Backcountry Ski from Ramparts Hostel Hwy93 Off-Trail skiing on 18-Feb
A successful trip overall. Some cool nights (-24c) but warming to -12c or even to -8c one day, sunshine, little wind, and good snow when we could find it. Since there hasn't been much new snow in the area for 2 weeks, there were many down tracks. Although some uptracks were marred by hikers, we found room in between for turns.
18 Feb 2019, we carpooled from Calgary to Bow Summit and skied the ridge glades south of Observation Peak. -22c to -8c, sunny. The skiing above treeline was slabby and not good, much better in the trees, but limited space. The whole area had seen much activity especially to the west of the highway.
Ramblers enjoy lunch on Observation Ridge near Bow Summit
We then drove to the Ramparts Hostel where we stayed 3 nights. While warm and friendly, we found the sleeping cabins rather crowded, 4 bunks per cabin would be better.
Ramparts Hostel sleeping cabin with 6 bunks: 2 bunks are in the corner behind Christine
Ulli and Margo relax in Ramparts Hostel lounge
Manfred and Roy enjoy breakfast in Ramparts Hostel kitchen and dining area
Ramparts Hostel kitchen and dining area
19 Feb 2019. We skied Hilda Ridge. The best snow was found below/at tree line. Above it was somewhat wind crusted depending on aspect. Some nice runs here. It warmed from -20c overnight to -8c in patchy sunshine. No photos worth showing but this was a good day.
20 Feb 2019. We skied to Wilcox Pass, returned for a warm -8c lunch in the sunshine by the cars and returned to Hilda Ridge for a couple of runs. The trail to Wilcox Pass was "wrecked" by hikers' post holes to the Parks red chairs which provided a good viewpoint. Fortunately these holes did not cause an accident on return, but since the Park appears to be encouraging year round hiking, then, for safety reasons, it should build 2 trails, one for hikers/snowshoers and one for skiers. (personal opinion only)
At red chairs near Wilcox Pass: Ulli, Roy, Christine, Margo, Manfred
Skiing up to Wilcox Pass in Jasper NP. Mt Wilcox behind.
Tricky bridge skiing on the trail to Wilcox Pass. Necessary to walk down these stairs.
21 Feb 2019. We drove to Bow summit and skied a few laps from the ridge on the west side. Although well tracked, Manfred found some untracked glades which were rather good. Excellent scenery also. About -16c to -10c with a clear sunny sky. Lots of hikers' post holes for the first km or so.
Deskinning at Bow Summit, Dolomite Peaks behind
Skinning up in the glades at Bow Summit, Banff National Park. Margo, Roy, Christine
After a smooth drive, we were back in Calgary about 6.30pm. Thanks to all for making the trip a success and especially to Manfred for doing most of the trail breaking and sharing his knowledge of the area. As expected the best skiing was on Hilda Ridge where there was some tree cover.
Participants: Christine, David, Manfred, Margo, Roy, Ulli.