Sunshine PL Quartz Hill Pass Off-Trail skiing on 22-Feb-2024
In a winter of very low snow precipitation, there have been negligible day backcountry trips by Ramblers. This was an attempt to remedy this. Strictly a tour with low avalanche risk through Sunshine Meadows to a pass at the south end of Quartz Ridge for views south towards Assiniboine. 3 ramblers joined me.
We encountered few skiers as we plodded up the skiout arriving about 10.45am at the village which was very busy. Following a quick washroom and snack break we were soon on our way beyond the resort boundary towards Quartz Ridge. Rather than follow a drainage close to the ridge, to avoid any avalanche risk we chose to break trail through the trees slightly east. Lunch was taken in these trees sheltering from the wind which made the -2c air temperature cooler.
We reached our destination pass about 2.00pm and had some views of Mts Fatigue and Citadel before returning the same way. The snow was quite light and up to 15 cms deep, making for some trail breaking by Gordon thanks. Three used AT gear with full skins, while I preferred light tele gear with half-skins. Both worked well. There was mixed sun and cloud through the day, giving good but not exceptional views.
On reaching the still busy Sunshine village, we decided to ride the gondola down, partially because the skiout had some mixed gravel, but this did not deter most downhillers. Back at the cars just before 4.00pm.
Ramblers at Sunshine Boundary Fence in the morning. Mt Brourgeau behind
Ramblers at Turnaround Point on Quartz Hill Pass. Mts. Fatigue and Citadel behind
Sunshine Meadows and Quartz Ridge from near Sunshine resort on return at 3.30pm
Route (in blue) from Cars to Quartz Hill Pass and return to Village.
Thanks to Paul,Gordon,Marianne for joining David (C,S&P) for this tour. I had hoped for more sunshine, but it didn't happen. My GPS measured 16.5km and 800m elevation gain for 7hr 11min of skiing. With the downhill gondola ride, about 7 1/2 hours car to car. Possibly more photos later.