An introduction to the growing sport of snowshoeing, with an exploration of the Mount Ottomite Trail. Ottomite offers moderate terrain and excellent mountain views of the Coquihalla Summit area.

The route passes through old-growth forests of mountain hemlock, amabilis fir, and yellow cedar, toward the subalpine summit of Mount Ottomite. You’ll enjoy snowshoeing on the Coquihalla’s deep snowpack, with frozen waterfalls to view along the way.  The route offers safety from avalanches, and professional guides will keep you safe throughout the day.

Some cool stuff you’ll learn…

Leaders will show you tips for safe winter travel including avalanche safety. They’ll also share their knowledge of local plants and animals and their strategies for winter survival.

COST

$20/person.  Snowshoe loaners available if you need them.

This program is FULL, but please leave your name and contact information on the wait list as there may be cancellations. Click on the PROGRAM REGISTRATION button and you will be provided directions for joining the wait list.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Participants must be in reasonably good physical condition, and there will be lots of opportunities to rest and enjoy the surroundings as you climb. Terrain is moderate, ascending 272 metres (890 feet) over 4 km of distance. Round-trip distance is 8 km, but participants can choose to travel a shorter distance if fitness holds them back from reaching the summit.

ITINERARY

9:00 AM – Gather at the Hope Recreation Centre, sign legal waivers

9:15 AM – Leave Hope and drive east 46 km on Highway-5 to Exit # 217

10:00 AM – Arrive at Exit #217, Zopkias Rest Area

10:30 AM – Begin ascent of Mount Ottomite by snowshoe

12:30 PM – Lunch on Mount Ottomite

3:30 PM – Return to parking lot

4:30 PM – Arrive back in Hope

MEETING PLACE

Hope & District Recreation Centre parking lot.

Map and itinerary.

TRANSPORTATION

Participants must arrange their own transportation. Participants will gather at the Rec. Centre (1005 – 6th Avenue in Hope), and convoy in vehicles up Highway-5 to the trailhead (Exit #217, 46 km east of Hope). How to Find Zopkias Rest Area Parking Lot: Drive northeast out of Hope on Highway-5 for approximately 50 km. After driving through the Great Bear Snow Shed, start looking on your right for the highway exit into the Zopkias Rest Area – NOTE – THE EXIT SIGN IS MISSING DURING WINTER MONTHS, so the exit will be unmarked by any sign! Be sure to take the FIRST EXIT you see on your RIGHT after driving through the Great Bear Snow Shed. Washrooms are available at the Zopkias Rest Area.

Map and itinerary.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Snowshoes (bring your own or borrow from us)
  • Two ski poles per person – optional, but greatly improves stability
  • Lunch and high-energy snack food
  • Water (at least 1 litre per person)
  • Winter boots or hiking boots (no runners please)
  • Warm winter clothes, including jacket, nylon snow pants, gloves, toque, warm socks
  • Sunglasses, camera, binoculars
  • Foam pad to sit on in the snow
  • Snow shovel if you’ve got one (Hope Mountain Centre will bring some too)

ADDITIONAL INFO

Liability Release Form

Everyone age 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions.

Informed Consent Form

Everyone age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parent or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

CANCELLATION

If a registration is cancelled 7 days or more before a program starts, HMCOL will refund the program fee and equipment rental fees (as applicable) minus an administrative cost of $20 per person. Program and equipment rental fees will not be refunded if a cancellation is received less than 7 days before the start of a program. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled, participants will receive a full refund of program and equipment fees.

A NOTE ABOUT LIABILITY

Hope Mountain Centre carries liability insurance and maintains excellent safety records. Due to the nature of outdoor programs, these trips do involve some personal risk. Hope Mountain Centre assumes no responsibility for personal injury or damage to personal property and we will require each participant to sign a liability release and assumption of risk form before participating in this program. Please be aware that activities typical of this program involve many risks, dangers and hazards including, but not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from events; slips and falls; loss of balance; impact, cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia, frostbite, sunburn; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, blizzards, whiteouts and high wind; steepness of terrain, tree wells, crevasses; avalanches, cornices, landslides and falling ice, snow and objects; encounters with domestic or wild animals; negligence on the part of releasees and other participants. While we love animals of all kinds, we ask that you please leave your pet at home.

Snow shovels were provided by Mountain Equipment Co-op through their Grassroots Product Donations Program. Additional funding was also provided through FortisBC’s Community Investment Program.

PROGRAM PARTNERS

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