Winter Survival Campout

Following strict pandemic guidelines, we will be offering a Winter Wilderness Survival Experience at the Refuge de Solalex, Saturday to Sunday, 6-7 February.

The Refuge has three possibilities for sleeping: inside the heated refuge, in an exterior unheated dormitory (dortoire des chevres), or in a show-shelter that we will learn to construct as part of wilderness survival training.  New scouts will all sleep indoors.  Regardless of which sleeping arrangement you are assigned/choose, proper winter equipment is required. This includes waterproof snow attire (including footwear and gloves), winter rated sleeping bags (if outdoors/unheated), and appropriate layered or thermal clothing. A backpack is required for the hike up the mountain to the refuge (300m ascent, 45-60 minutes). During the Troop zoom meeting on Tuesday, 2 February we will be offering a virtual equipment shakedown to demonstrate the above equipment. The weekend is open to all scouts.

We will meet Saturday, 06 February at 8:00 at Gare Cornavin (Coppet or Nyon also possible for those in Vaud 15 minutes later). We will hike up to the refuge with Snowshoes or ski de randonnée (let us know your choice, note that ski de randonnée skiers must be excellent skiers).

In the afternoon, we’ll work on snow skills (shelters, avalanche safety and snowball fight).

Cost:
– buy your own train ticket
– bring own packed lunch for Saturday
– bring 110 Swiss francs (food 58.- , shelter 40.- and snow shoes 12.-). Note: add extra to rent ski-touring equipment (69.-/weekend))
– Bring your own money for all extras.

Key points: Everyone should bring a packed lunch for Saturday, good winter gear, sleeping bag, extra clothes, ten essentials. Those sleeping out need winter-rated sleeping bag, mattress, tent and shovel.

Return time Sunday, 07 February around 16:00

Questions to Christer or Chad

BSA Health forms, ID and permissions slips are required and should be scanned and sent to the chair and copies put in your Scouts’ bag (for example in a passport holder).