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BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS CLINICSWhen J.R.R Tolkien said, "Not all those who wander are lost", he wasn't talking about the BC backcountry... Each year, there are more than 1,600 search and rescue incidences in BC alone.
Are you new to backcountry pursuits? Do you romanticize the wilderness, yet feel uncomfortable with your capacities once you're in it? Perhaps you're experienced, but want to brush up on your skill sets. Ideal for beginners and intermediate wilderness recreationists, Callaghan Country's Summer Skills Clinics with local & established ACMG Guide, Dave Sarkany, are dedicated to raising awareness of backcountry safety and building an informed community of wilderness explorers. Upcoming Clinic Dates... July 6th - Navigations Skills for Backcountry Pursuits | July 13-14 - Competency for Wilderness Backpacking |
Navigation Skills for Backcountry Pursuits: July 6th
An introductory clinic covering the basics of mountain navigation with local and established ACMG Guide, Dave Sarkany. This full-day clinic will provide participants with classroom theoretical review and in-the-field practical skills:
-printed topographic map layout to form an understanding of projection, datum, scale, distance, and contour lines
-referencing location through Lat/Long and the UTM grid
-understanding components of standard handheld compasses
-adjusting to the local magnetic declination to be able to follow a bearing off a map
-use of resection/triangulation
These skills will be brought together for modern navigation using digital maps stored on personal phones for the purpose of navigating with the units GPS/electronic compass and altimeter.
Instructor Bio: Dave Sarkany has lived in Whistler for 27 years. He has been very active in the mountains and on the ocean throughout the region since the early 1980’s., and has specialized in guiding for the last 20 years. In the mountains Dave is recognized as an ACMG Ski Guide and Hiking Guide(Association of Canadian Mountain Guide) and a CAA Professional Member (Canadian Avalanche Association).
An introductory clinic covering the basics of mountain navigation with local and established ACMG Guide, Dave Sarkany. This full-day clinic will provide participants with classroom theoretical review and in-the-field practical skills:
-printed topographic map layout to form an understanding of projection, datum, scale, distance, and contour lines
-referencing location through Lat/Long and the UTM grid
-understanding components of standard handheld compasses
-adjusting to the local magnetic declination to be able to follow a bearing off a map
-use of resection/triangulation
These skills will be brought together for modern navigation using digital maps stored on personal phones for the purpose of navigating with the units GPS/electronic compass and altimeter.
Instructor Bio: Dave Sarkany has lived in Whistler for 27 years. He has been very active in the mountains and on the ocean throughout the region since the early 1980’s., and has specialized in guiding for the last 20 years. In the mountains Dave is recognized as an ACMG Ski Guide and Hiking Guide(Association of Canadian Mountain Guide) and a CAA Professional Member (Canadian Avalanche Association).
Equipment:
Skill:
- Compass/Phone
- Appropriate outdoor attire and daypack (some of this clinic will be held outside; even if the weather forecast calls for warm, sunny weather, be prepared for a variety of weather conditions)
- Pack Lunch and snacks
Skill:
- Moderate fitness needed (wont be going far)
Clinics offered Saturday, July 6th (Waitlist available July 7)
- 8:00am sign in
- 8:15am class-room theory
- 9:15am on-the-bush field class
- 2:30pm hike back to base
- 4:00pm end of day Q&A
Competency for Wilderness Backpacking: July 13 & 14 (Overnight Program)
An introductory clinic to wilderness backpacking, this 2-day in-the-field program is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to embark off-the beaten path and into the world of backcountry camping. Focused competency development will include:
-pre-trip route and safety planning (evaluation of terrain, hazards, precautions, equipment, and emergency protocol)
-on-route navigation and situational awareness (individual, party members, surroundings)
-backcountry etiquette, responsibilities, and communications
-camp selection and set up
-intro to weather observation and analysis
-intro to local ecology (flora, fauna, geography, geology, and human culture)
-emergency skills and effective rescue facilitation
Instructor Bio: Dave Sarkany has lived in Whistler for 27 years. He has been very active in the mountains and on the ocean throughout the region since the early 1980’s., and has specialized in guiding for the last 20 years. In the mountains Dave is recognized as an ACMG Ski Guide and Hiking Guide(Association of Canadian Mountain Guide) and a CAA Professional Member (Canadian Avalanche Association).
An introductory clinic to wilderness backpacking, this 2-day in-the-field program is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to embark off-the beaten path and into the world of backcountry camping. Focused competency development will include:
-pre-trip route and safety planning (evaluation of terrain, hazards, precautions, equipment, and emergency protocol)
-on-route navigation and situational awareness (individual, party members, surroundings)
-backcountry etiquette, responsibilities, and communications
-camp selection and set up
-intro to weather observation and analysis
-intro to local ecology (flora, fauna, geography, geology, and human culture)
-emergency skills and effective rescue facilitation
Instructor Bio: Dave Sarkany has lived in Whistler for 27 years. He has been very active in the mountains and on the ocean throughout the region since the early 1980’s., and has specialized in guiding for the last 20 years. In the mountains Dave is recognized as an ACMG Ski Guide and Hiking Guide(Association of Canadian Mountain Guide) and a CAA Professional Member (Canadian Avalanche Association).
Equipment:
Skill:
- Compass/Phone
- Overnight gear (see guide's packing list)
- Pack Lunch and snacks
Skill:
- Moderate fitness needed (wont be going far)
Clinic runs Saturday, July. 13th & Sunday, July 14th (Overnight component)
- 8:00am sign in, 3 hrs in class theory and trip prep
- Field Day 1 and Camp Set-up
- 7:30am Camp Clean-up
- Field Day 2
- 4:00pm debrief with Q&A
- 5:00pm send off
In need of gear? Stop by Access Callaghan’s sister store located on Village Stroll in Whistler. Local , knowledgeable staff will assist you in all your Backcountry needs including wilderness equipment rentals and practical advice. See our Rental Pricing
