Four Ramblers met the coordinator at Goat Creek Parking area and followed to the trailhead at Sparrowhawk Day Use parking area. After a brief review by the coordinator of trip objectives; participant willingness and ability to meet objectives; and safety/first aid issues, the group embarked on the day's winter hiking adventure. The trail ascends trough the trees and for the first few kilometres is easy to follow as the snowcover is light. However as you get closer to the blowdown area, the snow gets deeper and the trail more difficult to follow. Everyone took their turn breaking trail and routefinding and we were soon at the base of the first rockfall. A quick survey of the surrounding area for avalanche conditions yielded no reason for undue concern so we began our ascent over the snow covered rocks.


Cordula and Jerome pick their way through a potential minefield of loose rock and new snow.

After a brief snack break out of the wind in grove of sheltering trees we continued our ascent into the cirque surrounding the Sparrowhawk Tarns. Winter is a unique time to visit this area as the tarns are dry and their depressions filled with snow. The traveller is presented with a rather austere moonscape of rock and snow but as with all aspects of nature, a unique sense of beauty prevails.


The group assesses their route options in the Sparrowhawk cirque.

Once the group's objectives for the day were met a decision was made to begin our descent down to more protected and hospitable environs for our second snack break. The group assembled for our 'summit' photo and then began our descent.


Left to right: Peter; Ivan; Cordula; Jerome & Jim.

A parting shot of winter at Sparrowhawk Tarns.

Cordula and Peter pick their way through the rocks in search of a protected picnic area in the trees.

After our second break we quickly found our ascent trail and beat a hasty retreat back to our vehicles waiting at the trailhead. Overall we enjoyed an excellent day in the mountains. Winter hiking might not be everyone's cup of tea but for those willing to test their skills and step out of their comfort zone, the rewards are many and the feeling of self-satisfaction, deep. I would caution anyone considering this trip at this time of year that winter conditions elevate the degree of difficulty from OT4 to OT5 but it is a rewarding trip for those willing to take the challenge.

Participants: Peter; Ivan; Cordula; & Jerome. Coordinator, photographer & scribe: Jim.Trip statistics: Distance - 14.8 km; Elevation gain - 817 metres; Total time: 6 hours, 22 minutes.