The short version is that 5 Ramblers skied the short traverse from Rummel TH to Chester Lake and TH on good snow (10cms new), cool temperatures (-20c to -10c), hazy cloud, minor wind in about 5 1/2 hours. There were only 4 cars including our's in Chester Lake parking lot when we finished at 3.15pm.
We met at West Valley Road car pooling lot near Stoney Trail in Calgary at 8.00am and were surprised to see the following sign. I guess that we will have to use another lot next week.
West Valley Road Car Pool Sign Feb 12, 2019
The drive went smoothly to meet David and Kim at Chester Lake TH and shuttle to Rummel Lake TH to start skiing by 9.45am all using skins. It was -20c. A steady plod up the broken trail towards Rummel Lake soon warmed us up. With a break or two we reached a fork with an arrow sign at 11.30am. We took the minor right fork as this seemed to be swinging south to Chester Lake. It did and and with some mild off trail we dropped down to a drainage that led towards Chester Lake. We followed this and stopped for lunch out of the slight wind at 12.45pm. Two key ring thermometers read -10c.
Ramblers ski from Rummel to Chester Lake
Lunch from Rummel to Chester Lake: Philip, David, Kim, Margo
More trail breaking in 10cms of snow led to the pass and after a short descent the fun bush whacking began. Although we had to struggle over one major fallen tree, this was not too bad and we spat out nicely below the avalanche path and into the meadows above Chester Lake. Since the views were not special, we ignored the Elephant Rock option and headed over to the Chester Lake Trail. It was in good condition but we only passed 2 skiers before reaching the car at 3.15pm. Of interest, there is still at least one sign above the ski trail fork pointing up the ski trail to Chester Lake for both skiers and hikers. Weird. I thought that this was a ski trail in winter. Update Feb 14, 2019: I have been assured by email from Kananaskis Country that sign changes are imminent within a few weeks.
Sign on Chester Lake Ski Trail above upper ski trails Junction (just below steep hill)
Sign on Chester Lake trail below ski trail lower fork.
The return drive to Calgary was smooth. Thanks to all for sharing the trail breaking and making for a good day. Stats: 10km, 300m, 5:30 hrs.
Participants: Philip, Kim, David, Margo, David