident. I was the one who didn’t speak up and share my intuition, and in hindsight, my actions appear ridiculous, almost unfathomable. I pride myself on being an extremely conservative decision maker, with many avalanche courses under my belt and twenty-plus years of experience travelling in the backcountry. Why did I remain silent in the face of so many alarms and obvious warnings?

Human relationships and dynamics can exert powerful (and insidious) forces in the backcountry; personal histories, the perception of pecking-orders, the unspoken hierarchy of experience, the desire not to disappoint others, even those we barely know. Anyone who spends time in the mountains will recognize such influences, and I suspect will have wrestled with them at some point.

Following our “near miss,” I found myself returning to the day’s events over and over, trying to understand how to avoid similar situations in the future. Eventually three themes emerged. These lessons don’t encapsulate all the human factors that can influence backcountry decision making, but I think they’re a good starting place. And I made an oath to myself to follow these as best I possibly could. I share them now in the hope they might benefit you or the ones you love:

**Always speak up.** If you have reservations about snow conditions or route decisions, speak without fear. Speak even if you don’t know why you are worried; if it’s just a feeling in your gut. Ignore any concerns about the judgments of others. Speak up because it’s the only way you will learn. Speak up because you care about the lives of the people you’re with. This sounds easy, but anyone who has spent time out there knows it can be challenging.

**Don’t defer to experience and local knowledge when it pushes you toward risk**, or a decision that feels uncomfortable. Your opinion and judgment count too. While experience and local knowledge are extremely valuable, they’re not always correct. Other factors can be at play – including overconfidence, overfamiliarity and even the false sense of security that comes from surviving previous bad decisions. Trust your inner voice. (On the other hand, if you ever find experience and local knowledge suggesting you should act conservatively, listen up immediately.)

**Gravitate toward partners who share similar risk assessment,** or even those more cautious than you. Better to find yourself mildly disappointed at the end of the day than continually dragged into situations you don’t like. Travelling with a group with similar ambitions can take all the stress out of a day in the mountains and allow you to enjoy the splendor.

Staying safe in avalanche terrain is an odd mix of science and zen, of collecting facts while simultaneously listening to instinct. It’s a game of constant observation in the search for ultimately unattainable answers. No one can tell you with absolute certainty whether a given slope on a given day is safe or not. You might ski a run where nothing releases, but still have made a mistake. If you walk away from a slope, you’ll never know if you were being wise, or unduly conservative. So instead, the best we can do is stack the odds heavily in our favour.

A solid understanding of snow science, weather patterns, pack history and avalanche dynamics is the starting point. Carrying all the requisite [safety gear](/en/products/ski-and-snowsports/avalanche-safety-gear) and knowing how to use it further tips the balance in your favour. Proper training via an [Avalanche Skills Training course](https://avalanche.ca/training) (AST 1 and 2) and particularly the Companion Rescue Course that saved lives at Cherry Bowl, is critical. Don’t make the same mistakes I did by allowing human issues (pride, ego, time constraints, goal-oriented objectives) to pull even one chip from your stack.

*The right training, plus avalanche and backcountry safety gear can save your life. Get [everything you need for backcountry trips](/en/products/ski-and-snowsports/avalanche-safety-gear) and [get trained with Avalanche Canada](https://avalanche.ca/training).*



On any given ski day, avalanche conditions can turn things deadly. MEC Ambassador Bruce Kirkby recounts a near-miss and passes on some valuable lessons learned.

The finger of god: an avalanche story | MEC Blog

The finger of god: an avalanche story

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