This event is hosted by the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club. Your event host, Joad, is also a member of our Club and he has graciously offered a few spots to our members.
Here are his notes on the event and how to register and pay.
I coordinate a hiking weekend in partnership with fellow skiers from the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club from Friday to Sunday, August 26-28. We will be based for 2 nights at the Hostelling International (HI) Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel, where I booked the 14-bed dorm. The trip has 9 spots still available for Calgary Ski Club members.
Hostel Website and Amenities: Castle Mountain Hostel
Program (flexible, based on participants’ preferences and the weather
- Short hike on Friday late pm/evening (see hiking options at the bottom)
- Long hike on Saturday. Option to join Joad on the very long/ultimate hike, weather and conditions permitting.
- Short or moderate hike on Sunday morning - Evenings: campfire (weather permitting), board games, storytelling The hiking options will be discussed closer to the weekend with registered participants.
Cost
The full dorm room for 14 people was booked at a cost of $1,000 for 2 nights. The 2-night hostel stay cost is $100 per adult and $50 per child. Payments are managed by the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club, of which Joad is a past board member. No registrations are accepted through the CSC Event Calendar.
Important -How to Register & book your hostel accommodation spot(s)
a) Check with Joad at clementnordicskiing@gmail.com if there are still spots available.
b) Send your e-Interac payment to bonnyvillenordic@gmail.com, and
c) Send the e-Interac payment confirmation to Joad at clementnordicskiing@gmail.com.
If more than 10 adults register, the extra funds collected will be used for the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club ski programs next year.
See the refund policy in the Cancellation Policy section.
Alternative accommodation options
- For those interested in more overnight comfort, you can book a cottage/room at nearby Castle Mountain Chalets (300 m away from the Castle Mountain Hostel) at www.castlemountain.com or a hotel room in Banff or Lake Louise, and join the group on the hiking activities or evening campfire.
- For those interested in less overnight comfort (!), you can book a campsite at nearby Johnston Canyon campground (7 km away from the Castle Mountain Hostel) at
https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/Banff%2fJohnstonCanyon%3fMap
If you book an alternative lodging option, don’t send any e-Interac payment to the BNSC gmail address. Simply let Joad know you have booked your own accommodation and when you plan to join the group at the hostel for the hiking events.
Clothing and Hiking Gear
The trip takes place in the mountains where higher elevations have already typically received some snowfalls in late August. Come prepared for the changing mountain weather, including the following gear:
- A 30- to 40-liter daypack
- Light and thick socks (multiple pairs for 3 hiking days)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- At least 1 hiking pole (highly recommended)
- Long pants
-Layer clothing system (no cotton), including short sleeve and long sleeve shirts, a warmer layer, a waterproof windbreaker and/or a rain jacket
-Winter clothing (thin gloves, mitts, tuque, balaclava, down jacket) for higher elevation hiking
-Sunhat, sunscreen, headlamp
-Small first aid kit + pocketknife
-A few 1-liter water bottles + food
-Bear spray (optional)
See further details about useful hiking gear here: https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/day-hiking-checklist.
Camping and Hostel Stay Gear
Below are some useful items for your hostel stay:
-Headlamp
-Cooler
-Food, snacks and drinks for 3-4 days
-Campfire gear (warm jacket, bug spray, blanket, marshmallows)
-Rain gear
-Swimming suit (if you intend to go to the Banff Hot Springs)
-Board games/playing cards/books
-Earplugs (this is a dorm room after all!)
The hostel has drinking water.
Hiking Options
See the 10 proposed hiking options here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1703092806704056
Trip Conference Call and Carpooling: August 21 at 8 pm
A zoom conference call will take place on Sunday evening August 21 at 8 pm to discuss gear, hiking options and arrange carpooling for those interested.