The mine
Dates and Accomodation
Logistics
Equipment

The Mine

The Mineral King Mine trailhead is located about 20 minutes away from the resort, and is accessed via logging road. There are two trails to the mine: a direct gruelling route up the old tramway (1/2 hour) or the old mine road which meanders 4.5km up the mountain (1.5 hrs). To avoid the hassle and energy drain of the hike we have a jacked up 4x4 to drive us up to the portal.

The main portal is on level 3, with 2 more levels above and 9 below. To date only level 3 has been explored. Most internal ladders have been removed so we will use vertical ascension gear to reach the unexplored sections. Our research indicates the lower levels may have a large number of artifacts and unique formations however we really have no idea of what to expect. This is uncharted territory.
Click for hi-res
We will have 4 days underground to explore and map as much as possible. We also hope to locate some other exits at lower elevations. They have been sealed with dirt but we are hopeful we can dig out the exit from the inside.

There is also the opportunity for some amazing photography and light painting. If you intend to take photos in the mine please consider the requirements of total and near total darkness (tripods, significant light sources, a camera that can take several minute long exposures).


The Mineral King is a hard rock ore mine, which means cave-ins are uncommon. Most parts of the mine have excellent airflow as well. The Mineral King is quite dry in most places compared to other mines but can get a bit wet in areas, akin to drain nuisance flow.

Dates & Accommodation

Calgary area exploring events will be offered 2 days before and 2 days after the mining event. The 25th will consist of a rope technique workshop, bbq and movie night in an awesome Calgary location. The workshop focuses on single rope techniques, which will be the main access technique to other levels of the mine. The event cost includes the training and all rope equipment needed. Even experienced climbers are encouraged to participate in this workshop.

A reasonable amount of physical fitness is required for the rope technique. There are easier mine exploration options available for those not able to lift their own body weight. Assess your abilities honestly, don't put your safety at risk.

On the morning of June 26th we will make the 4 hour drive to Panorama Mountain Resort (www.skipanorama.com), the nicest and closest accomodation to the resort. Resort amenities include:

• Condo Style accommodations
• Hot Baths and Showers!
• Dishwasher
• Outdoor Hot Pools
• Onsite Night Club/Pub
• Onsite Restaurants
• Ensuite Kitchens
• BBQ

Participants will spend June 26th - 29th (inclusive) at the resort, returning to Calgary on the 30th via a selection of explorables. Transportation to and from Calgary to Panorama is included in the event cost, and will be provided by local explorers and their vehicles.

Meals can be prepared in the ensuite kitchen in one of the condos. The food is included in the event cost, but everyone must be willing to pitch in with cooking and cleaning up after meals. We will cook a hearty breakfast each morning and then pack food into the mine for lunch. Each evening we will offer dinner and a social event. There is a liquor store and a pub onsite, which can be combined with the hot pools to help relax after a hard day of physical exertion and exploration.

Logistics

The estimated cost of the event will be less than $400 per person including:

• Transportation to and from Calgary to the mine
• 4 nights of condo style accommodation at the resort
• Climbing training and equipment rental
• Food at the resort

Any surplus funds remaining at the end of the event will be returned to the participants. What is not included:

• Lodging in Calgary - we can offer limited homestays, there are also two hostels downtown and numerous hotels for every budget
• Food while in Calgary
• Flashlights, batteries, etc.
• Spending money
• Airfares or transport to Calgary

Explorers are welcome to arrive the evening of June 23rd and leave June 30th. We will have impromptu events before and after the official event.

Equipment

Mandatory:

• Flashlights with spare batteries
• Helmet (one with clips for a head lamp suggested)
• Sturdy footwear (parts of the mine will be wet)
• Durable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty (coveralls work well)
• Bottled water

Optional:

• Head Lamp (keeps your hands free)
• Gloves (keeps your hands clean of dirt and scrapes)
• Camera and accessories (see if yours can do long exposures)
• Flood lights (of the 1M and 5M candlepower sort)
• Snacks (and a pocket to stash the empty wrappers)
• Climbing rope and harnesses (the more, the better)
• Ibuprofen (I could have used that last year!)
• Swimsuit (for hot tubs at the resort, and possibly the hot springs)
• Ligers (only in Kenya)