Kanik: Philmont's Cold-Weather Camping Program
"Kanik" is the Inuit word for "snowflake."
Cold-weather camping is the ultimate test of your ability to camp and travel
in the backcountry and learn to live in harmony with the environment. Training
in winter camping will prepare you to safely enjoy many winter adventures and
to teach others to enjoy these unique experiences.
Participants in Kanik learn to camp comfortably in cold weather, and enjoy
Philmont's beauty in winter. Crews hike through the backcountry, sleep in tents
or snow shelters, and participate in activities such as ski touring, snow shelter
building, and winter ecology.
Kanik expeditions are scheduled around weekends from late December through
March. Space is limited, and each season fills up quickly, so make your
reservations early!
Who May Participate?
The Kanik program is available to crews of six to 10 participants, which
will be accompanied by a Kanik guide. A crew may be assembled from a Boy Scout
troop or Venturing crew, and must have a majority of youth participants. All
participants must be registered members of the BSA.
Each crew must have at least two registered adult advisers. One of the
advisers must be at least 21 years of age or older; the second adviser must be
at least 18 years of age. For coed Venturing crews, there must be a male and a
female adviser, both at least 21 years of age or older. Youth participants must
be at least 14 years of age or in the eighth grade at the time of
participation.
Every participant must be in good physical condition and present a current
(within the past 12 months) medical examination and have a Philmont or BSA
class 3 medical record filled out by their physician.
Note: In order to adequately prepare for each crew's arrival, crew size cannot
be increased after 14 days prior to your crew's arrival.
What Activities Do Treks Include?
After an initial period of training, several program options are available to
each group depending on its interests, the weather, and snow conditions. The
program takes place in the backcountry, sleeping in tents or snow shelters (if
conditions permit), and including activities such as ski touring, snow shelter
building, snow camping, winter ecology, hiking, and use of winter tools and
equipment.
A typical Kanik trek lasts three days, scheduled over a weekend, but the
length of the trek can be adjusted to fit the schedule of the group attending.
However, groups that wish to limit their trek to only the weekend will have
limited time for program activities.
- Special Holiday Program - Philmont offers a special deal on
Kanik between Christmas and New Years
- Cold Weather Camping Program - Kanik is based on Northern Tier's
Okpik program, which teaches partiicpants how to camp confortable during
cold winter months.
- Learn Winter Camping Basics - With the help of a trained Kanik
guide, you will learn to eat, camp, corss-country ski, and build snow
shelters.
- Camp Comfortably in the Cold - Kanik's main goal is to teach
crews how to be "comfortably cool" while out in the cold, giving
Scouts skills to take home and use in their own cold weather camping
programs.
- Downhill Skiing Package - For a small extra fee, you can add
a day of dwonhill skiing at the beautiful Angelfire Ski Resort when
you participate in Kanik.
What Is the Cost?
The cost is $100 per person per weekend; $75/day for downhill skiing. The
fee includes meals, snacks, instruction, staff, and the use of specialized
outdoor equipment, sleeping bags, and outer clothing as needed. Additional
fees are assessed if Kanik equipment is lost or misused.
Sessions are available from December 27 through March 31. Reservations are
accepted on a first-come, first-served basis beginning May 1 of the year prior
to attending. (Note: the season fills quickly.) Reservations are confirmed
upon receipt of a nonrefundable deposit of $50/person and a completed
reservation form. The balance of fees is due upon arrival.
Call 505-376-2281 to request a reservation form and determine when
space is available.
What Equipment Will the Crew Need?
A separate equipment list is provided for Kanik
crews. This list is significantly different from the list provided for summer
expeditions because of the winter weather.
Also, note that backcountry trading posts are not open and the trading post
at Camping Headquarters does not keep regular hours during the off-season. Each
Kanik crew should reserve a time to visit the trading post during their stay in
Camping Headquarters.
What Is the Kanik Patch?
The distinctive Kanik patch is a recognized symbol of participation in a
winter trek. It must be earned by completing training at Philmont.
2008/2009 Information and Reservations
Click here to download a printable copy of all
2008/2009 Kanik information and reservation form.