Originally, this trip was planned to be to Skoki Lodge, but with 50cms of storm snow at Lake Louise ski resort in 24 hours, the AVI hazard was HIGH, HIGH, HIGH for this day down from EXTREME, EXTREME, HIGH the previous day (Friday) so instead this avalanche terrrain-free trip to Elk hut, BC was decided upon.

It went well: about 15cms new snow, skier tracked, -8c to -5c, little wind, sunshine, great group. Just under 8 hours for 24km, and 510m elevation gain. IMO a great ski tour.

We started early: 8.15am from the newly cleared Elk Pass Parking lot on miscelaneous touring gear (much of it old-at least 3 wore leather boots). The trail was skier tracked over about 8 cms powder near the car but nearer 20cms at Elk Pass. Calm hazy skies. We regrouped at several locations including the base of Blueberry Hill and at Elk Pass. Here we met a group of male track skiers intent on sking 100km this day.

Blueberry Hill Junction: Brian, David head only, Sim, Shirley, Carl, Philip, Vi

Mt. Fox (climbed by Ramblers in Sept 2009).

Now the real work started as we broke trail down the BC hydroline to the Elk Lake Hut.


Ramblers commence descent of Power Line enroute to Elk Hut, BC

The old road provided some base but elsewhere it was not supportive. On accasions, several members flounded thigh deep. Thanks to the trail breakers is was a nice glide in positions 5-8. We reached the hut before 12 noon where the resident family group kindly allowed us to dine indoors.


Shirley, Brian, Sim, Vi, David, Carl, Margot eat lunch at Elk Lake Hut, BC

Shirley, Brian, Sim, Vi, David enjoy lunch at Elk Lake Hut, BC

We started back about 12.30pm and made several clothing adjustments during the return climb now in brilliant sunshine.

View up power line route from Elk Lake parking lot to Alberta

Most managed on wax, but I preferred half length kicker skins. The snow was excellent. By concensus, we returned via hydroline, patterson and fox creek to arrive at the cars by 4.00pm. All trails had plenty of skier tracked snow and fox creek was especially pretty. A busy drive in the downhill ski traffic saw us back in Calgary about 5.30pm. Thanks to all the trail breakers and everyone for making this alternate ski tour a success. 24km, +600m?, 7:30 hrs.

Participants: Philip, Sim, David, Carl, Shirley, Brian, Vi, Margot

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