Venture Gear ambassador, Loic Letailleur, shares his weekend of skiing on Burnout Ridge, Feb 2010.  What a wicked time!! Yannick, Pete and I had some epic skiing and some fun times hanging out in our winter shelters. Weather was really warm, actually almost too warm as we were just soaked right through on Day2 but none of us got cold so we can’t complain…. OK I guess Yannick can since he woke up at 3 am to a sleeping bag that could have been rung out!! I guess some more finesse is required in our cave carving to avoid the drip points!! Always learning!   Check out Tread Lightly for more adventures…

Burnout Ridge Feb 2010 from LoicLetailleur on Vimeo.

Up to 200 people were watching and participating in an annual snowmobiling event called the ‘Big Iron Shootout’ when the avalanche struck.  Search and rescue crews have been arriving from all over the province to help in the effort.

Adam Burke of Revelstoke says he had friends at the event. “Everyone knew the conditions were terrible and they went up. It was a nice sunny day and everything warmed up and it slid.”

There had been an avalanche warning in effect, but Revelstoke City Councilor, Steve Bender, says it appears the warning was ignored during the unsanctioned event. “Sure there is going to be a huge investigation into this, because there are those who have warned that something like this could happen.”

There’s no word yet on how many people are missing.

It’s Time to Climb
With the warmer weather washing over Kelowna, it’s time to dust off those old climbing shoes and start thinking about climbing outdoors! Check out Cougar Canyon in Vernon, Kelowna Crags near the Mission, or Mt Boucherie in Westbank! If you need to borrow a guide book, the club has a few at your disposal!

VOCO Safety Courses: Climbing Course
If you are interested in taking a climbing course with VOCO this spring please follow this link for more info and to indicate your interest.

Back to School Blues?
Escape to refreshing Nakusp Hotsprings on March 6/7th to soak away your worries and revitalize in the natural hotsprings about 3 hours east of Kelowna! Stay tuned for further updates, this is a trip you won’t want to miss!

Venture Gear – Bikes & Backcountry
Hey ‘Backcountry Junky’… Venture Gear – Bikes & Backcountry has one more week left in their winter clearance… save up to 70% on skis, boots, bindings and avy savy equipment!!!  http://www.unioncycle.ca/index.php/2010/02/21/bike-ski-liquidation-feb-5-12/

Winter Backcountry Rentals… VOCO members receive 20% discount on some of the BEST Backcountry Rentals available in the Okanagan! Check it out… http://www.unioncycle.ca/index.php/rentals/

2010 Bikes from Norco, Marin & Lapierre are in stock and on the floor! http://www.unioncycle.ca/index.php/summer/downhill-freeride/

Get a Free Trip on Us!
VOCO has some extra money to spend and we want to have one last member event before the year ends! We’re looking for your suggestions: some ideas that the executive has come up with include a bus to big white and a free Friday night ski; wave pool rental at the aquatic center; free climbing at The Crux! Let us know what you want to do! If you have any ideas, e-mail: natmelas@interchange.ubc.ca

Caving at Gargantua
Hey VOCO members, another trip idea for you guys. This one is by Dan Franck and an awesome trip he has been on to the Gargantua cave system, right on the southern border of BC and Alberta near Crowsnest Pass. This is a great chance to get out there and explore some caves, apparently it doesn’t matter your skill level there will be something for you – anything for the hardcore caver to someone with no experience. Please check out the attached .pdf file for the trip idea. If you have a trip idea that you would like to share with other VOCO members, please email Dave at secretary@ubco-voco.com.

Nelson, British Columbia, the powder mecca of the Kootenays is a natural choice, and so the 3rd annual Kootenay Cold Smoke Powder Fest is slated to be held from March 5-7, 2010.

In addition to seasoned veterans, this event will also draw “keen to be” backcountry skiers and snowboarders who want to give off-piste adventures a try.

Whitewater resort’s terrain combined with the Selkirk’s legendary snow, provides fantastic opportunities for all levels to ski, learn, compete, and celebrate off-piste and backcountry riding.

The festival revolves around 4 full days of clinics, films, beer drinking, and competitions for all ski/snowboard pursuits as well as a ski/snowboard photojournalism competition.

In addition, the course will:

* Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
* Introduce and promote the Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course as the logical next step for gaining intermediate-level decision-making skills.

Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:

* Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
* Identify avalanche terrain.
* Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
* Use the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins are available.
* Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
* Find resources for obtaining Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins if these are not available.
* Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
* Carry out a companion rescue.
* Understand the limits of their training.

Course Date:  Friday, March 5 thru March 7, 2010

Time: Time: In class… Friday, March 5, 2010… 17:30hr SHARP!!! In the Field… Saturday & Sunday (AM start time… call Matt for details)
Minimum Classroom Time Requirement: A minimum of six hours classroom time is required.

Minimum Field Time Requirement: A minimum of one day in the field is required.

AST Providers: Matt Atton & Darrell Dawson

Contact: Matt Atton 250-862-1247

Registration: $200/person ($50 pre-registration & pkg pick up at Venture Gear – Bikes & Backcountry… corner of Springfield & Spall… 250-979-4327)

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Course will provide an entry-level decision-making framework that is based on the most advanced knowledge available. It is suitable for use by people with basic training and little experience.

In addition, the course will:

* Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
* Introduce and promote the Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course as the logical next step for gaining intermediate-level decision-making skills.

Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:

* Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
* Identify avalanche terrain.
* Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
* Use the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins are available.
* Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
* Find resources for obtaining Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins if these are not available.
* Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
* Carry out a companion rescue.
* Understand the limits of their training.

Course Date: Sunday February 28 thru March 2, 2010

Time: In class… Sunday, February 28, 2010… 17:30hr SHARP!!! In the Field… Monday & Tuesday, March 1 & 2 (AM start time… call Matt for details)

Minimum Classroom Time Requirement: A minimum of six hours classroom time is required.

Minimum Field Time Requirement: A minimum of one day in the field is required.

AST Providers: Matt Atton & Darrell Dawson

Contact: Matt Atton 250-862-1247

Registration: $200/person ($50 pre-registration & pkg pick up at Venture Gear – Bikes & Backcountry… corner of Springfield & Spall… 250-979-4327)

‘Chicks in the Sticks’ is a great opportunity to make new friends, reunite with old ones and take part in some great Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing.

This is FREE and open to ‘Chicks’ of all ages, skill levels and fitness levels.  For details and to register, visit Team Fitness.

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Course will provide an entry-level decision-making framework that is based on the most advanced knowledge available. It is suitable for use by people with basic training and little experience.

In addition, the course will:

* Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
* Introduce and promote the Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course as the logical next step for gaining intermediate-level decision-making skills.

Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:

* Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
* Identify avalanche terrain.
* Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
* Use the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins are available.
* Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
* Find resources for obtaining Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins if these are not available.
* Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
* Carry out a companion rescue.
* Understand the limits of their training.

Course Date: Friday, January 22 thru Sunday, January 24, 2010

Start Time: Friday, January 22, 2010… 17:30hr SHARP!!!

Minimum Classroom Time Requirement: A minimum of six hours classroom time is required.

Minimum Field Time Requirement: A minimum of one day in the field is required.

AST Providers: Matt Atton & Darrell Dawson

Contact: Matt Atton 250-862-1247

Registration: $200/person ($50 pre-registration & pkg pick up at Venture Gear – Bikes & Backcountry… corner of Springfield & Spall… 250-979-4327)

Snowshoe Shuffle Scavenger Hunt

• Date:  Sunday, January 17, 2010
• Time: 10AM (Event pkg Pick Up 8AM-9AM)
• Location:  Nordic Cross Country Ski Club… click here for directions
• Entry fees are as follows…
  • $10 Youth (10-15 years)
  • $10 Seniors (65+)
  • $15 Adult
  • $5 Discount per additional Team member
  • $3 Insurance Per Person (club members are already insured)
• Categories…
  • * Youth
  • * Senior
  • * Female
  • * Male
  • * Team
    • Category winners will be based on combination of  ‘time’ & ‘items scavenged’.
• What to bring…
  • Digital Camera with USB cable
  • Pen or Pencil for checklist
  • Snowshoes… if you don’t have them, we rent them for $15/day… best to reserve in advance 250-979-4327
  • Appropriate outerwear… base layer with a softshell or hardshell, toque & light gloves
  • Appropriate footwear… hiking boot with gators or insulated winter boot
  • Water & Snacks for the trail

• How to Register…
  • Email:  info@unioncycle.ca
  • In person:  Venture Gear… Corner of Springfield & Spall in Kelowna
  • Telephone: 250-979-4327