Being a member of IBSC means having certain responsibilities when going on club trips and engaging with club activities.

Participation

By participating in IBSC trips, a member or guest recognises that snowsports touring, climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

Age

IBSC members must be 18 years or older.

Older children between 16-17 may be permitted as a guest on a day trip, but only when accompanied by a ‘responsible adult’ (typically a parent) and with the prior agreement of the IBSC committee. Younger children are not permitted on any IBSC trips.

Safety

IBSC has a strong safety culture and record that allows our members to enjoy many adventurous days in the mountains without injury or harm.

All members have a responsibility to themselves and other members to practice safe adventure and should:

  • Plan objectives appropriate to the weather, snow conditions, skills, fitness and equipment of the group
  • Have sufficient off-piste ski or board technique to be able to descend under control
  • Ensure they have the necessary personal safety equipment for the planned activity
  • Help carry mandatory group safety equipment
  • Tell others the details of their planned route/activity with the Trip Contact and wider group in line with the club ‘late back’ procedure
  • Follow any specific club safety guidance such as for ‘steep skiing’

Independence & Teamwork

IBSC promotes our members to be both independently capable in the hills but to also work as a team when out with other members.

This is important as we don’t typically use professional ‘Leaders’ or Guides on our backcountry trips unless it is a formal training event. Independence comes from having the right skills, fitness and equipment.

Teamwork starts with being personally prepared then talking with other members to come up with shared plans and then supporting one another on the hill. Be honest with yourself and others in your group about your abilities and fitness. Being on a club trip often means tailoring your personal ambitions or pushing yourself a little harder than you are used to, taking the advantage to learn from our more experienced or confident members.

Trip Contacts

‘Trip Contacts’ are experienced members of the club who are there to help facilitate key discussions when planning, at the start of the day then during the trip. They are not leaders and all key decisions are the responsibility of the group.

IBSC WhatsApp Community

The use of WhatsApp is key to the coordination of club activity & trips and all members need to be part of the IBSC WhatsApp Community if they want to go on our trips.

Cancellations

If you can’t attend a club trip for any reason, then you need to tell the Trip Contact and also the Events Officer as soon as possible. This will give us the chance to offer your space to someone else and make sure nobody is waiting around for you to show up. The club doesn’t offer refunds, but you can trade your space with another member – again you need to let the Events Officer and Trip Contact know ASAP.

Conduct

Members must follow the club Code of Conduct and the Snowsports Touring Code.

Be tolerant of other members, especially on the hill. Nobody should be made to feel unwelcome, unsafe or unable to participate by other members. But it is also your responsibility to be properly equipped and fit enough for the planned activity of the group.

Club social media and our WhatsApp community are moderated. Please follow the community rules when posting.

Stay Informed

Members should be aware of key club policies, particularly in relation to trip booking terms and conditions. Please refer to the club policies section of our website.

IBSC provides many different ways for members to remain informed on developments within the club, changes to policy and key knowledge, including:

  • The club website
  • Monthly member newsletters (by email)
  • Announcements in the club WhatsApp community
  • Direct email

Put Back In

IBSC is a vibrant community of people who love the Scottish backcountry and is 100% volunteer run. If you like what it gives you, please consider putting something back into the club such as:

  • Come along to our social events
  • Volunteer to write a trip report
  • Post your cool pics to the club social media
  • Submit your photos and videos for our club competitions
  • Offer to help with car sharing & group meals
  • Give us your ideas for possible trip venues & events
  • Volunteer to be a Trip Contact of help out at an event
  • Stand for the club Committee