Rummel L ski Off-Trail skiing on 26-Nov-2022

Participants: Mike,Carl,Jane,Gordon,Jenny.

Fresh snow on the roads made the drive to the trail head a little slower than normal, I was thankful for the brand new snow tires, but they don't do much to improve the clearance on a Honda fit. At the end of the day, the roads were still deeply snow covered and slow going, although improving around Black Prince. We had a couple of folks who were going to join us from Canmore but they both had withdrawn on medical grounds so I can't say what the road was like North of the trail head.

At the trailhead the five of us sported a wide variety of skis, from Jane classic skinny long tele skis, to Mike little Bees (See Skier Roger for the tails of these little adventurers). Carl had some skin issues, specifically they were at home, so he used a bunch of repair straps in lieu.

The track up to the lake was in great shape, with the fresh snow, the base was firm enough to support snowshoes and several groups in regular boots, without creating many areas of postholes. We cleared one fallen tree about 2/3 of the way up.

We reached the lake without incident, and admired the views as we had a bit of lunch. Snow on the Galatea side was very thin, but I thought we might be able to work up the edge of the tree line past the end of the lake. Alas, although the depth was not bad, there was no base at all. We returned to the summer trail (more or less) and climbed towards Rummel Ridge. Once out of the trees there was most bare slopes in the direction of the pass. We traversed down valley and climbed up on Rummel ridge to 2310 meters. Part of the lower slope had enough support for a skier, but to far and either direction and you were swimming with the sharks.

We intercepted the trail about half a kilometer below the lake, the descent through the trees was a little tight in spots but their was enough snow to support the descent.

The ski out was a little tricky in spots, the snow was good, but a few sections were very narrow.

Thanks to all for a good day out.

Top end of Rummel Lake

North of Rummel Lake Gordon, Mike,Jane

Jane Tele turns below Rummel Ridge