Aiming at 2000

Alluvial fan trail at Emerald Lake in Yoho

(2000 posts that is, in case you missed the previous one). I just got back from two days in Yoho. It was only meant to be one, but circumstances allowed me to stay and ski on today’s new tracksetting 🙂 Thanks for all the trip reports. Looks like we need some more snow to cover the debris(but not in Yoho).

It appears there’s a big change in weather coming, so be careful on the roads. I’ve never seen a Flash Freeze Warning before.  The reason I stayed in Yoho overnight was because of a big accident on the highway between Field and Lake Louise which was delaying traffic going east for hours.

I will post a comprehensive update with lots of photos later, but first there’s some great news from Banff National Park. Jo Lunn just sent this to me:

Exciting news!…new nordic ski trails in Banff National Park

(Click for a larger image)

Santa brought nordic skiers two gifts on Christmas Eve! As a result of initiatives taken by various parties, including the Lake Louise to Banff Loppet committee, Tunnel Mountain Campground was set for skating and classic on December 24th.

It is a series of parallel “streets” accessed at the main entrance. Approximately 4 km of trails are being set by volunteers. Parking, a winterized washroom (sheer luxury!) and picnic shelter with fire wood are available for our use. It is anticipated the trails will be lit from 4 pm to 9 pm daily.

Not just once a year anymore, this trail will be trackset all winter long! This portion is between Castle lookout and Baker creek. The total length of continuous trail from Castle junction to Baker creek will be 16K

Equally exciting is the delivery on Christmas Eve of an all-winter permit for the loppet trail to be track set (classic only) from Protection Mountain Campground to Castle Lookout. Veteran loppeteers will know this is one of the most beautiful portions of Leg 2. This will allow skiers to access the complete trail from Castle Junction all the way through to Baker Creek, with midway vehicle access at Castle Lookout.

Look for this sign on Tunnel Mountain road to access the ski trails

Tracksetters at Castle Mountain Chalets and Baker Creek Mountain Resort will maintain these trails. The Lake Louise to Banff Loppet committee funded the Environmental Impact Assessment required by Parks Canada with accumulated loppet proceeds. The trail is being packed December 27 with hopes that it will be track set very soon. Please check the Parks Canada Trail Report for updates.

Fantastic!