West outlier of North Kent snowshoe Snowshoeing on 9-Jan-2021

Our group of ten Rambler snowshoers headed up the trail with a starting temperature of minus 22, due to a temperature inversion in the valley. We quickly warmed up as we made our way up the old logging roads and narrow trail through the trees higher up.

Narrow trail through the trees

By the time we reached treeline the temperature had warmed considerably and we were able to enjoy the warm sunny windless conditions as we started up the ridge of North Kent Outlier. We decided to remove our snow shoes and switch to microspikes above treeline.

Heading up above tree line

The group on the lower section of the ridge

Janice and Susan with the Smith Dorien in the background

Higher up the ridge a solitary mountain goat seemed undisturbed by our presence.

Mountain goat on the upper section of the ridge

The brilliant blue skies and sunshine made for great views all the way up the ridge.

Christine on the middle section of the ridge

Just another false summit along the ridge

The cornices on the Southeast side of the ridge were especially spectacular. The ridge is a series of false summits, but eventually we all made our way to the summit cairn.

James Walker Cirque from the summit cairn

Group photo at the summit cairn

Looking West towards Mount Murray from the summit cairn

A very cold wind at the top meant a quick summit photo and then the group retreated down the ridge to treeline to enjoy our lunch in the warm sunshine.

Starting back down the ridge

After lunch two of the group decided to don their snowshoes for the trip back to the parking lot, while the other eight chose to make their way down the compacted trail in microspikes. We were back at the vehicles at 2 PM after enjoying a beautiful blue sky day in the mountains.

Thanks to Susan,Bill,Janice,Christine,Bruce,Teresa,Glenda,Bill and Vladimir for their great company and for joining meKevin (C/S) on another Kananaskis winter adventure.

Edit report | Back to List