…to Backcountry Fest at Mount Cain. We will kick off the festival with outdoor movies on the evening of Friday, February 11th, followed by a full day of activities on Saturday, February 12th.
If you are interested in exploring the backcountry, come and learn the skills you need to do it safely. Avalanche Canada, Campbell River Search and Rescue, and The Lady Alliance will be on hand with information and training to help you learn how to explore the great outdoors. And make it home unharmed. There will be backcountry workshops and a beacon field complete with rescue scenarios.
Our friends from Ski Tak Hut will be making the journey from Courtenay with some gear for you to check out because, well, it is always the right time to buy new gear. And who knows, maybe Cain Cup champion Josh Cunnigham will make an appearance.
Arc’Teryx, Mammut, Blue Toque, Island Alpine Guides, Primus and Fatso have all donated prizes, which will be raffled off in the Beer Garden starting around 4:00. This will be accompanied by sweet sounds from a surprise DJ and mouthwatering food by Jamie.
So pack up your gear and come to Cain on Feb 11/12 for Backcountry Fest.
Note: Covid rules will be in place. Must be double vaxxed to enter the beer garden.
Did you know… that the mountain was calling as early as 1972 when the Mount Cain Ski Club was established, and plans were announced to build a 3,000 foot rope tow in the West Bowl? And did you know that the reason Mount Cain is where it is, instead of the West Bowl, is because of the whales?
At that time, MacMillan Bloedel had plans to build a logging operation and dry land in Robson Bight at the mouth of the Tsitika Valley – an essential area for the majestic Orcas. To protect critical whale habitat, BC Fish and Wildlife biologist Ian Smith recommended protecting the Tsitika headwaters, including the West Bowl. This put the nascent ski hill on hold. Canadian Forest Products (CanFor) came to the rescue in 1976 when they agreed to build a 2000 ft access road from the existing logging road to what is now the parking lot. So the next time you are standing at L4, looking across the mountains, take the time to thank the whales and the logging company that helped us get here.
From A Short History of Mount Cain Alpine Park Society, compiled by Jeff Jones.
As I write this, it is -1.6°C and there is a 166cm base on the Ridge Run, with a bit more snow in the forecast before the weekend.
See you on the slopes,
Jen
