While in Yoho this past weekend, we also skied around Emerald Lake, the alluvial fan, and the Emerald Connector.
Emerald Connector
The trail around Emerald Lake is very easy but spectacular. If proceeding clockwise, you can do a complete loop by returning on the east side of the lake where the trail initially takes you through the forest on the shore, but then dips down onto the lake.
If you stay on the shore, there are some steep hills near the end at what’s called the “Peaceful Pond” trail. The trail report warns, “Peaceful Pond trail is groomed, not trackset. There are steep hills with sharp turns that require strong snowplow skills. Beginner skiers are advised to walk up and down these hills.”
The avalanche zone on the Connector
I skied through the avalanche zone on the Connector. It’s 1.7K and all you’ll have is a skier-set track with lots of soft snow on the shoulders for your poles to break through. You emerge from the avalanche zone onto the Tally-Ho trail which can take you into Field, or to the Natural Bridge. The entire distance of the Connector from Emerald Lake to the Natural Bridge is 8.9K.
