Mt Schlee is a lesser known peak that was first climbed by Glen Boles, Don Forest, Gordon Scruggs and Mike Simpson in 1976, and named in honor of Gerry (Gerrit) Schlee who drowned in the Bow River saving the life of a friend. Gerry was active in the ACC and was also a Rambler. The Ramblers short history in the Reference section notes that he participated in Centennial climbs in the St. Elias range.

Mt Schlee's location is described in "The Rocky Mountains of Canada South" by Boles, Kruszyna and Putman. The summit elevation is 2850 m.

I coordinated a trip in 2008 to attempt the peak from the west. We made it a good way to the summit, but turned back when the scrambling got rather exposed. Saturday's trip is a result of a trip to Piper Pass, when I noted that an eastern approach might work out well.

The approach is along the Piper Pass trail to treeline, a distance of 9.1 km. From there we descended a short distance to Piper Creek and ascended west past a small waterfall to a minor ridge that leads to the summit. The route involved much scree, although a good deal of it could be avoided by choosing a path along slabs and outcrops.

Chau on the way up

A few steps through a final snow slope lead us to the summit, complete with cairn and register. This peak is infrequently climbed, the last two ascents being a solo from the west by one of our members, Yves in 2003, and another party in 2007.

Piper Pass was visible below us.

Piper Pass from Mt Schlee

The summit panorama was great - a good deal of time was spent taking photos and discussing the adjacent peaks.


Mt Elpoca

The Kananaskis Lakes from the summit

The summit team.


The summit team

Here is Adrian's summit video.

On the route down, we took snow gullies wherever possible - much easier, faster, and fun than descending loose scree!

Adrian having fun in the snow

Gary and Susan on the way down

Yves and Arnold enjoying the view

Glissading past the waterfall

Back on the Elbow River road, we could look back at our route up.


The route up Mt Schlee, Cat's Ears to the right

Trip stats were 21 km and a total gain of 994 m, over 10 hours.

Thanks to Arnold, Gary, Susan, Chau, Adrian, Yves for joining me on this exploration - Bill (C/S/P}.

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