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How do I find out about STS trips?
STS trips are listed in the newsletter Track usually one to two months in advance of the trip. The listings includes the dates, destinations, skill levels, expenses, leader information, and brief descriptions of what to expect. If a trip sounds appealing, talk to the leader to learn more of the details.

Who are the STS trip leaders?
Leaders are STS members who lead trips on a voluntary basis. Each leader generally has had some experience leading the type of trip listed, but none are guides or instructors in the professional sense. Leaders (and co-leaders) are screened by the STS Leadership Committee, and lead only trips for which they have the required experience.

What are the roles of a trip leader?
Leaders decide (among other things) where to go, when to go, what experience is required, and what equipment is needed for each trip. Some leaders enjoy the organizational aspects of ski trips while others don't. Some prefer to take advantage of existing facilities (cabins, groomed trails, etc.) while others like to meet nature on its own terms. At times, leaders may have to modify or terminate an outing for any of several reasons, including safety or lack of snow.

What equipment do I have to supply?
Trip participants need to supply all personal equipment (such as skis, poles, and boots) and share in acquisition and carrying of common equipment. For backcountry trips, participants must bring emergency- survival equipment with them. For additional information, see the Equipment page.

How are overnight accommodations arranged?
Listings for overnight trips typically include some information on the type of accommodations that will be used. The range includes individual rooms at a motel, dormitory sleeping in a lodge, individual or shared rooms in a private cabin, a primitive hut with no electricity or plumbing, a small tent, or a snow cave. Since overnight comfort is important, participants should fully understand these arrangements and do whatever may be required to secure them (for example, calling ahead for a motel room) before embarking. Occasionally the leader may not specify lodging, simply telling skiers when and where to meet. In the case of hut or snow-camping trips, participants may need to carry all of their equipment in backpacks as they ski.

How are meals arranged?
Arrangements for meals vary. Possibilities include purchasing meals from a restaurant or outfitter, a central commissary or potluck planned and executed by the leader or other volunteer, individuals coordinating food and cooking equipment in small groups (as by car pool or with tent mates), or individuals bringing all their own food and associated equipment. Trip participants should be clear on the arrangements and what to bring before starting the trip.

How is transportation arranged?
Carpools are encouraged in the interest of conserving natural resources, but neither the Sierra Club as a whole nor the STS in particular assume responsibility for car pools. Leaders may coordinate transportation by putting ride seekers and ride providers in touch with each other. However, leaders do not make car pool assignment, do not take any actions which could be construed as enforcing those transportation arrangements, and do not check qualifications of drivers or vehicles. Car pooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants who assume the risks associated with this travel.

What if I have to cancel from a trip?
Inform the leader as quickly as possible if you must cancel. There could be others on a waiting list who might be able to take your place.

When does an STS trip begin and end?
An STS trip officially begins and ends at the trailhead unless explicit (and unusual) arrangements to the contrary have been made. Getting to the trailhead or other meeting place on time is the trip participant's responsibility. The leader does not have to wait.

What are my responsibilities as a trip participant?
Participants should supply the trip leader with all relevant information regarding qualifications for the trip. It can be unpleasant and dangerous to join a trip for which a participant is not qualified. Evasions, omissions, or falsehoods may jeopardize participation in future STS trips and, in the worst case, can put the entire group at risk. Because trips are group efforts into places where the weather and conditions can change, each participant should be flexible, tolerant, and have a good sense of humor. Participants are responsible for their own good spirits.

Are participants screened prior to an STS trip?
Leaders often screen participants (sometimes rigorously) on the basis of previous skiing and backcountry experience, on equipment, and on physical conditioning. Leaders have the final say in drawing up the trip roster. In extreme cases, rejections can occur at the trailhead if the participant appears ill-prepared for the outing.

What if I want to leave the group during a trip?
Permission to leave the group or follow a different course of action must be obtained from the leader, in advance.

What if I don't agree with the leader's decision?
Participants should plan to abide by decisions of the leader in all matters except in cases of dangerous judgment (which can be corroborated by other members of the party). Instances of dangerous judgment should be brought to the immediate attention of the STS Leadership Committee at the conclusion of the trip.

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