Snowshoe Under the Stars

For this evening guided adventure, our Program Director aptly named Moon, will lead you through Cambie Creek Loop, a 2.4 km forested trail on a gentle slope. The simple terrain will allow for plenty of opportunities to stop and gaze up at the skies. 

This trail is situated along the "Dark Sky Highway”, a stretch of Highway 3 without any light pollution. Just one week after the new moon, the evening should offer us dark, clear skies where the stars and milky way will have centre stage, shining brighter than ever.  Come enjoy a fun evening and learn about the winter skies, brightest constellations and stars visible at this time! Moon will have her small telescope packed for you to enjoy and get a closer look at star clusters and constellations. Additionally, we will talk about winter ecology, the dark skies highway, lunar phases, the moon’s impact on wildlife and nature, and more. Get a glimpse into the winter world nocturnal animals are privy to at night, and learn what adaptations fight to keep them strong in the cold and harsh winter environment.

ITINERARY:

Saturday, January 20, 2024

5:00 PM – Meet at Hope Rec Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope) check-in, sign waivers

*Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the trailhead and back to their home

5:15 PM – Introductions

5:30 PM – Convoy to Cambie Creek along HWY 3 (Directions from Hope to Cambie Creek)

*NOTE* – 8 spots in our trip leader’s trucks are available. (From Hope to Manning and back to Hope). Please let us know upon registration or email (tmurphy@hopemountain.org) if you would like to carpool with one of the leaders.

6:30 PM – Arrive at the trail head and gear up

7:00 PM – Start snowshoeing

9:00PM – Return to the parking lot and drive home

*Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMAND:

Cambie Creek loop is a 2.4 km hike with under 100m elevation. The hike will be at a moderate pace, by headlamp and suitable for beginners

Children and youth who are experienced hikers are welcome to join but must be accompanied by a guardian during the hike, for children ages 10 years and up.

WHAT TO BRING:

Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry all of The Essentials. At a minimum, participants must carry the following for this adventure:

• A headlamp (with red light if possible!)
• A spare set of batteries or power bank + cord to recharge your headlamp
• Waterproof hiking boots or winter boots (no runners)
• High-energy snack foods
• Water – (at least 1 litre per person) *
• Warm, winter clothes & outerwear – (no cotton as the layer against your skin); including waterproof jacket and pants, warm clothing, gloves, toque, and warm socks.
• Backpack to carry your gear

*NOTE* – Water can freeze in a water bottle in winter conditions. To prevent this, you can either put warm water in your water bottle (Make sure the bottle is safe for hot and cold water) or use an insulated bladder or bottle.

• Poles are optional, buthighly recommended as they greatly improve stability

CANCELLATION:

Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know, as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants.

LEADERS/SPEAKERS:

Moon Pruvost, HMCOL Program Director

Moon is Hope Mountain Centre’s Program Director. She is an experienced educator and backcountry mountain guide. Her passion for the natural world and grizzly bears led her to study Wildlife and Forestry Conservation. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Skills Training, Leave No Trace Master Educator and has experience as a bushcraft/survival instructor. Moon loves to share her knowledge and love of the outdoors with people of all ages! When she is not guiding, you can usually find her exploring the outdoors with her puppy, Kenai.

Nate Brown, HMCOL Assistant Trails Director

Nate has lived in Hope for the past 16 years and spends most of his time on the local trails with his family. He joined Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning as a volunteer in 2019 and since been working on the trails team as well as volunteering on a variety of projects. In 2023 he became our Assistant Trails Director. His first trail building project with HMCOL was the  Serpent's Back trail. Trails are his main passion. He loves creating accessibility to nature and encouraging others to get outside.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Liability Waiver

Everyone ages 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 parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.