General Information

CLASSIFICATION OF HIKES:

In our schedule, hikes, ski trips, kayak trips, bike trips and multi-day camping/hiking trips are classified for difficulty by the descriptors Easy, Moderate, and Strenuous. Easy refers to little elevation gain and gentle terrain.

Most club members should have little trouble undertaking such a hike, ski or bike trip. Moderate refers to elevation gain up to 650 meters, some rocky terrain, and some steep slopes. Hikers/skiers/bikers should be quite fit and able to maintain a good pace for up to 5 hours.

Strenuous hikes etc. feature elevation gain of up to 1000 meters, steep climbs and slopes, rock outcrops, exposed slopes, cliffs and steep descents, sometimes over scree slopes. Hikers, skiers, and bikers must be fit, experienced, and able to maintain long ascents. Hikes may take up to 8
hours. Hiking poles are strongly recommended.

REGISTERING FOR HIKES/EVENTS:

Each event has a designated leader who is in charge of the event.  Members must email or phone the leader in advance to register for each event and provide them with the following: your name, cell number, an emergency contact phone number (only to be used should something
happen to you during the event). In addition, let them know if you will meet the group at the trail head or a prearranged, designated meeting spot (eg. Home Hardware in Penticton), as well as if you are wanting to carpool or willing to drive.

Leaders have sole discretion to determine such things as whether dogs are allowed and the hike pace. If you have queries about the event, contact the leader directly.

MEETING PLACES and TIMES:

The default meeting place is at the Home Hardware overflow parking lot (1652 Fairview Road, Penticton) unless otherwise noted. Meeting times are set by the event leader, but in the spring/summer season, trips generally begin at 8:00 am to avoid heat later in the day. In the fall/winter season events usually begin at 9:00 am. Always check the current schedule for location and start times.

On long weekends there are usually no hikes scheduled, although any member is welcome to organize a hike and advertise it. Please check with the club President or Secretary in advance.

CARPOOLING:

Individuals electing to carpool to the trailhead are asked to help defray driver costs. Suggested amounts based on driving time one-way are: 15-30 minutes, $5; 30-60 minutes, $10; over 60 minutes, $15.

Leaders have complete control over their trips. If you have registered for an event and are unable to attend, please phone the leader ASAP so that people will not be kept waiting.

WHAT TO PACK:

A suitable daypack is essential. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, more if the day promises to be hot and the hike strenuous. In summer a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended. Pack a lunch and snacks. Bring hiking poles for the more difficult hikes or if specifically recommended by the hike leader.

A first aid kit is essential and toilet-paper a good idea.  Summer gaiters are useful to prevent pine needles, dirt, dust and spear grass seeds from getting into socks and boots.

Consider wearing long pants where scratchy / spiky brush or deadfall timber may present a scratching hazard. In spring, wear long pants (tucked into socks) to avoid ticks, and check your clothes and exposed skin during and after the hike.

SNOW:

Early and late season hikes, especially at higher elevations, may take hikers into snow. Be prepared for snow, slush, and slippery or wet conditions. Waterproof boots, snow gaiters and poles are recommended.

SAFETY:

Hikes and other events are carefully organized to be as safe as possible.  Hikers are expected to come suitably clothed, with proper boots and equipment, and be entirely self-sufficient with adequate food and drink.  Individuals are responsible for choosing events that best suit, and do not exceed, their capabilities.

If in doubt, ask the leader. It is the prerogative of the leader to refuse or turn back any person who, in their opinion, is not properly equipped or fit enough.

MULTI-DAY HIKING TRIPS:

Penticton Outdoors Club has been organizing multi-day summer hiking trips to national and provincial parks that offer outstanding hikes.  Over the years, these have included three-to five-day trips to the Monashees, Banff National Park, Yoho NP, Waterton Lakes NP, Glacier NP (Montana), the Kootenays, the Purcells and Manning Park.

Any club member is welcome to propose and plan such a trip for the upcoming summer period.  Members are responsible for their own camping or other accommodation arrangements and for  transportation, including car sharing. Notice of such trips will be advertised on our website in advance.

This is your club! Please come to the annual general meeting, social events, planning meetings and consider offering to lead hike, ski, snowshoe, kayak or bike trip this year.

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