2024-2025 Trip Schedule
The Ski Touring Section leads trips during the winter. Trips will be managed under Sierra Club protocols. Members are urged to subscribe to the section newsletter Track to learn about the upcoming trip schedule. Section meetings will be held via remote online video conferencing. See Track for URLs.
A tentative trip schedule for the 2024-2025 season is shown below. Additional trips and events will be added as they are finalized. Final details of all trips will be listed in the STS newsletter Track.
| Oct 7 | STS planning meeting |
| Nov 4 | STS Meeting (online only) |
| Nov 16 | Avalanche Beacon Practice |
| Dec 14-15 | Peter Grubb Backcountry Ski |
| Jan 10-11 | Lodge-Based Day Ski Tours |
| Jan 11-12 | ClairTappaan Lodge Day Trips |
| Jan 22-24 | Backcountry Full Day Ski Tours |
| Jan 31-Feb 2 | Ludlow Hut |
| Feb 22-24 | Ludlow Hut |
(Updated 12/1/2024)
Confirmed trips may also be listed in the Loma Prieta Calendar at the discretion of the leader.
CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Snow Camping Seminars
Approximately every other year, volunteers from the Backpacking Section and the Ski Touring Section hold a Snow Camping Seminar. For more information see early season TRACK newsletters or contact an STS officer. This season, the Bay Chapter will be holding snow camping training classes plus field trips. Click on www.snowcamping.org for details.
Trip Classifications
Beginner
Aimed at first-time cross-country skiers and those developing basic skills. The leader frequently provides some kind of instruction. Distances are typically 1 to 2 miles on gentle terrain.
Advanced Beginner
Aimed at skiers in good condition who have learned the basics of diagonal stride on the flats and easy hills. Distances are typically 2 to 5 miles over rolling terrain.
Intermediate
Aimed at skiers comfortable with uphill & downhill skiing, including traverses of steep sections. An intermediate skier has had instruction, has skied several times, and has developed enough skill and confidence to snowplow and step turn to control downhill speed. Intermediate trips include overnight visits to some backcountry ski huts, where carrying a moderate pack is required. 3 to 10 miles.
Advanced Intermediate
Aimed at skiers with intermediate skills but with greater endurance and who have developed skills for coping with poor weather or snow conditions, winter navigation, and snow-camping. 10-15 miles per day.
Advanced
Aimed at skiers who can cover 10-30 miles in one day, ascend high mountains using climbing skins, and descend with linked telemark or parallel turns. The advanced skier must be in good physical condition, be able to acclimatize to altitude readily, and have a working knowledge of map and compass, avalanche hazards, and winter survival.
Medical Forms
The Sierra Club requires that participants in backcountry trips fill out a medical form and give it to trip leaders before the trip. The purpose of the form is to provide information about allergies, medicines, and your health status to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the trip. You may download a PDF file and print a blank form using this link:
local-outings-medical-form.pdf119.97 KBYou may request your form be returned at the end of the trip. You may reuse the same filled-out form for future trips.
Trip Information and Examples
Dick Simpson gave a presentation on STS trips at a recent meeting. Click here to download a PDF version of the slides.