Flash - New Years Warmup Snowshoe Run

What: A snowshoe hike/run on a snowy mountain peak.  In the dark.  On the last day of the year.

Why: Let me count the ways...

• Because going for a little snowshoe adventure before the New Years Eve celebrations begin sounds like a memorable way to kick-off the conclusion of another year
• Because your cheeks will glow for the rest of the evening
• Because snowshoeing and related activities (bum-sliding, jumping off cliffs, ambushing your friends with snowballs, etc.) are a lot of fun
• Because it will give you something to talk about for the rest of the evening
• Because it will give you an apetite for food and drink at your New Years Eve party
• Because it will prompt you to make New Years resolutions (document them here amd maybe win a prize!)
• If you resolve to do more snowshoeing, this will be a good warm-up for the Squamish Scrambler in mid-February
• If you are participating in the Vancouver New Years Day Fat Ass 50 the next morning, it will be a good warm-up, help you sleep soundly, give you something to talk about as you run and will earn you bragging rights

Who: Everyone welcome.  All fitness levels.  Kid friendly. 

More:  Meet at the small wooden map kiosk at the far western end of the parking lot at Mount Seymour.  We will aim to leave as a group at 16:00.  Chances are, the parking lot will be busy and it will take you some time to get geared-up, so aim to arrive at 3:45 or so if you'd like to hang with the group.  There are washrooms and other facilities at the ski area.  Pay parking, but apart from that, this extravaganza is free.

We're planning to go to the Dog Mountain lookout (maybe 5K out and back?), but you don't have to.  (Important if you are bringing kids or if you are not in the best shape.)  Here's a map that shows the trail to Dog Mountain.  I'd guesstimate that a beginning snowshoer will need about 45 minutes each way.  Less time if you run it.  Add some time to jump off cliffs, take photos etc.  Figure being back in the parking lot by about 18:00.

Sorry, I have no snowshoes to lend you.  I was on the trail last night (29 Dec) and it is well packed, so it is totally possible to come along without snowshoes and still have a blast.  

Gear:  It's supposed to be cold and clear.  Dress warm and in layers.  Don't wear jeans or other cotton pants unless you are a human Guinea pig for a frostbite experiment.  Bring a headlamp for sure.  Pack your camera... the view from Dog Mountain on a clear night is spectacular.  Think about bringing something dry for afterward.

Entry:  There is no fee and you don't need to be a member of Club Fat Ass to participate in a Flash event, however whining is not allowed. No registration is required... just show up on time if you are interested.   You are responsible for your own well-being and safety and must be self sufficient. Please read the Release of All Claims. By participating in this event you agree to its terms.