ESSO ANNUITANT HIKING CLUB

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Updated May 2015

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION/POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

2. TRANSPORTATION POLICIES

3. HIKERS – PRE-HIKE POLICIES/GUIDELINES

4. TIPS ON SAFE/ENJOYABLE HIKING

5. GROUP LEADER

6. TRAIL PLANNING COMMITTEE

APPENDIX A – TELEPHONE NUMBERS

APPENDIX B – WAIVER & RELEASE FORM

APPENDIX C – FEES

APPENDIX D - HIKING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

APPENDIX E – WALKIE TALKIE PROCEDURES

1. INTRODUCTION/POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

  1. The primary objective of the Club is to provide opportunity for its members to experience comradeship and enjoyment while hiking in the scenic and historical splendours found in the mountains/foothills of western Alberta.
  2. Hikers are generally organized into five groups (A1,A2,BI,B2,and C) based upon each hiker's own assessment of his/her physical capabilities. Each group must haveat least four people, and will have a Group Leader and an optional Tail Ender.
  3. The Club does not knowingly hike on trails that:
  • may be unsafe due to bear sightings/warnings, weather or trail conditions; or
  • may be too strenuous for the majority of hikers in any group

Note: Hikes will not normally be cancelled due to inclement weather. If the scheduled trail is unsuitable, an alternative trail will be selected. Only in extreme conditions will a hike be cancelled.

  1. Each year the Club Executive Committee sets fees for the following:
  • Membership Registration fee. (Special Guests do not pay a registration fee.)
  • Weekly hiking fee for Members and Guests (for bus/car pool).
  • Park fee for hikes into the National Parks for hikers who do not have their own current Park Pass.
  • A onetime fee for some functions.

Note: Esso Resources Annuitants and spouses (including Associate members) must be paid up members of the Esso Resources Annuitant Club (Calgary) in order to participate in the Hiking Club as a Member.

  1. Guests are welcome and require a sponsor for all hikes.If you do bring a guest, be sure that you hike in the same group or have another club member act as a “hiking buddy” if you decide to hike in different groups.
  2. Outdoor activities such as hiking have varying degrees of inherent risk. Each member and guest must be prepared to accept these risks and be responsible for their own safety.The Hiking Club assumes no liability for any injuries, losses or damages resulting from, or in connection with, any Club activity, including travel to and from trail destinations.The Club does not carry any liability insurance or allocate any funds for this purpose. The Hiking Club requires that all participants sign a current Waiver & Release form prior to their first hike or walk. (See Appendix ‘B’ for the form.
  3. All hikersshould ensure they are properly attired and have food and liquid refreshments with them. Anyone who has concerns about the rigors of the hike should consult with the Trail Planner or other member of the Club’s Executive Committee regarding the available trail options before setting out for the day.
  4. For administrative purposes the Hiking Club consists of 3 “levels”, (1) Members,(2) Regular Guests and (3) Guests. Regular Guests are guests who have participated in 3 or more hikes or are expected to do so.

2. TRANSPORTATION POLICIES

1The Transportation Planning Committee is responsible for receiving and recording registrations for each hike.The Transportation Planning Committee will be made up of four or five Transportation Planners (or other number as may be decided by the President). The term for a Transportation Planner will usually be 2 consecutive hiking seasons. Prior to the beginning of the upcoming hiking season the outgoing President and incoming President will ensure there is full slate of Transportation Planners. The Transportation Planners will meet at least once before the beginning of the forthcoming season to divide up responsibilities.

2Hiking Club Members and Regular Guests register for the current week’s hike by responding to the Evite invitationby 10:00 a.m. on the Monday prior to the hike. When Monday falls on a Statutory Holiday, the deadline is 10:00 a.m. on the Tuesday prior to the hike. If the participant does not have access to the internet, it is his or her responsibility to contact the Transportation Planner by phone before the registration deadline.

3On the Monday morning prior to the hike (or prior to any other deadline as may be specified in the bus contract), the assigned Transportation Planner will advise the bus company if a bus is not required that week.

4If a Member or Regular Guest (or their Guest) decides to cancel out after committing to go on a hike, he or she must notify the assigned Transportation Planner prior to city departure time. If the hiker cancels after the Monday 10:00a.m. deadline, he or she will be charged the weekly hiking fee, unless the reason for cancellation is illness or other emergency. (Please refer also to Section 3, item 2)

5Hikers must arrange for their own transportation between their residence and the city departure point. A comfortable air conditioned 56 passenger bus will normally be used (or car pools, if necessary) for going to and returning from the trail head(s). Accurate head counts must be maintained for the bus and car pools at all times.

6City departure time is 7.45 a.m. sharp from the designated city departure location.

7Car pools will generally be used and arranged for by the assigned Transportation Planner whenever it is determined by the Transportation Planner and/or President that there are not enough registered hikers to proceed with a bus charteror when all registered hikers cannot be accommodated on the bus.

8Drivers will be selected from the Volunteer Driver listing and notified at least 24 hours prior to a hikewhen possible. The following principleshave been developed to try to ensure that there is equitable treatment of car pool drivers. The assigned Transportation Planner for a given hike will have discretion to apply and will be guided by the following principles:

a)Forming car pools: When the number of hikers exceed the bus capacity byone or more, a car pool will be formed forfour registrants in order to fairly compensate the car pool provider for the use of his or her vehicle. If the car pool driver agrees, the number of riders in the car pool (including the driver) may be less than four.

b)Car pools direct to trailhead: The Transportation Planner responsible for a given hike will have the discretion to allow a car pool to join the bus at the trail head or an agreed alternate location provided that the group signup information has been provided to the Transportation Planner for the members of the car pool.

c)Late registrants: Late registrants are those signing up after the sign up deadline or those who appear at the bus without having registered. If someone calls the Transportation Planner after the deadline and there is no room on the bus, the late registrant will be assigned to a car pool if the car pool driver agrees.

9Each passenger in a car pool is expected to contribute his or her share of the transportation expense incurred by the car pool driver.The appropriate contribution is the equivalent Member’s hiking fare and should be offered on or before arrival in Calgary.

10Hikers and guests in car pools should tell the Transportation Planner which group they plan to hike with (i.e. as an AI,A2,BI,B2,or C hiker) prior to city departure.

11For the convenience of hikers in car pools, the Transportation Planner will attempt,whenever practical, to allocate hikers of the same trail group to the same vehicle.

12At the discretion of the Transportation Planner and the President, hikers may be permitted to arrange their own transportation to and from the trailhead.However, in cases where the bus is not at full capacity they will be required to pay the equivalent hiking fee to the Club.

13No smoking is permitted on the bus.

14No pets are permitted.

15Be on time for both the trip out and the return trip. (Better still, plan on being about 5-10 minutes early).

16Wash room facilities are available on the bus. However, a bathroom stop may be made on the way to the trail head, if it is logistically practical. Facilitiesare also available at most trail heads.

17Hiking fees will usually be collected prior to boarding the bus on the outbound trip to the trailhead.

18Return arrival times in the city depend on distances hiked and the distances the trails are from the city. Normally, arrival times back in the city will be between 4.30 pm and 5.00 PM with National Park hikes typically between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

3. HIKERS – PRE-HIKE POLICIES/GUIDELINES

1Keep informed of upcoming hikes. The Hiking Schedule is available at

The Hiking Schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Club Executive Committee, because of imposed trail closures, trail conditions or unfavourable weather. A change of hiking venue will not be accepted as a reason for cancelling a hike commitment without penalty.

2If you have committed to go on a hike, (either as a member or a guest), but cancel after the Monday 10:00A.M. deadline or fail to appear at the departure location before 7:45 a.m. on Thursday,you are required to pay the hiking fee (excluding the Park fee if applicable to that week’s hike). In case of illness or emergency, please advise the Transportation Planner or a member of the executive committee as soon as possible. The cancellation penalty will not be incurred in these situations.

3On the trip out to the trail head you will be asked to complete a Group Signup Sheet by placing a √ in the appropriate column ("Al","A2", "BI ", "B2", or "C"). You must make your own decision (and/or heed the good advice of friends) as to which group of hikers will be most suitable for you. Do take into account your hiking experience, physical conditioning, health concerns, trail conditions, elevation gains and time available. However, if you are a novice hiker and in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult the Trail Planner or any other member of the Executive Committee. Also, be continually aware of your physical condition and limits and consider dropping back to a slower group. Always err on the side of caution, rather than putting yourself at risk and adversely affecting the hiking experience of the others in your hiking group.

As a general rule consider that:

"A1" Group hike at a fast pace, have very few (if any) rest stops, will climb to high elevations (600 to 1000m) and may hike an Equivalent Distance of 22 km.

"A2" Group consists of the slower "A1" hikers and will have the odd rest stop (generally after each 100 metres of elevation gain) during their Equivalent Distance of 20 km.

"B1” Group hike at a moderately fast pace, take a few rest and refreshment stops, may take on elevation gains of up to 700 m, and may hike up to Equivalent Distance of 18 km (normally 16-18 km).

"B2" Group hike at a normal walking pace, have frequent rest/refreshment stops, take some time to enjoy the scenery, discuss topical issues, may take on elevation gains of up to 400 m, and may hike up to Equivalent Distance of 14 km. (normally 12-14 km).

"C" Groups hike at a leisurely/enjoyable pace, have quite frequent stops to: take a breather, take on refreshments, discuss/look at flowers, mushrooms, lichen or anything else of significant interest. Sometimes climb 200 m and trek up to Equivalent Distance of 10 km (normally 8-10 km).

NOTE: “Equivalent Distance” is calculated as trail distance plus 1 km for each 100 metres of elevation gain.

Hiking Group Guidelines

GROUP / PACE / CLIMB / DIST. / HEIGHT / EQUIV. / TIME
km/hr / m/hr / Km. / m. / DIST.* / hrs:min
A1 / 5 / 500 / 16 / 600 / 22 / 4:24
A2 / 4.5 / 400 / 15 / 500 / 20 / 4:34
B1 / 4.0 / 300 / 14 / 300 / 17 / 4:30
B2 / 3.5 / 200 / 12 / 200 / 14 / 4:25
C / 2 / 100 / 7 / 100 / 8 / 4:30

*100 m. climb equivalent to 1 km flat distance.

4Please ensure you have your hiking fee with you (preferably correct change).

5Payment can be made by cheque (payable to ‘Esso Annuitant Hiking Club’) but credit cards are not accepted.

4. TIPS ON SAFE/ENJOYABLE HIKING/WALKING

1ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

Hiking/walking is an excellent form of recreation. Benefits include social interaction and companionship, physical and mental well being, and an opportunity to experience and learn about the natural history and environment of local areas. Do bring your binoculars, cameras, guidebooks, flower books etc and share similar interests/experiences with your fellow hikers/walkers.

2PERSONAL NEEDS (See Appendix D)

Be prepared! Weather and trail conditions can change dramatically in a short period of time. Don't forget your medications and carry a light weight first aid kit. Minor bruises, cuts and abrasions are not uncommon.

Wear comfortable, quality foot wear having ankle support and grip type soles. Consider wearing a thin pair of synthetic socks under your other socks to help keep your feet dry. If your designated trail for the daymay cross shallow creeks, you may wish to bring an extra pair of socks.

The weather in the mountains and foothills is highlyunpredictable. Be prepared forrain or snow showers at any time of the year. Be sure to always pack rain gear, a poncho or an umbrella. Even a large plastic bag with holes cut for your head and arms will do in a pinch

Wear warm, light weight dry clothing in layers. Wear underclothing that wicks sweat from your skin (e.g. polypropylene, etc). The next layer should be a light weight, warm shirt that absorbs moisture (e.g. wool, etc). Over this you may want a light weight sweater. Last but not least bring a light weight, warm, wind proof jacket. Avoid sweating too much by peeling off a layer or two. This will avoid becoming chilled from damp clothing.

Don't forget insect repellent, a hat, sun screen, sun glasses, and, it is sometimes prudent to bring an extra pair of trousers/pants and another sweater. You should also pack a pair of gloves or mitts and warm headwear (e.g. toque), particularly for hikes in the spring and fall or when hiking at higher altitudes. Try to anticipate conditions while on the trail.

3FOOD AND FLUIDS

Bring a substantial lunch and water (or your favourite thirst quencher). Water in the mountains/foothills is rarely available and may be contaminated. Hot drinks and soups are wonderful on cool damp days.You may consider carrying a few water purification tablets in you pack just in case.

The body dehydrates continuously even on easy hikes and cool days. Take short but frequent rest breaks (2 to 4 each hour), drink liquids and replenish your energy supply with nutritious trail mix, energy food bars, raisins, nuts etc.

4KNOW YOUR PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS

You are hiking/walking for enjoyment, so do not subject yourself to undue physically stress and strain. Ensure that you do not hike/walk with a group that may be hiking/walking too fast, too far, or on a trail too difficult for you. Nearly all of us have at one time or another over estimated our hiking/walking capabilities. An expected outcome of the aging process is that we will join slower hiking groups as the years pass by. Rest/refreshment stops are also factors related to "comfort level". If your Group Leader doesn't take enough adequate rest stops tell him/her!

If you are a newcomer to hiking/walking, leave the challenges for later. Your stamina and endurance will increase with time as you hike/walk more or participate in a fitness program.

Last but not least, if you have any doubts or concerns about your hiking/walking capabilities please get advice from your doctor.

5ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION

Please stay on the trails and do not take shortcuts.

When crossing a fragile or wet meadow-like area where the trail has disappeared, spread out individually to minimize the impact on vegetation and soil conditions.

Do not pick flowers, edible plants or otherwise damage vegetation.

Don't be a litterbug; pack out your garbage.

Make your bathroom excursions well off the trail, away from water sources and bury it.

6GROUP HIKING

For reasons of safety, accountability and enjoyment, hikers are divided into groups, based on their own assessment of health, physical condition and hiking ability (i.e. slow, intermediate, fast etc).It is important for safety and consideration of others that you stay together as a group. Please do not race ahead or lag behind. Try, as a group, to hike at a pace that is satisfactory for the slower to average hikers. Use the "buddy" system and be aware of your companions' (and your own) state of well being and watch for shortness of breath, hyperthermia (dehydration - a hot, dry, tired state), or hypothermia (a cold, wet, tired state). Tell your companions immediately whenever you feel uncomfortable (i.e. shortness of breath, undue aches/pains, sprains, blisters etc).

For safety reasons we do not hike in groups of less than four people (In some instances we may allow a group of only three people to proceed).When there are several people in a group there is less chance of having a seriousencounter with a bear or other large animal. There have been, to date, no reported bear attacks on groups of six or more people (every bear attack is different so there are no guarantees regardless of the size of the group!).

Be wary and do not hurry when walking on loose rocks, scree, wet surfaces, exposed tree roots, marshy areas or on the return leg of a hike/walk, especially when you are feeling fatigued.