This trip is dedicated to those who want to get an introduction to back country skiing and navigation. Conditions look promising for a mostly snowy day on Mt. Hood. Plan A: We will travel off trail from Barlow Pass, over to Ghost ridge and down the gentle slopes of Palmateer Meadows back to the car. 1300 ft elevation gain. (map here: https://caltopo.com/m/2CKG) Plan B (if snow level is high) Boy Scout Ridge (map here: https://caltopo.com/m/UMDD) For navigation, sign up and download the map and print off a paper copy. But the real lesson is in downloading the CALtopo software to both your PC​/​Mac and phone. Will go over the basics of both paper and electronic navigation and each will get a chance to lead us from point to point on this gentle backcountry, off-trail expedition. Requires back country ski equipment (can be rented as "tele light" or ATV from The Mountain Shop-don’t forget the skins). Split boards are welcome but the descent is pretty gentle and may not be steep enough for snowboarding. Meet at Clackamas Town Center TC, bring your annual sno-pass if you have it. TOTAL MILES: 4 miles ESTIMATED HIKING TIME: 4-6 hrs ELEVATION GAIN: 1500 ft DIFFICULTY RATING: Beginner to Intermediate APPROXIMATE RETURN TIME: 6:00 pm WEATHER FORECAST: check here: https://www.weather.gov/pqr/ DOGS: not on this one PERMITS: Snow park pass WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Make sure to bring: Back country skis (Tele light or AT skis) with Skins. best to rent the day before at Mountain shop, but you can also try Fox, Ottos and Meadowlark) poles Warm clothes (remember-cotton kills, best to use poly​/​silk!) Rain pants and down or fleece jacket A good outer shell. Water proofed boots or ski boots Hat & gloves Sunglasses and sunscreen Gaiters if you have them Food & water Headlamp-just in case Sno-park permit and chains or traction tires-

Route URL (optional)

Plan A: https://caltopo.com/m/2CKG Plan B: https://caltopo.com/m/UMDD

Where to find more info (optional)

https://www.meetup.com/portland-backcountry-skiing-meetup/events/304912118/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events