(Hopefully) Arctic Tundra Backpacking and Backcountry Skiing at the Dolly Sods

OVERVIEW

Let’s go get cold. I’ve never been to the Dolly Sods (which is apparently ultra-awesome), so I say let’s do the damn thing. Weather hasn’t been as cold as I’d like it, but next week’s supposed to drop some degrees (looks like lows in the 20s and highs in the mid to low 30s with possibilities of snow—ideally we’ll get dumped on as soon as we park the cars). The original plan was to snowshoe around for a few days and ski/board down whatever hills/mountains we might find and then end the expedition at Timberline Resort for a day of on-slope action-fun. Winter’s being a little shy as of late, so the snowshoeing and backcountry skiing might not happen, but the backpacking sure will, and with Timberline lift tickets running at a mere 18 buckaroos a pop with a valid student ID, there’s no reason not to go be wild and wonderful. How’s that for a run-on.

We’ll drive up 3.5 hours and hike in a few miles on the 3rd. The next two days we’ll probably hike 10 or 12 miles each or maybe less (maybe more, who knows) if we decide to go off-trail exploring and find some multi-pitch peaks to ascend. The 6th, we’ll hike up to the top of Timberline, slap some planks on and go get a lift ticket. If there really isn’t any snow in the backcountry, we may leave the skis/boards in the car and just hike to the parking lot. We shred for most of the day and then head back to Cville late afternoon or evening.

Please do not sign up for this trip if you don’t have some kind of cold-weather camping experience and warm clothes. Or if you don’t shred the pow. It may not be Arctic, but it won’t be warm either. While the snowshoeing and backcountry skiing are looking doubtful, sign up knowing it’s a possibility. If we do pack skis/boards and boots and snowshoes, you’ll probably be carrying a significant amount of weight. You might be carrying a significant amount of weight anyway.

We’ll be taking the…wait for it…FOUR SEASON TENTS! Get excited.

If you need gear from the gear room (particularly a pack or sleeping bag) plan to come up on Monday the 2nd to get it and pack it up. If you need a place to stay, there’s plenty of room at my house. Actually, everyone is welcome Monday night. It will be fun. We can all look at maps or something.

I need drivers. If you have questions, hit me up. For those of you wondering, MAX MCHALE is kindasorta coleading this nonsense.

You provide:
warm LAYERS including warms socks and head garment and excluding cotton
raingear
water bottles/camelbak (at least two liters)
Snackage
bowl and a spoon
Ski or Snowboard and boots and related gear
Backpack (club can supply)
Sleeping Bag and pad (club can supply)
Headlamp (club can supply)
other useful camping things (e.g. knife, whatever)
extra cash

Club Provides:
Transit
Gas reimbursement up to $150 per car
Meals up to $6/person/day
Snowshoes
all other camping necessities

Jah Provide:
the bread