Yet another cr***y day in the mountains. Nothing but hard sweat, snow, more snow, blue skies, 30km views, sunburn and good company. I wish I was still working. NOT.

When we left the (half-full) Fish Creek Parking lot soon after 9.00am it was about -8C. Since the ski-out was hard packed we made steady good progress into the Wolverine Valley on a well beaten trail where we met the only other skiers for the day. A couple of guys yo-yo ing nearby. As we could see wind gusts off the Purple Mound/ Unity Ridge we stopped for lunch in the relative calm of the Upper Wolverine Valley about 12.15pm.

Lunch in the Upper Wolverine Valley while on the Pumpkin Traverse

Ramblers approach ridge at the Upper end of Wolverine Valley

The short drop over this ridge looked intimidating but Clifton led the way with confidence and we all followed without mishap. IMO this "cruise" around Unity Peak is the highlight of the tour, but needs good stable snow for success. Today we had 10 cms powder on a very hard base. Excellent.

Crux traverse around Unity Peak on the Pumpkin Traverse

Protection Mtn from the Pumpkin Traverse

Most of the snow had blown off Unity Peak, so no-one was interested in an ascent. We continued around to Redoubt lake enjoying some low-angle turns enroute. While the sun's warmth could be felt, there was also a cool gusty wind making for very acceptable conditions.

Descent around Unity Peak on the Pumpkin Traverse

Looking towards Redoubt Lake on the Pumpkin Traverse

Unity Peak on the Pumpkin Traverse

We took a snack break before the short climb up to Redoubt Lake followed by a 2km plod along this lake to a bump overlooking Ptarmigan Lake where we took another break while I caught up. I love this area and get easily distracted taking photos (that's my excuse for letting others break trail - many thanks).


Looking south from Redoubt Lake towards Unity Peak on the Pumpkin Traverse

Snack Break near Ptarmigan Lake

Then down to Ptarmigan Lake and to Boulder Pass where we deskinned for the last time. As predicted the ski out from Boulder Pass to the cars took about 1 hour (my speed) with brief regrouping breaks. While everyone else used AT gear, I preferred tele which for me makes for easier touring but slower on the downhills. We were back at the cars by 5.20pm making about an 8:15 hour day. My backcountry navigator GPS gave 23.3km and 1036m elevation gain which jibes roughly with the Rambler database info of 26km and 1200m (which is for the full Chic Scott traverse).

Map of shortened Pumpkin Traverse via Wolverine Valley

Thanks to everyone for making this such a great day: breaking trail as needed, sticking together. Nice pics by Bill, not so good by me David. Click on any to enlarge.

Participants: Sim,Kim,Bill,David,David,Clifton,Katrin,Margot.