Portland Chapter Outings Guide
This is a guide to the essentials you should consider before going on any Portland Chapter outings.
The aim of our outings is to have enjoyably challenging experiences along with others on our trips. Since there is inherent risk in what we do, it is the responsibility of each of us to participate in a thoughtful and intelligent way, matching the trips we participate in to our skill level, and using each trip as an opportunity to improve our navigation skills and our ability to assess safety conditions.
These guidelines as well as our trip descriptions, maps and trip reports are not intended to provide adequate information for independent travel and the ONC does not recommend such use of the information on this site. Thoughtful consideration should be given to the advantages of making trips with experienced group leaders who have local knowledge of terrain and conditions.
Ten Outing Essentials
Pack these "ten essentials" on any ONC activity, "just in case". Remember that cotton offers no insulation when wet. Choose wool or synthetics like polypro or Capilene® for warmth. Yes, we know that there are 12 items here ...
Skiing & Hiking Essentials
- First aid kit
- Matches (in water-proof case) and fire starter
- Rain gear and extra clothes, including a warm sweater
- Extra food and water
- Plastic whistle
- Map and compass (know how to use)
- Flashlight, extra batteries and bulb
- Space blanket or bivy bag
- Pocketknife
- Toilet paper and trowel (ziplock bag to carry out toilet paper)
- Sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen
- Foam sit pad
Biking Essentials
- Helmet (required on all bike rides)
- Spare tube
- Patch kit
- Tire pump
- Water bottle (filled)
- Tire irons
Outings Ratings
All Nordic Club tours are rated as either Easy, Intermediate, or Advanced; these terms are an approximate guide to the skill and commitment required for the tour. Use the rating to select the right tour for your ability and inclination. Please do not attempt a trip that is beyond your ability; you could endanger yourself or others in your party.
Helmets are required on cycling trips.
| Rating Descriptions |
| Easy |
Hikes |
Less than 8 miles and 200 feet/mile elevation gain. Casual pace and stops as needed. |
| Bikes |
Basically flat terrain. Slow pace with frequent regrouping. |
| Ski |
4 to 6 miles over gentle terrain, usually snow-covered roads, requiring elementary skills. |
| Intermediate |
Hikes |
8 to 10 miles with 200 to 400 feet mile elevation gain. Steady pace with occasional breaks. |
| Bikes |
Moderate terrain with rolling hills and some short, steep hills. Pace is moderate, with some regrouping when appropriate. |
| Ski |
6 to 10 miles over moderate terrain; possibly minor route finding and downhill skiing. Requires basic gliding, turning, slowing, and stopping skills. |
| Advanced |
Hikes |
More than 10 miles and 400 feet mile elevation gain. Steady pace and/or difficult terrain - a workout. |
| Bikes |
Difficult terrain with a major hill or series of longer, steeper hills. Pace is fast (15-18 mph) and regrouping at major stops. |
| Ski |
Over 10 miles of mixed, uncertain terrain such as steep hills, tree-covered slopes, unmarked trails, exposed faces. Requires advanced skills: good turning and stopping capabilities in all conditions. |
Tour Policies
- Tours depart promptly, so arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow for necessary arrangements.
- Trips are not canceled. However, we think about weather conditions and act accordingly. Tour leaders may change tour itinerary if conditions demand it.
- Arrive fully prepared for the day's activities! This means bringing the "Ten Essentials," food, maps, clothing, and equipment appropriate for the tour. Tour leaders can forbid you from joining a tour if you are not prepared.
- Read and heed the ONC tour rating system found on this page and in the monthly newsletter.
- Dogs are only allowed on "Dog Tours". Dogs must be on a leash in sno-parks. Please keep dogs off ski tracks and pack out dog waste. Please read the Dog Friendly Ski Tour Policy for more information.
- Car pool drivers may charge each passenger 15 cents per mile for expenses. If there are more than four passengers, the total contribution requested from all passengers should be no more than 45 cents per mile. Please don't wait to be asked to contribute your share.
- Tour Leaders should use the Day Tour Leader Check List to help with organization
- Tour Leaders will need a copy of the Activity Waiver Form
Overnight Trip Policies
- All overnight trips must be approved by the Overnight Trip Coordinator before they can be publicized. A potential leader must follow the procedures for leading a trip as determined by the Overnight Trip Coordinator. Overnight trips are announced in the newsletter or on the website.
- Overnight trips are limited to members:non members are invited to join using the application in the monthly newsletter or on the website.
- All spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants can reserve a place on a trip by mailing or delivering the Overnight Trip Application, payment and self-addressed stamped envelope to the trip leader. Space is not reserved until receipt of required deposit or payment. The date of receipt is the earlier of the postmarked date or the date of physical delivery to the trip leader.
- Participants must provide an email address or a self-addressed, stamped envelope with payment so the leader can easily provide trip information.
- Other ONC Chapter members are considered members and can go on Portland chapter trips.
Waiting List
If a trip is full, applicants can be placed on the waiting list by sending the trip leader an application and trip fee. The application and fee will be held by the leader until a space becomes available; at that time, the particpant will be asked if s/he wishes to join the trip. Those not offered a place on the trip will have their payment returned.
Trip Cancellation Policy
Oregon Nordic Club – Portland Chapter
Trip Cancellation Policy
Notify the trip leader ASAP if you must cancel, even if it is a shared-cost trip and no deposit has been paid. Trip fees are nonrefundable unless a replacement is found.
The following applies:
- If the participant desires a refund, they are responsible for finding their own replacement. Check with the trip leader to get a copy of the waiting list; this list can be used to locate a replacement. The participant should cooperate with the Trip Leader to draw on the waiting list for a replacement member. Once a replacement has been secured, a written or e-mail request for refund must be sent to the Overnight Trip Coordinator. Once it has been confirmed that a replacement participant has paid for the tour, a refund will be issued within 30 days, less $10.
- If a replacement is not secured, the participant is accountable for the full cost, and no refund will be issued.
- If the participant has paid a deposit only, and withdraws from the trip without finding a replacement, the full amount of the deposit is forfeited and no refund will be issued.
ONC has made arrangements with TravelGuard Insurance for a special travel insurance program for trips, which covers death of a family member, major illness, or injury. It is recommended that members sign up with TravelGuard at the following special site, make their own arrangements for travel insurance, or take personal responsibility for lost funds.