We didn't make it to the Giant Steps but it was a most enjoyable run back to the cars in powder conditions.......

The trail was broken to the Lake Annette junction with just some powder on top of the track. At Lake Annette there was a broken trail heading to the lake and we thought we would check to see if a track had been put up the creek. No such luck, so we headed up towards the lake for about 100 meters. It appeared that skiers had turned around and only snowshoers were continuing so we turned around also.

There had been a lone ski track on the old summer trail heading to the back of the valley so decided to check it out. It continued for only maybe 300 meters and then also stopped. Since we were on the old summer trail anyway we continued. We were able to follow this trail until it reached a large meadow area after two fairly large avalanche slopes. As none of us had been up this valley recently we were unsure as to the continuing direction of this trail. we did some exploring but without any luck. Since it was 1:15pm, lunch seemed like a good idea. For some reason, after lunch everyone felt chilled possibly due to a slight wind blowing up the valley. After checking the map which showed the trail crossing the creek which was still open in this area(the bridge had likely been removed when the trail was decommissioned to hikers - horses only now, I believe) and a little more looking around we decided to call it a day. The ski back was fun due to the powdery conditions and we were back at the cars shortly after 4:00pm.

Those participating in the excursion were John, Ivan, Yoko and Bob - Coordinator and Scribe. Thanks to Ivan for the photos.