Whistler Search and Rescue

all of 2001 is here. The days are a lot shorter now. Take that into account when planning your trip. As always, plan your day trip as though you will end up spending the night out. At the very least have enough warm clothing to make it through the night. Rain gear, or even better yet, Gortex, will keep you dry. Some kind of shelter will make for a warmer camp even if it is a tarp or a sheet of poly and some string. If it rains overnight, it can make the difference between a cool night out and a case of hypothermia. Take along a snack, but water is the important one. There are many creeks where you can find cool running water, but if you are on a dry hike, take along at least a couple of litres of water.

If you are new to the area, start off gradually. Pick up a map and find a hiking buddy with local knowledge if you can. There are lots of easy day hikes to get started with. The Singing Pass trail is always popular. The trail in to Cheakamus Lake is only about 3 kilometers. There's a good trail up to Rainbow Lake off the West Side Road, and there's always the Ancient Cedar Forest to check out up by Cougar Mountain. Look for 16 Mile Creek on the map. The forest is just of the Showh Lakes. Watch out for logging trucks. If you have young children, don't forget the Valley Trail that stretches all the way from Whistler Creek to Emerald Estates, and the Lost Lake trails.

Experienced wilderness travelers can find many longer and more difficult hikes. Even some of the winter traverses can be done in spring and early summer, such as the Pemberton Ice Cap, the Spearhead Traverse, and the Garibaldi Neve traverse. Brandywine or Metal Dome are always good for a last few ski trips up until August. If you are on snow, be aware that steep slopes can avalanche with the warm summer temperatures, and be aware of crevasse hazards. Take along all the necessary items, but don't overdo it with too much weight. However, things such as map and compass are necessary, and a GPS can be more than a luxury. A GPS receiver are very reasonably priced now, and SA (Selective Availability) was turned off on May 1, 2000, so they are even more accurate now.

Have a safe winter.

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