WHERE: Boyne Valley Provincial Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WMDKVwhUSUhaVPTF9

DESCRIPTION: Join us for the opportunity to refresh your avalanche safety skills and test your avalanche gear with a group ahead of the snow season. This is not an instructional trip, participants are expected to have the prerequisite knowledge of AST1 concepts.

Potential skills to refresh include:

Weather and conditions assessment
Transceiver test
Transceiver search patterns
Probe assembly and use
Shovel digging techniques
Rescue practice in groups

Snowpack analysis

We will be accessing Boyne Valley from the Prince of Wales Rd parking and travelling as a group for up to 2km to one of several sloped clearing options. Approach details based on weather conditions will be shared by email ahead of the event. Carpooling can be arranged between participants.

MAX. PARTICIPANTS: 12, at the trip leader’s discretion.

REQUIRED GEAR: Avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel, avalanche probe, suitable winter clothing and backpack, lunch and water, sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, SPF lip protection).

OPTIONAL GEAR: Ski helmet & goggles, snowshoes, warm comfortable boots, poles. 

COST: Free for ACC members.

TRIP LEADER: To sign up or get further details, contact Addie Typa at snow@alpineclubtoronto.ca

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: A.

TRIP HAZARDS (Must read list below BEFORE registering):

  – Boots and Binding Systems – If used;

  – Communication and Rescue – Large group;

  – General Hazards – Cold temperatures, Wind exposure; and

  – Terrain – Snow and ice causing slips, trips, and falls.

WAIVER: Please read the ACC waiver before attending.

https://alpineclubofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/waiver-ACC-2025-05-15.pdf

Members should ensure that their membership is up to date and have signed the online waiver.

On January 12th, 2025, members of the Toronto Section of the ACC gathered at Boyne Valley Provincial Park to practice their Avalanche Skills hands-on. Following transceiver checks in the parking lot, the group hiked into the park where instructional demos were provided. The participants then spread out to practice beacon search techniques in three smaller groups. The day culminated with shovelling and probing in deep snow as part of a group search activity.

For those of you that were unable to participate or wish to rewatch the online sessions, the links for the online sessions are available for viewing:

AST1:

• Day 1 – https://youtube.com/live/bqs52o7M6fk
• Day 2 – https://youtube.com/live/-96TfhPVygM

(BONUS) Introduction to Backcountry Skiing – https://youtube.com/live/LwQh7HzSIDw

Links to the videos will be posted on our website

Where: Buffalo Crag, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

Description:
Are you interested in becoming a trip leader for the ACC Toronto Section? Showing You The Ropes is an event that will provide you with the information required to run a hiking or rock climbing trip! You will be mentored by experienced trip leaders and the curriculum will cover: 

• Pre-trip planning 
• Waiver administration 
• Leadership skills and ACC mission and vision statements
• Post-trip reports, incident reports
• Anchor building for rock climbing trips
• Mock trip leading

Gear:
Helmet, harness, rappelling devices (grigri and tubular device), PAS (or whatever system you use to go indirect on an anchor), climbing shoes, approach/trail shoes

Participants:
Max. 15 participants

Hazards:
Overhead hazard – Rockfall (helmets will be mandatory near the cliff at all times), fall from heights – trail and activity at the top of cliff near edge

Waiver:
Please read and be aware of the ACC waiver before attending. Members sign the waiver when completing renewal/registration. Please ensure that your membership is up-to-date.

For questions, RSVP or more information, please email Laura at Woodall.lly@gmail.com 

In collaboration with ACC National, our section is organizing an ‘(Almost an) AST 1 Program’. This series provides avalanche skills to sections where AST courses are not readily available. This program is not intended to replace the AST curriculum, but to provide interim training to ACC members until a course is accessible to their area.

To register, please contact contact Addie Typa at snow@alpineclubtoronto.ca.

WHEN:

• Thu Dec 26 @ 9 pm EST: (Almost an) AST 1 Program – Virtual Session 1/2
• Fri Dec 27 @ 9 pm EST: (Almost an) AST 1 Program – Virtual Session 2/2
• Fri Jan 3 @ 9 pm EST: (Almost an) AST 1 Program – Intro to Backcountry Skiing
• Sun Jan 12 @ 9 am EST: (Almost an) AST 1 Program – Field Day

WHERE:

•  Links to virtual sessions provided on registration with trip leader
• Field Day: Boyne Valley Provincial Park

DESCRIPTION (Virtual Sessions):

• Virtual Session 1 & 2:
  The online sessions will be led by ACMG Ski Guide Doug Latimer – an accredited CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) instructor – and will follow as closely as possible the current AST 1 curriculum.
• Intro to Backcountry Skiing:
  This webinar is designed for skiers and split boarders eager to step off the groomed trails and into the wilderness. This webinar covers essential skills including gear selection and use, navigation, terrain selection, and basic backcountry techniques. You’ll learn how to use avalanche safety gear, assess snow conditions, and make informed decisions while skiing in the backcountry. With expert instruction from Ski Guide Doug Latimer and a focus on safety, this course is the perfect first step for anyone wanting to enjoy the thrill of skiing in untouched snow!

DESCRIPTION (Field Day):

The in-person field day will be Section-led and provide participants with the opportunity to practice the Avalanche Skills hands-on with their equipment. Topics covered during this field day includes:

• Weather and conditions assessment
• Transceiver test and demonstration
• Transceiver search patterns
• Probe assembly and use
• Shovel digging techniques
• Full rescue practice in groups.

We will be accessing Boyne Valley from the Prince of Wales Rd parking and travelling as a group for up to 2km to one of several sloped clearing options. Depending on snowfall levels leading up to the event, snowshoes/ skis may or may not be useful for the approach. Carpooling can be arranged between participants.

NOTE: Snowpack testing is not in the scope of this activity as interpreting the tests is an advanced skill and should be taught by a course instructor experienced with the current CAA OGRS.

MAX. PARTICIPANTS: 12, at the trip leader’s discretion.

REQUIRED GEAR: Avalanche transceiver, Avalanche shovel, Avalanche probe, Suitable winter clothing and backpack, Lunch and water, Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, SPF lip protection).

OPTIONAL GEAR: Ski/snowboard helmet (mandatory) & goggles, Skis/Splitboard with boots & skins – OR – snowshoes and warm comfortable boots, Poles. There will likely not be enough snow to necessitate the Slope-meter phone app, Avaluator chart.

PROVIDED GEAR: First Aid Kit, Satellite Communicator, Emergency Shelter.

COST: Free for ACC members.

TRIP LEADER: To sign up or get further details, contact Addie Typa at snow@alpineclubtoronto.ca

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: A.

TRIP HAZARDS (Must read BEFORE registering):

  – Boots and Binding Systems – If used;

  – Communication and Rescue – Large group;

  – General Hazards – Cold temperatures, Wind exposure; and

  – Terrain – Snow and ice causing slips, trips, and falls.

WAIVER: Please read the ACC waiver before attending. Members should ensure that their membership is up to date and have signed the online waiver.

WHERE:   Kelso or Rattlesnake Conservation Area; TBD at a later date (Reservations required).

DESCRIPTION:  This event is a continuation of the “Intro to Trad Climbing” clinic for those that seek additional practice placing gear, i.e. cams & nuts, for protection. During the clinic, participants will: 1) practice placing gear; 2) aid second trad routes to test gear placements; and 3) clean gear. The clinic will build the participants confidence to lead trad routes.

There will be opportunity to lead on 5.1-5.5 climbs, for those who demonstrate the ability to place gear correctly.

Participants should have basic or greater experience with trad climbing, and know how to lead belay.

MAX PARTICIPANTS:  10, depending on leader availability

GEAR:  Helmet (mandatory), harness, climbing shoes, belay device, trad gear and rope (optional), lunch, water, sunscreen and insect repellant.  

COST: Participants are responsible for their own park reservations and gate fees to Conservation Halton Parks.

TRIP LEADER:  For more details or to sign up, contact Argenis Perez

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: B

TRIP HAZARDS (Must read BEFORE registering): Communication and Rescue, Falls and Belaying, General Hazards, Rockfall, Terrain.

WAIVER: Please read the ACC waiver before attending. Members should ensure that their membership is up to date and have signed the online waiver. Non members should be prepared to sign a full-colour, paper copy of the waiver in ink upon arrival to the event.

WHERE: Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area (Reservations required)

DESCRIPTION: This clinic will review knot tying, the basic principles of building climbing anchors and how to rappel. Participants will have the opportunity to build anchors and rappel down them. Great for aspiring outdoor climbers!

GEAR: Helmet (mandatory), harness, ATC and pear-shaped locking carabiner, slings or PAS, “third hand” and any other personal items (e.g. lunch, snacks, water, appropriate clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, etc., …).

(OPTIONAL) GEAR: 7 or 8 mm Cordlettes, 1 in. tubular webbing, locking carabiners and rope.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Maximum 10, at the trip leader’s discretion.

COST: Participants are responsible for their own park reservations and gate fees to Conservation Halton Parks

TRIP LEADER: To sign up or get further details, contact Stanis Yu at leadership@alpineclubtoronto.ca.

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: A

WAIVER: Please read the ACC Waiver before attending and be prepared to sign a colour copy of it in ink upon arrival to the event.

WHEN: May 5th, 2024

WHERE: Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area (Reservations recommended)

DESCRIPTION:  This event is for those who are either needing to brush up on their trad skills, or for climbers interested in learning about trad climbing.  The clinic will provide an opportunity to second and clean gear, mock lead, and learn or practice anchor building.  

There will be opportunity to lead on 5.1-5.5 climbs, for those who demonstrate the ability to build an anchor and place gear.

To participate in this clinic, you should know how to lead belay.  

MAX PARTICIPANTS:  15, depending on leader availability

GEAR:  Helmet (mandatory), harness, climbing shoes, belay device, trad gear and rope (optional), lunch, water, sunscreen and insect repellant.  

COST: Participants are responsible for their own park reservations and gate fees to Conservation Halton Parks

TRIP LEADER:  For more details or to sign up, contact Alec Cooper (alec.n.cooper@gmail.com)

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: A/B

WAIVER: Please read the waiver before attending and sign a color copy of it in ink upon arrival.

WHERE: Mount Nemo Conservation Area (Reservations required).

DESCRIPTION: This clinic is intended for climbers that need a refresher on sport climbing skills and for climbers that have been lead climbing indoors and aspire to transition from plastic holds in the gym onto Ontario limestone in the great outdoors! We will review tips and tricks for sport climbing including rope management, clipping techniques, cleaning the route & anchors, and more! Participants will have opportunities to climb and practice the skills covered.

To participate in this clinic, you should know how to lead belay. 

MAX. PARTICIPANTS: 10, at the trip leader’s discretion.

REQUIRED GEAR: Climbing helmet (mandatory), climbing harness, climbing shoes, belay device and pear-shaped locking carabiner, personal tether (e.g. Sewn sling, PAS, Petzl Connect, etc., …), at least 2 locking carabiners and any other personal items (e.g. lunch & snacks for the day, water, appropriate clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, day pack, etc., …).

OPTIONAL GEAR: Stick clip, quickdraws, rope and any additional gear that you may want to use or learn about.

COST: Participants are responsible for their own park reservations and gate fees to Conservation Halton Parks.

TRIP LEADER: To sign up or get further details, contact Stanis Yu at leadership@alpineclubtoronto.ca.

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: A/B.

WAIVER: Please read the waiver before attending and sign a color copy of it in ink upon arrival.

WHERE: Natural crevasses on the Bruce Trail close to Kelso area. The exact location will be communicated to participants prior to the event.

DESCRIPTION: Practice crevasse rescue skills in various scenarios including hauling a person out of the crevasse using pulley systems and self-rescue by ascending rope. Roping for the glacier travel will also be reviewed.

MAX PARTICIPANTS: 12

GEAR: Helmet (mandatory), harness, 3 locking carabiners, 2 prussiks.

COST: Free of charge.

TRIP LEADER: To sign up or get further details, contact Yury Yakubovich.

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: B

WAIVER: Please read the waiver before attending and sign a color copy of it in ink upon arrival.

WHERE:   Kelso or Rattlesnake Conservation Area; TBD at a later date (Reservations required).

DESCRIPTION:  This event is for those who are either needing to brush up on their trad skills, or for climbers interested in learning about trad climbing.  The clinic will provide an opportunity to second and clean gear, mock lead, and learn or practice anchor building.  

There will be opportunity to lead on 5.1-5.5 climbs, for those who demonstrate the ability to build an anchor and place gear.

To participate in this clinic, you should know how to lead belay.  

MAX PARTICIPANTS:  10 each day, depending on leader availability

GEAR:  Helmet (mandatory), harness, climbing shoes, belay device, trad gear and rope (optional), lunch, water, sunscreen and insect repellant.  

COST: Participants are responsible for their own park reservations and gate fees to Conservation Halton Parks.

TRIP LEADER:  For more details or to sign up, contact Cynthia Chung

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: A/B

WAIVER: Please read the waiver before attending and sign a color copy of it in ink upon arrival.