Itinerary, Facility, Equipment, Preparation and FAQ
Snowshoeing and Igloo Building
Itinerary:
Length of Program: 4-6 hours for core activities of snowshoeing and shelter building will be 4-6 hours based on participants' preference, weather condition and the distance of the location from GTA.
Starting Time: If the location is in GTA, we will meet at a parking lot/spot near the trail head at 9:30am.If the location is north of GTA, we will arrange for carpooling wherever possible, and aim to reach the trail head by 10:30am.
Programing: We will snowshoe to a relatively secluded area first and then build a shelter which can be a quinzee, igloo or snow fort depending on the snow condition. A tent will be setup as a temporary shelter for rest/lunch/drinks.
Equipment:
All equipment are provided by Zen Climb.
Personal Preparation:
Head - Tuque is good. It covers most of your head including ears! Adding a bandana or mask to cover your nose and cheeks is necessary when temperature drops to -20C and it is windy. Sunglasses or snow goggles are good for both UV and wind protection.
Body - Layered clothing to keep you warm and make it easier to take a layer off when you begin to sweat in activities. Outer layer should be water proof or water resistant. Base layer, i.e. the first layer on your skin, is better to be synthetic so it doesn't absorb moisture to get wet. It doesn't hurt to bring extra clothing.
Feet - Winter boots are recommended. On a mild day, when temperature is above 0C, you may get away with ordinary hiking boots or shoes. On a cold day when temperature hovers -15C, without winter boots, you will have to stay in your car all day. Bring extra pair of socks. Wool or synthetic socks are better. Bring grocery plastic bags that you can use to wrap around your socks or cover your none water resistant shoes for added protection.
Hands - Water-resistant gloves or mittens are preferred. Bring two pairs when possible.
Food & Water - Pack your lunch and water (or hot drinks in a thermal bottle) in your daypack.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Is your company insured?
A: Yes.
Q: Is it possible that a quinzee or igloo may collapse?
A: Yes, it is possible. For this reason, you and everyone involved will exercise caution while building one. At no time, you should attempt to build one on your own. We will always have people outside the quinzee/igloo ready to help in case it collapses. You can always choose work on the outer side of the shelter.