Seven of us (with 4 from Canmore) arrived at Fish Creek parking lot and were surprised at the -18.5 temperature.  Where was that warm weather forecasted?  However, we soon warmed up going up the ski-out which was a little rough with open water in some places, was not officially open and had not been groomed.

We took a shortcut leaving the Skoki trail bypassing Halfway Hut and continued up to the first bench above Hidden Lake.


Carl crosses an open area on the shortcut to Hidden Lake slopes

Arriving at the top of the bench above Hidden Lake seen in the distance.

 We had our first run on excellent snow and then climbed back up and decided to go on up to one of the higher benches on the east slopes of Richardson Ridge


The climb up to an upper bench on the east slopes of Richardson Ridge. The start of our ski run was at the top of the sunny area on the right.

The final climb to the start of our powder run on the east slopes of Richardson Ridge

  This area is often badly wind-blown, but today there were many areas of good powder.  Carl did manage to find some breakable crust and after he got up we all realized to avoid smooth patches.  After two runs we decided to ski the lower run again on our way back.  As we returned across the shortcut, we left the shaded areas in the Hidden Lake valley and found a delightful spot for a leisurely break to finish our lunches.


A sunny, warm rest stop with a view towards Temple on the way back

Participants: Manfred,Carl,Clifton,Ulrike,Barbara,Evan Photos Douglas C/S/P

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