Put on your hiking boots, its time for the inaugural Hike Fest.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Sea to Sky Gondola is hosting an event to celebrate everything hiking related. Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) will be at the summit with staff and expertise.聽
鈥淲e would like it to be an [annual event],鈥� said Trevor Dunn, the general manager of operations. 鈥淲e are kind of evaluating all of the events to make sure we are doing the things people want to do.鈥�
The outdoor equipment company鈥檚 employees will host a hiking clinic and giveaways. Free, guided hikes will be provided with the purchase of a gondola day ticket for all levels of hikers. For beginners there will be a 50-minute easy walk on the Panorama Nature Trail and for those looking for something more extreme there will be a four to five hour hike along Al鈥檚 Habrich Ridge Trail to Neverland Lake. In total there are six hikes to choose from.聽
鈥淲e are going to have some discussions on safety and backcountry preparation,鈥� Dunn added.聽
Various outdoor clubs, including the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, will be on hand to provide information. The goal of the event is to introduce people to the clubs and the outdoor activities. For avid hikers, the event will provide further backcountry knowledge.聽
鈥淯ltimately we want people to get out and enjoy the wilderness,鈥� Dunn said.聽
MEC is holding a scavenger hut, similar to a geocache, for gear. The day will also include children鈥檚 activities and presentations for AdventureSmart and BearAware. Registration for the guided hikes open on Monday, Sept. 1. Please register online at seatoskygondola.com.
