What a crazy ride. Highway 742 south of Canmore’s Nordic Centre was the most sketch part of this trip. Although interesting, nobody’s wheels fell off their vehicle. Kudos to Clifton for staking it out a day prior and giving a heads up on road conditions. We started out around 9:30 a.m. on a dry trail and didn’t reach snow until we were above the rock garden. At first it was manageable until we met deep isothermal snow that rendered snowshoes useless. The struggle was short lived and lasted about 20 minutes. Soon enough we were out of the trees and travel became much easier. Our summit slope was covered with a few centimetres of snow that was easily negotiable. We reached the top at noon and were able to enjoy spectacular views. There was no wind and we had the high point to ourselves. Although we packed snowshoes we didn’t use them.


Ice remains on Spray Lakes.

Solitude during a pandemic. That's Alda up there. Photo by Teresa Leszczynska.

Jim's first time on Little Lougheed.

Summit shot.

Teresa descending the summit ridge.

Clifton makes his way down.

Almost back to the trees.

Spring postholing.

We were back at the cars by 2:30 p.m. A huge shout out to Jim, Alda, Damian, Clifton, Teresa for joining me. Yours truly, Christine.

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