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Which Group Should I Hike With?
Plan ahead…
Ensure your hike, snowshoe or ski trip is an enjoyable day out. Know your limits. When choosing
between A, B and C groups consider:
• Given the trail’s elevation, terrain and length, is it within my ability to complete it safely and
within the allotted time?
• Given the group’s pace, is it a comfortable speed for me? Can I keep up with the others all day?
• Which activities are my priorities?
• During the winter, am I sufficiently skilled on skis or snowshoes for the group activity?
• ….and how am I feeling today? (Having an off day? Consider dropping down a level.)
Skrastins hiking groups explained:
“A” Groups:
• Distance: 12 to 18 kilometres return.
• Elevation gain: 500 to 1000 metres.
• Terrain: may include exposed areas or loose rock.
• Pace: brisk and steady, 4 to 6 kms/hour (elevation gain 300 m+ per hour) depending on the trail,
and/or weather.
• Hike duration: 5.5+ hours.
• Activity priority: physical exercise, achieve distance and elevation objectives.
• A1s: minimal breaks, sit-down lunch optional.
• A2s: limited breaks, stops for photos, 10+ minute sit-down lunch (seasonal).
“B1” Groups:
• Distance: 10 to 15 kilometres return.
• Elevation gain: 400 to 750 metres.
• Terrain: may include exposed areas or loose rock.
• Pace: moderate and steady, 3 to 5 kms/hour (elevation gain 200 m+ per hour) depending on the
trail, and/or weather.
• Hike duration: 4.5 to 5 hours.
• Activity priority: physical activity, observing nature, photography, etc.
• Periodic breaks, stops for photos; approx. 10-15 minute sit-down lunch (seasonal).
“B2” Groups:
• Distance: 8 to 12 kilometres return.
• Elevation gain: 250 to 600 metres.
• Terrain: sure footed trails.
• Pace: moderate, 3 to 4 kms/hour (elevation gain 150 m+ per hour) depending on the trail,
and/or weather.
• Hike duration: 4 to 5 hours.
• Activity priority: outdoor experience with physical activity, observing nature, photography etc.
• Frequent breaks and stops; 15+ minute sit-down lunch (seasonal).
“C” Groups:
• Distance: 6 to 8 kilometres return.
• Elevation gain: 50 to 250 metres.
• Terrain: sure footed trails.
• Pace: mellow, 2 to 3 kms/hour depending on the trail, and/or weather.
• Hike duration: 3 to 4 hours.
• Activity priority: outdoor experience, observing nature, photography etc.
• Frequent breaks and stops; may include restaurant lunch or shopping opportunities when
available.
Trip example:
Moraine Lake area, Banff National Park
A1/A2 fast groups: Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass over to Paradise Valley, approx. 17 km
(elev. gain/loss 720 m). Duration of 5.5+ hours.
A2/B1 groups: Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass, approx. 12km (elev. gain/loss 720 m).
Duration of 4.5 hours.
B2 faster group: Larch Valley to Upper Minnestimma Lake, approx. 9 km (elev. gain/loss
580 m). Duration of 4 hours.
B2 slower group: Larch Valley to Upper Minnestimma Lake, approx. 9 km, or as far as
possible (elev. gain/loss 580 m). Duration of 4-5 hours.
C group: Consolation Lakes, approx. 5.8 km (elev. gain/loss 90 m). Duration of 3 hours.
Optional add-on hikes: Lake Moraine lakeshore or Rockpile.