Callaghan Country's Benchmark Series - How to Maximize them...

We're so proud to be hosting the 10th edition of Callaghan Country's Annual Benchmark Series! This will be our decade milestone for the Signature Social Ski Event designed to promote friendship, fitness and a reconnection to the natural world.   Save the dates!

• Installation #1 Sunday, January 27th, invite friends on facebook >>
• Installation #2 Sunday, February 24th, invite friends on facebook >>
• Installation #3 Sunday, March 24th, invite friends on facebook >>

As a series, the events provide Nordic skiers 3 opportunities over the course of the winter season to benchmark their own personal time to ski the 13.5km groomed nordic trails up to Callaghan's high elevation network and Journeyman Lodge.  It's a non-competitive atmosphere and there's no need to be a pro but, proper preparations will ensure you feel like one.  Here's our top tips and insights to maximize the experience...

• Commit yourself and thoughtfully consider your personal goals.  For beginners, we recommend your first goal is as simple as making it.  No need to rush because you've got to get yourself back down the same trail, and spaghetti-legs certainly don't help!  See how long the first trip takes, then set a time target just slightly shorter for the next event.  Beyond time targets, it's also helpful to benchmark your physical response to each challenge.  
• Start it right!  Hydrate as soon as you wake-up and make sure you've eaten a full breakfast.  Check our current conditions page so you know what you're getting into for the day.  If you have a morning stretch or yoga routine, all the better...plan to arrive limbered up.  Arrive early (gate opens at 8:30am). 
• Team up.  We recommend skiing with a buddy to ensure you're not alone on the trail and it is just more fun with a friend!  
• Bring snacks to make sure you have enough fuel to get to your destination and plenty of water to keep you hydrated *Please note, there is no running water at our base facilities but we do have drinks available for purchase at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre.
• Review your tools.  Consider Climbing/'Kicker' skins for your XC Skis.  They are an excellent tool to help save energy during the long climbs into the lodge – these are available for rent at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre.  If you have limited experience, we recommend using classic skis as they are better suited for long distance. If possible, use gear that you're familiar with and has already been broken in.  Even if the gear is familiar, be sure to pack some extra bandaids and moleskin in the event of pesky blisters!
• Bring extra clothing layers for the variety of conditions you may experience: start with thin layers (it's the first 3.5km that's a grunt), but pack some warmer layers as temperature will drop with the elevation gain.  The ski out can be quite chilly once you start going downhill on Mainline Trail; that's when you'll really be grateful for the added layer! 
• Take it all in.  On top of getting an amazing full body workout, you are in one of the most beautiful places on earth...big claim yes, but there's no hesitation making it.  Let the sights and sounds of the surrounding environment energize you along the way.  

Go for it! The first event is this Sunday... Advanced registration is required; this allows us to place an appropriate food order before the event. Registration closes at 50 participants. The event cost is $10 per person for registered participants + Ski Callaghan Admissions (trail ticket fee or season pass)

Call us at 604.964.0058 or email us at info@callaghancountry.com to register.

A hot chili lunch (both meat and veggie) will be served up at Journeyman Lodge from 12pm – 2pm. Event Participants are welcome to use our traditional woodfired sauna, but will need to bring their own towels.