Newsletter:   February newsletter is hot off the presses! New TRs from the Wapta in Canada and the SAC ski outing led by Corrina!

SAC Mountaineering Class:  The 2012 class is still in the planning stages.  The plan is to teach a snow and ice mountaineering course only that lasts for five weeks, and concentrate on club outings to increase the clubs knowledge and experience in the alpine. A rock class is still in the planning stages but will probably not be offered this year.

Outings:  Mark your calendars! The annual SAC Baker ski weekend is planned for February 24-26 this year. The arrangements will be similar to last year-- two cabins in Glacier Springs. The smaller cabin is the same as last year, but we have upgraded the larger cabin to a newer, swankier model right next door. Cost is $30 per person. Space is on a first come, first served basis. See details below and instructions for reserving space below that.
Dates: Check in Friday, February 24th; check out Sunday, February 26th 
Large cabin (40GS) Location-- Immediately next door to last year's large cabin.  Description-- 3 bed, 3 bath, 3 story house of awesomeness. Sleeps 11. This cabin is newer, slightly larger and much, much more awesomer than last year's. Hot tub, game room w/ pool table. Pet friendly.
Smaller cabin (39GS):Location-- Same as last year. Description-- 2 bed, 1 bath, 2 story, Sleeps 6. Hot tub. Quiet. Pet friendly.
 Activities (may include, but are not limited to):

• Inbounds, side country, and back country skiing and boarding
• X-country nordic-ing and snow shoeing
• eating
• drinking
• being merry

All this for the low, low price of just $30 per person! That's right, you get 3 days and 2 nights of unlimited snow fun with awesome folks and luxurious accommodations for just $30!
To reserve your space:
1) RSVP Jonathan at jfrostad@gmail.com or 360-630-0015 to let him know you are planning to...
2) Send your $30 per person payment to the SAC PO box or, better yet, pay in person at the December Xmas party!
Don't delay -- space in these sweet cabins will get snatched up faster than fresh turns on Chair 8 (or fresh slices at Chair 9)!

Members have noted the need for more club outings to increase the experience and knowledge of the class leaders. If you have an idea for a trip, no matter what the objective, and you have a prospective leader in mind, do not hesitate to contact that individual. You might be called upon to do the planning and logistics coordination, but leading the outing can be designated to the appropriate individual. For those leaders in the club, please volunteer to lead at least a couple of trips per years with the club with the aim to facilitate the learning for prospective class leaders.
SAC liability form link

Sonya Bailey is offering a trip to practice avalanche skills and possible get a few turns in! See the upcoming outings page for details!

Trail Maintenance!  Little Mountain trail work is on hold. The park is planning on making some trail steeper sections more manageable and hardened. The Mount Vernon Trail Builders (second and fourth weekend trail work at the gate) will be taking over Little Mountain trail building. See www.mountvernontrailbuilders.com for details.

FEBRUARY'S MEETING WITH TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY THE 7TH!!!

TIME:  The meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM.  There is no meeting in August.

LOCATION:  Our meeting location is at the Burlington Public Library.

Directions:  From I-5 traveling North or South:
Take exit 230 off I-5 (Burlington/Anacortes).  Turn right at the light at the end of the off ramp onto Hwy. 20/Rio Vista Ave.

From the South: Turn left at the 2nd light onto Burlington Blvd.
From the North: Turn left at the 3rd light onto Burlington Blvd.

Turn right at the first light onto E. Fairhaven Ave.  Turn right at the four-way stop (approx. 8 blocks) onto S. Anacortes St.  Turn left at the first intersection onto E. Washington Ave.  The Burlington Public Library will be on your right.

PROGRAM:  Two noted northwest mountain photographers, Steph Abegg and John Scurlock, will collaborate on a special presentation at the February 7th meeting of the Skagit Alpine Club. Steph will give a slideshow on their joint six-day aerial photography adventure in September, 2011, amongst the massive and rugged Canadian Rockies. Highlights include Mt. Robson, Kakwa Provincial Park, Jasper National Park, Columbia Icefield, Valhallas, Bugaboos, Mt. Assiniboine, and more. John will also discuss the making of his new book, "Snow & Spire: Flights to Winter in the North Cascade Range". Copies of the book will be available as well, with proceeds going to benefit the SAC. Please join us for what is sure to be an amazing show!!