Alumni Trip Descriptions
Introduction
The fifth season of the Alumni Trip Series features several of our perennial favorites as well as some exciting new trips to add to our diverse line up for 2010. Once again, we will have trips that will take you to some of the most beautiful winter locations in the Sierra Nevada, such as Crocker Point in Yosemite National Park and new trips, like the sled building and use outing, which will broaden your snow camping skills. Please note that these trips are limited to people who have completed our Training Series (including the classroom instruction and both trips) and who are comfortable with winter travel and camping conditions. Unless otherwise noted, no snow camping instruction is provided.Note that all alumni snowcampers must attend a meeting with trip leaders and fellow snowcampers during the morning portion of Orientation Day, on January 9, 2010. Check individual trip descriptions for other prerequisites. Skis or snowshoes are permitted on most trips with the approval of trip leaders unless otherwise stated (skiers must get clearance from the trip leader).
Basic fees are $20 for Sierra Club members and $25 for non-Sierra Club members, but some trips may include additional costs, such as cabin rental fees, as noted. The number of participants for each trip is limited, so please register early for best selection. Please note that due to weather conditions, some trips may be canceled and/or rescheduled to backup dates.
NOTE: Additional trips may be announced through the 2010 snow season, so you might consider signing up for the alumni mailing list (no spam, we promise!) or checking back on www.snowcamping.org periodically if you would like to be notified of such trip announcements. Alumni snowcampers are also welcome to sign up with a training series group (space permitting, subject to approval of the group leaders). The cost for doing so is $40 per group ($50 for non-Sierra-Club members) (i.e. $20/ $25 per trip for 2 trips)
Alumni Refund Policy
The basic fee for Alumni Trips is credited toward a future trip of your choice. Any portion of fees paid beyond the basic registration fee will be refunded only if an alternate participant is found or other arrangements can be made to prevent the cost from affecting others on the trip.
Alumni Trip Overview
| Trip | Space Available? | Date | Leaders | Sierra Club Member * | Non-Member * (Join) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 - Follow the Snow | |||||
| A2 - Pull it with a Pulk | |||||
| A3 - Hot Springs Holiday | |||||
| A4 - Crocker Point 1 | |||||
| A5 - Digging and Gambling | |||||
| A6 - Igloo 101 | |||||
| A7 - Winter Photographer's Paradise | |||||
| A8 - Crocker Point 2 |
Alumni Trip Details
To check availability and sign up, go to the application page. To contact a trip leader for more information, please use the question and feedback form.A1 - Follow the Snow
This trip is for those who are ready get an early start on the season and willing to be flexible about where to go. The trip destination will be announced at least one week before departure and will be based on where we can find the best snow conditions within a few hours of the Bay Area. If the snow is so good that we can predict earlier, we will. Watch for updates on the website or contact Marilyn Smulyan mhsbike@sbcglobal.net.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Leaders: Marilyn Smulyan and Kyle Brunelle Trip dates: January 16 - 17, 2010 Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: TBA Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Destination to be announced by January 9, 2010 (at the Orientation Day meeting) A2 - Pull it with a Pulk
Hauling snow camping gear on a sled or pulk is great alternative to backpacks. For people with back or other physical issues, it may be the only way to travel deep into the back country in the winter. This course will consist of three segments: 1) a two-hour introduction to the pulk, including sources to purchase them or components to make your own; 2) a one-day construction workshop that will give you an opportunity to assemble your own sled and; 3) a one or two night journey into Lassen Volcanic National Park. Location and distance will depend on conditions, but the intention of the trip is to explore a variety of terrain that may be challenging to the pulk and its driver. Part 1, the introduction to sleds, will be held on Orientation day, January 9. The date for our sled building workshop, Part 2, is not finalized, but will be at least 2 weeks before we head to Lassen for Part 3, our test trip, which is February 28, 2010. (Back-up dates for Part 3 is March 6, 2010). Explore the web for alternatives for equipment. The demonstrations will be based on Ed Bouffard's www.skipulk.com . Part 2, Sled Construction: February 16 or 17, 2010; and Part 3, Test Trip: February 28 and March 1, 2010 (second night to be confirmed).
Difficulty: Moderate Leaders: Greg Andreas and Jodi Bailey Trip dates: February 28 - March 1, 2010 Group Limit: Limited to 10 participants Distance: up to 8 miles R/T Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Cost of entrance fee to Lassen National Park not included. Destination to be announced by January 9, 2010 (at the Orientation Day meeting) A3 - Hot Springs Holiday
Join the few who experience the Eastern Sierra in winter. Jump from snow right into the mineral waters of Buckeye Hot Springs. We'll camp next to the hot springs for two nights. On the first and last days, we'll snowshoe to/from camp, with panoramic views across the Bridgeport Valley all the way. On the layover day, we'll offer a hike up scenic Buckeye Canyon into the mountains. Itinerary will vary if snow conditions are light. Enjoy stunning views of the snowcapped Sierra crest from Bridgeport, and opportunity to visit other hot springs on the way. Be prepared for cold weather - and don't forget your towel! Note: This trip requires a 6-hour drive via Reno I-80 and Hwy-395.
Difficulty: Moderate Leaders: Dennis England and Roger Williams Trip dates: March 6 - 8, 2010 Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 9 miles RT, 500' max elevation gain Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: A4 - Crocker Point 1
This is a beautiful two-day one-night trip in Yosemite National Park. We will begin our trip starting at Badger Pass with an elevation of approximately 7,200. Our trip outward will follow the winter ridge route to Dewey Point with approximately 1,000 of gross elevation gain. Our camp will be located around Crocker Point, which is the point just west of Dewey Point. From our camp site, we will have remarkable views of Yosemite Valley 3500 ft below, including incredible winter views of El Capitan and many surrounding mountains. Be sure to bring a map to help identify the plethora of peaks. We will also visit Dewey point.
Difficulty: Moderate Leaders: Lloyd Sawchuck and Ted Pekny Trip dates: March 20 - 21, 2010 Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 7 miles RT, Elevations Gain/Loss +1000 feet Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Yosemite National Park entrance fee not included. A5 - Digging and Gambling
The team that brought you 2009's Alumni hit trip "Digging and Dining" returns in 2010 with "Digging and Gambling." On this trip you'll spend Saturday night in Reno making our fortunes, then head out into the snow on Sunday for luxury kitchen and sleeping structure construction. The evening will be spent testing the ability of the kitchen to withstand a five to six course gourmet meal and heavy socializing. On Monday, we will continue to test the kitchen with a luxury breakfast before returning home.
Difficulty: Easy Leaders: Debbie Alexander and Albert Pastine Trip dates: March 20 - 22, 2010 Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 4 miles R/T Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Cost does not include price of Saturday night stay in Reno. Information on options for Saturday night will be available from leaders in advance of the trip. A6 - Igloo 101
Many snow campers have imagined what it might be like to lodge in an igloo for their snow shelter, but have been daunted by the task of actually doing it. Come learn how it's done, build and enjoy sleeping in one during this popular annual alumni trip. We will break up into teams of two for igloo construction. Alternatively, we can teach you to construct a 'trench'gloo', which is more manageable for a single person if that is your preference. We enjoy a traditional group kitchen on this trip which everyone participates in constructing.
Difficulty: Hike: Easy to Moderate; Construction: Moderate to Intense Leaders: Mark Johnson and Kevin Choe Trip dates: March 26 - 28, 2010 Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: Quite short, ~2.3 miles (to allow time & stamina for igloo construction) Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Prerequisites: Snow saws and shovels are mandatory equipment for each participant on this trip. Note that igloo construction requires a lot of hard work. While completing your igloo is not mandatory, you will be disappointed if you don't complete it. Be prepared for a long day (or two) of work, cutting and lifting fairly heavy blocks of snow! A7 - Winter Photographer's Paradise
Join us for a photography adventure in the Tahoe National Forest. If you'd love to take the time to experiment and practice shooting snow landscapes, beautiful Silver Peak will pose as one of our many subjects. Our route will take us through a scenic basin to Bradley Hut, where we will stay for two nights. It also offers stunning views of Silver Peak along the way. Two days hiking in the vicinity of Silver Peak will offer spectacular shutter opportunities. Late afternoon hikes will allow us to emphasize shooting during the "golden hours." Then we will retreat to the hut to review and evaluate images. A pre-trip handout will be available for tips on shooting in winter and dealing with cameras in cold weather.
Difficulty: Moderate Leaders: Cynthia Knowles and Hadrian Klinkner Trip dates: April 2 - 4, 2010 Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 10 miles RT, 1500' max elevation gain Cost: $35 / $40 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Reservations at Bradley Hut are confirmed! A8 - Crocker Point 2
This is a beautiful two-day one-night trip in Yosemite National Park. We will begin our trip starting at Badger Pass with an elevation of approximately 7,200. Our trip outward will follow the winter ridge route to Dewey Point (YNP route 14) with approximately 1,000 of gross elevation gain. Our camp will be located around Crocker Point, which is the point just west of Dewey Point. Near to our campsite we will be granted the vast views of Yosemite Valley ~3500 ft below. The incredible winter views of El Capitan with its solid granite walls will be in sight along with many other Mt. Be sure to bring a map to help identify the plethora of peaks. This awe-inspiring view of Yosemite Valley is the primary reason for trip to Crocker Point.. We will also visit Dewey point. We willl return to Badger Pass via the meadow (YNP route 18).
Difficulty: Moderate Leaders: Kalle Hoffman Trip dates: April 10 - 11, 2010 Group Limit: Limited to 12 participants Distance: 7 miles RT, Elevations Gain/Loss +1000 feet Cost: $20 / $25 (non-Sierra Club members) Notes: Yosemite National Park entrance fee not included.