As winter tightens its grip on the Canadian Rockies, outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for adventures in the snow. To ensure they do so safely, Alberta Parks and the non-profit organization Friends of Kananaskis are once again hosting their crucial annual Winter Safety Day. The event is scheduled for Sunday, January 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canoe Meadows Day Use Area in Kananaskis Country.
A Hands-On Guide to Winter Wilderness Safety
This family-friendly gathering is designed for people of all experience levels, from seasoned backcountry veterans to those new to Alberta's rugged winter landscape. The day will be packed with interactive presentations and demonstrations led by a coalition of experts. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn directly from search and rescue groups, wildlife and conservation experts, and various sporting organizations.
The program covers a comprehensive range of essential topics for safe winter recreation. Participants can gain knowledge about emergency survival skills, proper equipment for different activities, winter ecology, and a variety of winter sports. One of the highlights promises to be a live mock avalanche rescue demonstration featuring a trained avalanche rescue dog and its handler, showcasing the critical work of these canine teams.
Addressing a Surge in Backcountry Visitation
The event comes at a time when pressure on Kananaskis Country and similar wilderness areas has never been higher. Trevor Julian, Executive Director of Friends of Kananaskis, points to two key factors driving the increase. "More and more people are recreating in the wilderness and in the backcountry, as a result of the growing population of Calgary," Julian stated.
He also noted a significant and lasting spike in interest that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We saw a really big uptick during Covid, where outdoor recreation is one of the few things you could do," he explained. "But that interest has kind of stayed, and so the visits to K-country are up dramatically in the last five years or so."
Why Winter Demands Special Preparation
Julian emphasized that the winter months present a fundamentally different and more hazardous environment for recreation. "It is a really different environment in the winter," he said, highlighting the need for specific knowledge and gear. This is particularly vital for newcomers to Alberta, who may be unprepared for the unique challenges of the mountain winter. "We certainly have cold across the country, but the mountains and the snow that we get is really a different environment and requires different preparation," Julian added.
Carolyn Bouwsema, Vice President of the Calgary Search and Rescue Association (CALSARA), echoed this sentiment, stating plainly that preparation is key to winter and outdoor safety. Julian further explained that while experienced adventurers often have a sharper awareness of risks due to past encounters, newcomers can be dangerously unaware. "If you do this long enough, you’re going to come into situations that make you understand that the consequences are real," he warned.
Common oversights can be surprisingly simple yet potentially deadly. "Something as simple as not telling people where you’re going and when you’re going to be back is a really key first thing to know," Julian noted, a mistake his group sees frequently.
Beyond the critical safety education, the Winter Safety Day also aims to build community. The event will feature fire pits, free hot dogs, and hot chocolate, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families and outdoor lovers to connect and share their passion for Alberta's breathtaking winter wilderness responsibly.
