We left Fish Creek parking lot at 9.00am on an assortment of gear, mostly vintage tele, but two wore lighter trail skis and one was on AT. Only one managed on wax to Redoubt Lake, the rest used skins of some kind. One always warms up on the climb to the ski area and Larch chair, but the temperature remained near -24c until Ptarmigan Lake and sunshine. Above the ski area we met and talked with two descending from Skoki Lodge on snowmobiles. Skoki Lodge is open but due to Covid they are running a very modified service.

Heather Ridge Circuit: 11.20am near Half-Way Hut: About -24c. Note frost around all faces especially on Brian's beard.

With a few short breaks we reached the warm sunshine on frozen Ptarmigan Lake about 12.15pm and decided to continue to Redoubt Lake for lunch. Without wind, we had time and comfort to admire the stunning views which included Unity Peak and the route of the Pumpkin Traverse.


On Ptarmigan Lake heading to Redoubt Lake: note wind hammered lake surface

Lunch at Redoubt Lake on Heather Ridge ski circuit

After lunch Bob broke trail to the end of the lake and we enjoyed a few powder turns (the only turns of the trip) into the meadow below Heather ridge.


In the meadows below Redoubt Lake

Skinning up to go around Heather Ridge. Mt Redoubt beind

Donning skins, we broke trail into and through the drainage between Heather Ridge and Mt. Brachiopod. This is a terrain trap but with Moderate, low, low ratings we felt comfortable and didn't see any natural activity although there was some debris from Heather ridge cornice nearby.


Bob breaks trail on the flanks of Mt Brachiopod

Gaining a rise, I expected the usual gentle glide down to Ptarmigan Lake. But the area was so severely wind-hammered, that we kept our skins on to find a route to the snowmobile track.


Return to Redoubt Lake with Mt Ptarmigan behind

Then to Boulder Pass and a long, fast undulating track to the ski-area and cars by about 5.30pm just in daylight. It was -16c and felt it.

To me the highlight was the stunning scenery. This is one of my favourite areas year-round (good larches in the fall) and it didn't disappoint. Thanks to the trail breaking mostly by Bob but also Sim and others. Only ankle deep, but it still had to be done. Data base stats were 26km and 750m which jibes closely with my GPS. We took 8:30hrs.


Map of Heather Ridge Circuit (usually skied)

Of note, it was definitely cold. One member struggled with cold feet. On a more positive note, another member had celebrated her 80th birthday a few days ago. What an inspiration she is.

Participants: Sim,David(photos),Shirley,Bob,Inge,Brian,Jenny (photos).