** BUS TRIP ** Banff Ski/Snowshoe/Hike 31 Mar 2022 Revised

Day Leader – John Boyd

Bus Coordinator: Carolyn Ardell, ardell5@telusplanet.net 403-660-1825

REVISED:

Banff has snow but trails have Spring Conditions ie freeze / thaw probably icy in morning and slushy in spots. Government of Canada Weather forecast shows positive daytime temperatures of approx 9 deg C Sunday to Thursday with negative night-time temperatures all week. For skiers, track conditions are shown on https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/etat-sentiers-trail-conditions. As of Saturday 26 Mar, Spray River West shown as “Icy sections.; Slushy sections ; Freeze / thaw cycle;”. Trails in Banff National Park are shared use but avoid snowshoeing or walking on the track sets. Winter brochure available on https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/brochures.

Current plan is Biffy Break at Canmore Info Centre; Drop off at Banff Train Station for B1/B2 hikers doing Tunnel Mtn. Then to Banff Springs for Skiers and Snowshoers doing Spray River Trails; then up to Gondola for A/B1 Hikers doing Sulphur Mtn. Then to Cave & basin for B2/C hikers. Note Cave & Basin entrance is free with your Discovery / Park Pass. Bus will remain at Cave & Basin Parking Lot for as long as permitted before returning to Gondola Parking approx 4.5 hours after drop off.

Bring your snowshoes and ice grippers, especially for Sulphur Mtn and Tunnel Mtn trips.

Remember COVID restrictions will be in force at the various usual hang outs in Banff.

Bus Fare $20; Bus cancelled if less than 30 registered on Bus

Cancellations after 6 pm on Tuesday will be NO-SHOWS and will have to pay the Bus Fare.

Bus departing from Montgomery only at 8:00 AM

Limit of 55 people on Bus – priority will be given to Evergreens Members over guests.

BB – Canmore Visitor Centre

Will allow approx. 5 hours of ski/snowshoe/hiking time. Bus dropoff/pickups: Banff Train Station, Banff Springs if required and Gondola Parking Lot and Cave & Basin,

***Note: an up to date National Park Pass is required – do check your website profile to be sure your Park Pass information displays. (or pay $10 extra if you do  not have a pass).

Spikes/traction devices are recommended if you you intend to walk rather than ski  or snowshoe.

Our hikes will align with Alberta Health COVID-19 recommendations, which change occasionally, but can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx ; Alberta Parks Guidance related COVID-19 can be found at: https://albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/news-events/response-to-covid-19/

Please contact Day Leader to volunteer to lead a group, or to request a specific activity in the area.

Note: If you wish to join the outing, but drive yourself to the trailhead, please register with your choice of activity AND email the bus coordinator to ask them to move you to the ‘Car’ list.

Please ensure you choose a activity option before pressing ‘Register’

Charter Bus Procedures  –       COVID-19 Protocol

1. All people coming on the trip must be fully vaccinated. Stay off the bus if not fully vaccinated with both COVID-19 shots at least 2 weeks before the trip. Proof must be provided ahead of time. Similarly all drivers and passengers must provide or have provided proof of vaccination at the time that you register for a trip.
2. Stay home if you are not feeling well or have any COVID-19 symptoms, or might be at risk in any other way.
3. Passenger name, address, and phone number may be shared with Universal Bus lines to facilitate later contact tracing if necessary. Information will be destroyed after 14 days.
4. By registering for the trip on-line, you are agreeing to abide by the Evergreen Club Policies and Safety procedures, as well as the COVID-19 Protocol. Sign in sheets will not be passed around.
5. Masks to be worn throughout the time inside the bus. Masks to cover both nose and mouth. Exception is when being careful while taking a drink or eating a snack.
6. Two metre physical distancing to be maintained wherever possible. (Physical distancing does not apply to members of the same household). This includes while boarding and disembarking.
7. Passengers are expected to enter, exit and manage their own belongings inside and outside the bus without engaging the driver.
8. Passengers are to deposit and retrieve their own gear from the vehicle’s baggage bins being very careful of physical distancing requirements. Good idea to have poles, snowshoes and skis labeled.
9. The driver is required to wear a mask and gloves when engaging passengers outside of the bus.
10. Passengers must use the same seat throughout the trip both going to and from the destination.
11. Passengers are to remain in their seats at all times except for the Day Leader and Bus Coordinator.
12. Bus washroom is not available except for emergency use. A washroom stop will be made enroute at a visitor centre.
13. Passengers to bring their own masks, gloves (if desired), tissues, and hand sanitizer.
14. There is no trash disposal bin on the bus. Passengers to take home their own trash and dispose of it safely at home.
15. Disembarking starts from the front seats followed by the next rows in turn.
16. Nothing to be passed around on the bus which means no binders with maps, no sign in sheets, no treats, etc. (exception for cards).
17. Bus fare will be collected by the Bus Coordinator or designate coming down the aisle to collect. No change will be given, so please bring the exact amount by cash or cheque.
18. Bring your own radio and bear spray if you have them.

• Trail Trip options will be offered for all  levels that have a leader and at least 3 other participants.