Not only does Whistler boast one of the most beautiful skiing and boarding experiences in the world, but it also has one of the best backcountry scenes around.
Snowmobiling, winter hiking and mountaineering are all activities available to Whistler’s winter wanderers, but with the rewards of the beautiful, untouched local areas comes the risks associated with being where nobody else has before: the possibility of avalanches, getting lost or getting injured in the middle of nowhere.
Fortunately, a new event hopes to change all of that by providing backcountry adventurers with the knowledge to take on the great outdoors in the safest way possible.
Called Sled Fest, the inaugural event will offer local backcountry users a chance to learn about using beacons, air bags and transceivers out of bounds.
“We want to make sure everyone is safe and sound before they head out there. There’s a little bit of homework everyone should be doing before heading for the backcountry,” said event organizer Sandra Ferguson, national coordinator of the B.C. Search and Rescue Association as well as project manager for AdventureSmart. “What we’re trying to do is reduce the number and severity of incidents in the backcountry.”
To do that, Sled Fest will host various safety equipment vendors in a tradeshow-type environment where would-be adventurers are able to demo and train with the latest and greatest safety equipment and gear.
The event follows a recent call by the B.C. Coroners’ Service for anyone heading outdoors this season to take extra precautions. According to a Provincial press release, nine people died in backcountry incidents in B.C. during the 2010-‘11 winter season — with virtually all deaths being preventable.
Two-thirds of last season’s deaths were among snowmobilers, with the others being backcountry skiers, the release said.
That’s why Ferguson hopes Sea to Sky residents come out to get educated.
“It’s great for people to get together with vendors to talk about backcountry safety, the apps that are available for that kind of thing, avalanche safety, see what kinds of resources that are available to people in the Sea to Sky corridor,” explained Ferguson.
What better way to do that, said Ferguson, than to allow people to do everything hands-on?
“We’re going to set up a plot of snow and bury a couple of transceivers for people to find,” said Ferguson. “We’ll have a few on hand to bury, or people can bring their own and get some practice searching. We’ll have lots of technical experts on site to walk them through it if they need some assistance, or they can challenge themselves and do it with their own gear and skills and see how fast they can do it.”
As an added incentive, Ferguson said prizes will be offered for those able to locate beacons the quickest. Sled Fest will also include a bonfire, music and a gear swap.
“I think people are doing some of the right things, but it’s slowly changing and people need to get into better preparations with their trip planning, doing their homework before they go and getting the proper training, carrying the right gear,” said Ferguson. “We can’t promote safety enough.”
Sled Fest takes place on Wednesday (Dec. 28) at the Brandywine parking lot from 2 to 5 p.m. Those interested in swapping their gear or bringing their own equipment to demonstrate are asked to email [email protected]. For more information, visit www.sledlink.com.
