22 The Importance of P<strong>la</strong>nning a Mountain Trip By the Centre d’ava<strong>la</strong>nche <strong>de</strong> <strong>la</strong> Haute-<strong>Gaspésie</strong> Trip p<strong>la</strong>nning is essential for managing ava<strong>la</strong>nche risk and other backcountry hazards. The process helps you make informed <strong>de</strong>cisions when choosing a <strong>de</strong>stination, based on the diffi culties and risks of the route, the experience and expectations of the members of your group, the avai<strong>la</strong>ble equipment, and of course, the weather and ava<strong>la</strong>nche conditions. The fi rst step is research to gather all the information you need to i<strong>de</strong>ntify one or more routes appropriate for the group. Get informed by perusing the listings of avai<strong>la</strong>ble activities, books and gui<strong>de</strong>s, magazine articles, maps of the area and Google Earth, in addition to consulting the park staff and people who know the area. Make sure that the chosen <strong>de</strong>stination meets the expectations of the group and is suited to their experience and ability. The second step is preparation to document your chosen route. How diffi cult is it? How long? What is the elevation change? Is it possible to backtrack? What are the possible risks, such as ava<strong>la</strong>nche-prone slopes and bodies of water, the chances of getting lost and the distance from rescuers in case of acci<strong>de</strong>nt? At this stage, a trip p<strong>la</strong>n and itinerary should be established, taking into account the characteristics of the route. Individual and group equipment (fi rst aid, ava<strong>la</strong>nche safety, communication, navigation, repair, clothing, food and water, etc.) should also be prepared and checked to make sure it is all in working or<strong>de</strong>r. The <strong>la</strong>st step is a fi nal check the day before or the morning of <strong>de</strong>parture. Check the <strong>la</strong>test forecasts for the weather, snow conditions and ava<strong>la</strong>nche risk, and then use this information to <strong>de</strong>ci<strong>de</strong> whether to modify the p<strong>la</strong>nned route. Once the itinerary is fi nalized, give it to someone who is not going on the trip, so they can alert rescuers if nee<strong>de</strong>d. The group should also agree on a lea<strong>de</strong>r, usually the most experienced person, who will be able to handle unforeseen situations and make critical <strong>de</strong>cisions if nee<strong>de</strong>d. After all these steps, you’re fi nally ready to go! But bear in mind that the mountains are wil<strong>de</strong>rness and they are not patrolled in winter. To make sure that they remain a safe p<strong>la</strong>ce to enjoy, the Centre d’ava<strong>la</strong>nche recommends that you take ava<strong>la</strong>nche safety and fi rst aid c<strong>la</strong>sses, make sure you have the necessary equipment and know how to use it, and check the weather forecast before heading out. If you feel uncertain, a professional gui<strong>de</strong> can choose the best route for you and help ensure your safety in the mountains. © Luc Rousseau www.parcsquebec.com
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