Club trips

How do trips work?
Trips are a great way for fellow climbers to meet, consolidate skills, and enjoy ourselves in the mountains.  For this to happen, we all need to know what to expect, and what is expected of us:

Process:

1. Trip leader volunteers to lead a trip

2. Sign up sheets go live ~2 months before the trip date

3. Club members research the route, and sign up for trips within their ability

4.  2-4 weeks before the trip, the sign up form is closed. The trip leader selects their group, and contacts all members who signed up to let them know

5. Trip leader fills out a trip plan (including risk management, emergency planning and plan B) to be approved by committee members

6. Tasks such as organising group gear, food, accommodation and transport are split across the group

7. All participants track weather and avalanche forecasts leading up to the trip, with the trip leader making the final call whether it goes ahead.

8. Trip goes ahead (or is cancelled or postponed)

9. One of the trip members writes a 1 - 2 page trip report, to be used by members for future planning.

Trip categories:

• ALP 1
  Generally suitable for those who have completed Snowcraft 1 (or equivalent experience).
  Grade 1 terrain - route requires proficient use of ice axe and crampons, but does not require ropes or pitched climbing.

• ALP 2  
  Generally suitable for those who have completed Snowcraft 2 (or equivalent experience).
  Grade 2+ terrain - route may also require two axes, ropes, pitched climbing, and placing natural protection in rock, snow and ice.

A plus sign (+) indicates additional difficulty or specific skills required. 

Key roles and responsibilities
Everyone has role in making trips safe, and successful:

Trip Leader:

• Point of contact for participants and NZAC committee

• Decides who is competent to participate

• Finalise the risk assessment and trip plan

• Has final say about the go/no-go for the trip, the route, and leadership on the day

• Decides on a second in charge if required

Trip Participant:

• Ensure they have required personal gear and any shared group gear

• Offer to organise food, accommodation or transport

• Monitor the weather and avalanche forecast leading up to the trip

• Support the trip leader during the trip

• Have the required level of fitness. At a minimum, an 8-hour day with a day pack and alpine gear. Some trips will require higher levels of fitness

Final points:
filling out these forms is an expression of interest only. your place on the trip will be confirmed by the trip leader based on available spaces, and suitable skills and experience.

We are always looking for new trip leaders. If this sounds like you, please contact one of our trip coordinators though the below email: trips@wellingtonalpineclub.org.nz