Banff National Park of Canada

Winter Backcountry Trip Planning Checklist

Printable version ( PDF, 118 Kb)

Before you head into the backcountry, you need to know how to assess if you're in AVALANCHE TERRAIN, whether hazards exist, and how to minimize your risk.

Outlined here are some important questions to consider when researching and planning your trip.

• What do you want to do?
  The park is large with varied terrain. Are you looking for groomed trails or do you prefer to ski powder? Will you be skiing or snowshoeing?
• How much experience do you and the members of your group have?
  Many destinations in Banff National Park require knowledge for travelling in avalanche terrain . If you will be travelling through avalanche terrain all members of your group should have avalanche training and equipment, are urged to wear avalanche transceivers, carry probes and shovels, and be prepared for self-rescue. Some of the destinations in Banff National Park also involve glacier travel and require advanced knowledge and self-rescue skills. If you are unfamiliar with the area, consider hiring a mountain guide certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides .
• How far would your group be comfortable travelling each day?
  Base your trip on the abilities of the least experienced member of the group. The terrain, weather, amount of new snow, elevation, and each group members' abilities should determine the length, duration and destination of your trip.
• How many nights do you want to go for?
• Do you have a good understanding of the hazards you may encounter?
  You should have knowledge of natural hazards, experience in avoiding them and a plan to deal with them successfully when required. Avalanches, stream crossings, illness, injury and wildlife are just some of the hazards.
• Do you know what to do in case of an emergency?
  To report emergencies call 911 immediately. If you are in the backcountry let the dispatcher know that you need warden assistance. Note that cell phones do not work everywhere in the park. When seeking help, make sure you can report the location of the emergency as accurately as possible. Remember in wilderness emergencies, help may be delayed by weather and daylight hours. For this reason all backcountry users should be prepared to survive at least one extra night out in the event of an emergency.
• Does anyone know where you are going?
  Leave a detailed itinerary with a reliable friend or relative along with instructions as to what they should do if you do not return.
• Do you know which permits you need?
  You will require a Park Pass for entry into the park, and a Wilderness Pass for overnight backcountry trips.
• How will you get to and from the trailhead(s)?
  Most trailheads are difficult to access without a vehicle, and public transportation is limited beyond the Banff Townsite and the Village of Lake Louise. Information Centre staff can assist you with options for getting to and from trailheads.
• Will your trip continue beyond the boundary of Banff National Park?
  For information on how to contact adjacent national and provincial parks, see the Backcountry Visitors' Guide to Banff National Park.

This is a list of suggested equipment, which you can adjust to suit your personal preferences. Mountain weather is unpredictable; be prepared for changing conditions.

Clothing

Snow Gear

  Waterproof, breathable jacket & pants

  Backcountry skis, snowboard or snowshoes

  Long underwear (top/bottom)

  Boots and Poles

  Insulating top (e.g. fleece, down parka)

  Daypack

  Fleece pants and vest

  Climbing skins (if skiing)

  Warm hat and gloves / mitts (plus spares)

  Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel

  Synthetic/wool outer socks with wicking inner socks

  Light repair kit (spare binding parts, tools)

  Gaiters or insulated over-boots

  Gear for safe glacier travel

Other Essentials

  Food (high calorie)

  Garbage bags

  Water, bottle thermos

  Headlamp/flashlight, extra batteries

  Wilderness Pass (overnight use)

  First Aid kit

  Topographic map

  Personal medication

  Compass

  Signalling device (whistle/mirror)

  Waterproof matches &/or lighter

  Emergency blanket or bivouac sac

  Candle

  Sunglasses, goggles

  Toilet paper

  Sunscreen & lip balm

  Pencil & paper

  Knife

Optional

Camping Gear (overnight travel)

  Binoculars

  Backpack

  Altimeter

  Tent

  Phone - cell/satellite

  Sleeping pad

  Camera & film

  Cooking /eating utensils

  Rope

  Sleeping bag

  GPS

  Stove and fuel

  Knee pads

  Extra fuel for melting ice or snow

  Toiletries

  Clothes at trailhead

Check the following reports before booking your trip, and again before you leave. These reports are available at Parks Canada Information Centres, on our website (see Resources and Directory below), Park Radio 101.1 FM, and over the phone.

Weather Forecast 403.762.2088
Avalanche Bulletin 1.800.667.1105
Warnings and Closures 403.762.1550
Road Report 403.762.1450
Trail Report 403.760.1305

Before starting on the trail, check the trailhead kiosk for recently posted Warning and Closure Notices.

For all emergencies (24 hours), call 911 immediately.

If you are in the backcountry, let the 911 dispatcher know that you require park warden assistance. 911 is valid in Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. (* Please note that if you are using a satellite phone in the backcountry, you must call 403.762.4506 in the event of an emergency.)

Regulations

• On overnight trips a valid Wilderness Pass is required and must be kept with you at all times.
• All food and toiletries must be properly stored (on bear cables or strung up between trees).
• Pack out all garbage (including: sanitary napkins, diapers, food waste and foil).
• Do not disturb or remove any natural or cultural objects.
• Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Consider leaving them at home.
• Dogs are not permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails.
• Dogs are not permitted in the Egypt Lake or Bryant Creek Shelters.
• Do not feed, touch or harass wildlife.

Printable version (PDF, 118 Kb)

Trip Leader Name:
Phone #: ________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
# Adults: _____________ # Children (16 yrs & under):__________
# Tent(s): __________ Shape: __________ Make: __________ Colour(s): __________
# Avalanche Transceivers: ______________________________
# Packs: __________ Make: __________ Colour(s): __________

Starting Trailhead:
Vehicle(s) Make & Lic. Plate: ______________________________

DAY 1
Date: ______________________________
Route: ______________________________
# kms: ______________________________
Camp/Hut: _____________________________

DAY 2
Date: ______________________________
Route: ______________________________
# kms: ______________________________
Camp/Hut: _____________________________

DAY 3
Date: ______________________________
Route: ______________________________
# kms: ______________________________
Camp/Hut: _____________________________

DAY 4
Date: ______________________________
Route: ______________________________
# kms: ______________________________
Camp/Hut: _____________________________

DAY 5
Date: ______________________________
Route: ______________________________
# kms: ______________________________
Camp/Hut: _____________________________

Exiting Trailhead:
Vehicle(s) Make & Lic. Plate: ______________________________

Contact a Parks Canada Information Centre to purchase your Park Passes and Permits (see Resources and Directory below). For a small fee you can reserve the Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek backcountry shelters up to 3 months in advance of your trip.

Maps and Recommended Reading
Topographic maps and guidebooks are sold at the Friends of Banff National Park

Publications available at Parks Canada Information Centres:
Backcountry Visitors' Guide to Banff National Park
Cross-Country Skiing in the Lake Louise Area
Cross-Country Skiing: Banff Area

Related Sites:
Safety and Hazards

Banff Information Centre
224 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB
403.762.1550
banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca

Lake Louise Visitor Centre
Samson Mall, Lake Louise, AB
403.522.3833
llinfo@pc.gc.ca

Parks Canada Service Centre
1300 - 635 - 8 Ave. SW
Calgary, AB
403.292.4401

Banff National Park Warden Service
403.762.1470
(For information on current ice climbing, backcountry and mountaineering conditions)