Spray River west to upper Spray bridge Track skiing on 14-Dec-2022

Snow was predicted overnight in Banff and this snowfall made this trip quite enjoyable, enough to cover old snow but not significant enough to hide the tracks. The trees with fresh snow and no wind effect were a winter wonderland scene. People were already out skiing when we arrived. Nice weather with -8C and no wind. At the trailhead we met one RamblerMarianne not registered for the trip and two people originally with the HOGS (Hostel Outdoor Group) whom the coordinator had done numerous trips with in previous years. They accompanied us for the first part of the trip with all of us catching up on what had been happening over the past few years.

The skiing to the Goat Creek junction was very good and at a reasonably fast pace. We set out to the old warden cabin location in unconsolidated, sugary snow from here - no one had recently skied into the Spray Valley trail yet. Not onerous trail breaking and for only a short distance of 1/2 kilometer. The old road down to the cabin was located without too much difficulty and we skied to the open area. After checking it out and attempting to surmise the exact cabin location location - (Mark (HOG) even found what appeared newer timber buried under the snow) - , we headed back to the trail junction.The coordinator who was skiing at the rear noted that even after six skiers had passed over the same track both ways that the snow seemed to be quite unconsolidated still. A short lunch was held and then we were off to the upper Spray River bridge, our turnaround point. We left the other three here (who continued on the Goat Creek trail) and started back.

A quick stop at the bus depot (Spray River circuit junction) for a photo and we completed the remainder of the trip without mishap.

Kim and Terry at the Spray River bridge near the "bus stop"

About the right distance for all of us as we get our winter legs in tune for more trips.

With a start near 10:30am and a finish at 2:30pm, about 4 hours of skiing for about 21km. distance. Thanks to participants: Kim and Terry for joining me.

Bob, C/S/P

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