Crystal Ridge snowshoe Snowshoeing on 17-Mar-2019

Technically only 90% of this trip qualifies as a Rambler trip. We found out when stopped in at the Parks Info Centre at Lake Louise that the the avalanche hazard had been changed to high above tree line that morning, because of rising temperatures potentially affecting the snowpack.. The night before it had been rated as considerable above tree line. The three of us (all Rambler coordinators with avalanche gear) decided to continue on with the trip and evaluate conditions as we made our way to tree line.

We left the Helen Lake trailhead at 9:30 AM and headed up the packed Helen Lake trail. After 15 minutes we headed off through the trees on a well packed ski/snowshoe trail. The trail led us gradually up through a series of benchs to a lookout point above a feature called the rock garden. Even from the rock garden the views are spectacular.

Trip coordinator enjoying the sun at the Rock Garden

The bench just above the Rock Garden with Bow Lake in the background

We continued up on the established trail through a series of gladed areas with a low level of objective hazard, veering right (South) until we hit tree line. The air was cool (below zero) , no whoofs or cracking of the snow occurred and no avalanches/slides were observed on any of the surrounding peaks.

At treeline, the group made their way to a large flat bench, less than 100 metres from the ridgetop. Even though there are isolated trees on the slopes above this bench (one only about 15 metres from the ridgetop) - the effective tree line ends a couple of metres below the bench. - so this is where the Rambler portion of the trip ends.

Christine traversing the upper bench

Enjoying the views on the upper bench below the ridge

The group evaluated the route options and conditions and determined that there was low objective hazard in gaining the ridgetop. The snow was firm and the slopes above were wind scoured and held very little snow.We traversed South 100 metres across the bench to a gentle col and headed up the ridge. In less than ten minutes we were on the ridgetop admiring the amazing 360 degree views.

Brian on Crystal Ridge

Looking South back along Crystal Ridge

We traversed North along the ridge for 30 minutes to another high point and then stopped for warm, windless lunch on the ridge.

Dolomite Peak from Crystal Ridge

Looking North along Crystal Ridge towards Cirque Peak

Our lunch spot in the sun on Crystal Ridge

We bumped into 2 other snowshoers (friends of Christine) along the ridgeline and they joined us for lunch and the trip down.

Kevin approaching the high point on Crystal Ridge

Crystal Ridge is definitely one of the best snowshoe trips in Banff National Park. For safety reasons, as you are in avalanche terrain for portions of the route , this trip should only be done with avalanche gear and by people experienced in winter back country travel.

After 30 minutes we headed back down to the bench and retraced our steps back into the glades lower down.

Christine's friends heading back down to treeline

The snow definitely became softer lower down, due to the warm afternoon sun. We left the trail lower down in the trees and took an alternate route back to the parking lot. We were back at the car at 3:15 PM.

Thanks to Brian and Christine for joining me on an amazing day in the rockies. Thanks also to Christine and Brian for the photos, as my camera had a major malfunction.

Total elevation gain - 680 metres

Total distance 7.5 km

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