Selecting a Campsite

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It is not possible arbitrarily to lay down a controlling set of specifications for an ideal campsite. Much depends on terrain, climate, and type of shelter to be used. The importance of each factor will vary with conditions; for instance, if danger of avalanche exists, it may be that every other consideration will have to be sacrificed in order to find a spot free from this all-important danger. There are, however, certain factors which a ski mountaineer should weigh in determining the selection of a place to camp:

1) Freedom from objective danger: The chapter on mountaineering routes should be consulted for detail. A rocky bench on a ridge or the middle of a windswept, flat-bottomed valley may have to be selected if the party is above timberline.

2) Availability of liquid water: Snow takes time and fuel to melt.

3) Protection from wind: Timber is the best protec tion, but a tent immediately under large trees may be wrecked by the dumping of heavy masses of snow from the branches overhead.

4) Firewood: Daring comfortable weather a fire will add cheer to a campsite, and will save fuel in cooking, so that the party may prefer to camp near a good source of firewood (see Fire building—).

5) Warmth of location: Lowest temperatures usually come on clear, quiet nights. On such nights flat valleys are the coldest spots in the mountains. A sheltered bench one hundred or more feet above the valley floor will frequently be ten to fifteen degrees warmer.

The perpendicular side of a large rock or small cliff acts as a good reflector for a fire. Placing the tent between such a rock face and the fire is excellent.

6) Routes of retreat: Since a storm may suddenly arise, it is well to be sure that a safe route of retreat exists. Don't put a dangerous pass between your camp and safety.

7) Time: The most ideal campsite, if it has to be pre pared in the dusk or dark, will not compare with a camp set up in daylight, completely cozy, with fire crackling or primus stove purring, supper steaming, and sleeping bag ready when night falls. Pleasures of a trip will be enhanced if camp-making is started early.

8) Scenery: Despite all the ominous rumblings in this manual about freezing and avalanches, it should never be forgotten that the purpose of ski mountaineering is to make available the scenic and recreational values of mountains in winter. Surely no one should miss the opportunity of letting his soul and fancy soar to new heights as he looks at great peaks rising above snowy ridges that are bathed by starlight or moonlight. The effect is not decreased by having the entire body, except for eyes and nose, snugly encased in a warm, down-filled sleeping bag.