For 80 continuous years the Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies (SHCR) has held a wilderness camp and hike program during July-August in the Canadian Rockies at a different remote location annually.

And, the tradition continues in 2013.

			Camp 2013 Dates * Slots ** Slots ** Remaining as of 15 May Wait- Listed Camp 1 15-20 Jul 54 10 0 Camp 2 22-27 Jul 54 16 0 Camp 3 29 Jul - 3 Aug 54 29 0 Camp 4 5-10 Aug 54 34 0 Camp 5 12-17 Aug 54 16 0 * In-camp dates, which begin on Monday and end on Saturday. Participants are required to assemble by Sunday at 7:00 p.m. prior to camp for check-in and pre-hike meeting (compulsory). For onward travel planning purposes, the camps will be returning to check-in point in Red Deer on Saturday by 5:00 p.m. (1700 hrs). But you should allow for unplanned delays. ** Each camp will be restricted to a maximum of 50 participants plus four camp staff.

Camp 2013

South Ram is the location for the SHCR Camp 2013. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, the site is in the Alberta Bighorn Wilderness Recreation Area that abuts Banff and Jasper national parks. This site is a new location for the SHCR annual camp and hiking. The background photo on front page of this website shows panoramic view looking west to where the camp will be located – hiking destinations will be on the north and south sides of the valley.

The hike into camp from trailhead will follow a route meandering along the South Ram River for some 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) with a total vertical gain of 200 metres (650 ft.). You will see the South Ram River cascading through a gorge, distinct traces of old roads, equestrian trails still in use, pastoral meadows carpeted in seasonal flowers, and wildlife.

The campsite itself is as good as they get in the Canadian Rockies – flat, grassy meadow-like among open stands of scrub alpine fir and pine. Nestled in an east-west valley, early morning sun will greet you after a restful night, and extended daylight will close off the evening with a low-lying sunset in the mountains.

During your week in camp you will be able to participate in one of four to five or six hikes offered daily, ranging from easy, moderate to strenuous, that fan out in all directions from camp. Most hikes will have destinations that include viewpoints from which you will be able to survey the majesty of views below and for as far as your eyesight will allow, including snow-capped peaks near and far like Whelk, Aires and Canary Peaks. There are meadows and ridges to explore for the botonist and photographer, and for the "mountain goat" hiker there are scrambles over scree and rock to high ridges and summits like Painted Mountain.

Each of the hikes are led by an experienced, volunteer day leader, with coordination and guidance provided by the camp Chief Leader. Your challenge will be to choose your destination each day from the variety of trips offered.

Intrigued! ... Join Us

Relaxing after day's hike...

...enjoying hearty meal...

...around campfire in do-nut tent for evening entertainment & briefings.

Testimonials

Picture yourself hiking in a remote setting catching glimpses of glaciers, waterfalls and clear mountain streams. Think of the wonderful vistas available in the back country, the spectacular lookouts, the wildlife and the mountain wildflowers. Hiking on ground where early explorers ventured over a hundred years ago.

As you return to base camp, a hearty meal awaits you prepared by skilled cooks in a covered dining tent. Sit around with fellow hikers reminiscing about the day's adventures.

Following dinner, gather around a campfire for an evening of singing, story telling or just good companionship.

What We Offer : It has been described as "backpacking without the backpack." We offer weekly hikes during July and August, departing from Red Deer on a Monday and returning the following Saturday. We bus you from Red Deer to trailhead and back, transport your duffle into and out of camp, and provide all the meals. You do the hiking!

Wilderness accommodation is provided for up to 50 hikers and four staff in each camp. Each tent holds from two to four hikers, and has foam sleeping pads and a wood burning stove for those rare inclement days.

All hike leaders are equipped with two-way radios in event communication with base camp, the Chief Leader or Medic are required.

Check out Getting in Shape for guidance on how to condition oneself for hiking at high altitudes.

Camp Life : The Camp Hostess/Host will endeavour to make your in-camp experience memorable.

The daily camp schedule allows ample time and opportunities for you and your fellow hikers to get together to swap stories at the end of the day, and everyone will enjoy an evening get-together to review the days’ events and plan tomorrow's activities.

Remember that this is a back-country camp, not a resort hotel. We can't provide flush toilets or showers, but we can promise everything you need for a great wilderness experience. Check out wilderness camping experience.

The camp staff ensures that hot wash water is available morning and afternoon, serves two great hot, hearty, balanced meals a day in camp and packs a lunch that will keep you going on the trail.

We strive to provide participants a quality experience in camp and on the trail. The volunteer (experienced) camp staff comprise a Host/Hostess, Chief Leader, Medic, Musician and day-hike leaders.

Special Dietary Needs : Camp 2013 at South Ram is a remote wilderness setting. All supplies, including food, for up to 58 people weekly, have to be carried in on pack horse. Storage capacity in camp is restricted. Daily meals are a set menu – breakfast (porridge, eggs, pancakes, one of daily – bacon, sausage and ham), dinner (soup, main course, salad or fresh vegetables, and desert), and lunch (sandwich, apple or orange, pastry and snack bar). Coffee, tea, hot chocolat and fruit drink availablle at breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea.

Some limited special dietary needs can be accommodated. Check with SHCR Registrar as to whether your special dietary need can be provided at Camp 2013.

Need More Information : Have questions or need more information about the Skyline Hikers 2013 camp and hike program, contact us via e-mail : info@skylinehikers.ca or use this online info request form. Also, check out the FAQs (frequestly asked questions) page and downloadable SHCR colour brochure (PDF).

You have decided to participate...now what

Congratulations on your decision to participate in the Skyliners Camp 2013 program (printable summary Camp 2103 Bulletin).

Now you have to register for one of the five camps listed above, submitting required deposit at time of registration.

Go to Registration page for cost information, registration form, methods of payment and cancellation policy. The SHCR Registrar will answer any questions you may have regrading the registration process.

Registration Complete...Next Steps

You have made the decision to join us, and now you're looking for a better idea of what to expect, and practical advice to help you get the most out of your visit.

Once we receive your registration form and payment, you will receive (via e-mail or postal mail) a letter of acknowledgement from the SHCR Registrar. Included will be details of what to pack, how to pack it, and where and when to meet prior to hike into Camp 2013. Please review it carefully - while most of the information is here on the website, the mailing from the registrar may include other details specific to this year's camp.

Getting Ready : There are lots of things you can do to prepare for the hike. First and foremost, make sure you are in shape. Check out what you should bring and how to pack it.

If navigation interests you, review use of map and compass techniques, and consider getting a map of the area. Many of our members have completed wilderness first aid courses. Others study up on the alpine flora and fauna. And you'll definitely want to be sure your camera is working (bring extra charged batteries & memory card – there are no charging facilities in camp).

Medications : Remember to bring any medications/prescriptions you require to last a week - the camp is located in a remote, isolated area. The camp medic will not be in a position to provide you with specific prescriptions -- the medicine chest contains only common all-purpose medicines.

Getting There

Transportation & Logistics Info : Camp 2013 will be staging out of Red Deer (Alberta) [not Banff as in previous years]. Red Deer is about 145 km north of Calgary International Airport via Hwy. 2.

• Flying to Calgary : There are two scheduled bus departures for Red Deer daily on the weekend from downtown Calgary and Calgary International Airport via Red Arrow Motorcoach. Bus stop in Red Deer is at iHotel. Reservations recommended and can be booked on-line.

  – Red Arrow bus schedule (Calgary - Red Deer
         - Edmonton)
  – Red Arrow website for online reservation
         booking.

• Flying to Edmonton : There are two scheduled bus departures for Red Deer daily on the weekend from downtown Edmonton and Best Western Cedar Park via Red Arrow Motorcoach. Bus stop in Red Deer is at iHotel. Reservations recommended and can be booked on-line (see under Flying to Calgary above).

• Alternate Intercity Bus Service – ebus : ebus operates a daily intercity motorcoach service from both Calgary and Edmonton to Red Deer with two departures from each. Bus stop in Red Deer is at iHotel. ebus is owned and operated by Red Arrow Motorcoach.

  – ebus schedule (Calgary - Red Deer
      - Edmonton)
  – ebus (www.myebus.ca) for online booking
  – phone : 1-877-7myebus
  – Those flying to Calgary the ebus departure
      terminal is Calgary North Office (304, 35th
      Avenue NE) – you will need to take a
      10-minute shuttle from airport to bus
      terminal (details on ebus website).
  – Those flying to Edmonton the ebus departure
      terminal is Best Western Cedar Park Inn
      (5116 Gateway Boulevard) – you will need
      to take a shuttle from airport to bus terminal
      (details on ebus website).

• Alternate Intercity Bus Service – Greyhound Canada : Greyhound operates a daily bus service from both Calgary and Edmonton to Red Deer with six departures from each. Greyhound Bus Terminal in Red Deer is ~15 min. taxi trip to iHotel.

  – Greyhound Canada for online booking
  – Greyhound Terminal, Red Deer
      4303 Gaetz Avenue
      phone : 403-343-8866
  – Greyhound bus schedule (Calgary - Red
         Deer)

  If you are travelling by bus from Calgary or Edmonton to Red Deer and back, it is strongly recommened that you make reservations to be assured of a seat on the scheduled intercity bus you want to take.

• Driving to Red Deer : Red Deer lies about half-way between Calgary and Edmonton on Expressway 2. See this interactive map for directions to iHotel.

Camp Check-in : You are required to check-in at the iHotel (6500, 67 Street, Red Deer) during 1730 - 1900 hours on Sunday of the week your camp commences. Do not bring your duffel bag at this time (as was case in previous years). Map & directions (PDF) to check-in location : iHotel.

Camp Orientation Meeting : You are required to attend a camp orientation meeting at 1900 hours (7:00 p.m.) at the iHotel on the Sunday of week your camp commences. The Camp Host/Hostess, Chief Leader and Medic will provide briefings on logistics, activities program, the in camp and on trail do's and dont's, camp safety protocol, and health precautions.

Transportation To & From Trailhead : Bus transportation from Red Deer to trailhead and return is provided as per the following schedule and pick-up location.

– Monday (outgoing):

• 0750 hours – Quality Inn, Red Deer (with your duffel bag).
• 0800 hours – iHotel, Red Deer (with your duffel bag) – map).

– Saturday return from trailhead:

The bus will be dropping passengers off at the Monday pick-up location. The bus is scheduled to be in Red Deer from the trailhead no later than 1700 hours (5:00 p.m.). But, you should allow for unanticipated delays when making onward travel arrangements.

There is no parking at the trailhead.

Accommodations – Red Deer: You will require at least Sunday night accommodation in Red Deer. SHCR has made arrangements with iHotel to have 18 rooms at special rate (includes breakfast) set aside for us for each camp. Bookings, however, must be made by 15 June to get special rate. When making reservation (by phone only) mention that you are with Skyline Hikers. Use online info request form at right to enquire what SHCR special rate is.

– iHotel (formerly Holiday Inn, Red Deer)
   6500 67 Street, Red Deer, Alberta
   phone : 1-800-661-4961
   web : www.hi67.com

There are a number of other hotels within a block or two of the iHotel. Red Deer street map image (jpg) & printable (pdf)

Depending on your travel arrangements following camp you may also require overnight accommodation on Saturday.

Vehicle Parking While in Camp : Following are vehicle parking arrangements in Red Deer while hikers are in camp. Parking at these facilities is at the vehicle owner's own risk and responsibility.

• iHotel : Can accommodate some vehicles during the week. Make arrangements at time of booking your reservation.
• Red Deer Quality Inn : Able to accommodate some vehicles for the week. SHCR does not have special room rate. Offers free continental breakfast with room. Quality Inn is within short walking distance of iHotel.
        7150 50th Avenue, Red Deer
        phone : 403-343-8800
        web : www.qualityinnnorthhill.com
• Red Deer Regional Airport : Parking is free.
• Other : SHCR exploring other possibilities – will be posted here when confirmed.

There is no parking at the trailhead.

Townsite Maps : Following townsite maps for Red Deer are provided for your reference.

• Red Deer – interactive / static (JPG) / printable (PDF) maps.

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