How steep is that trail, anyway?

Graph provided by Ray Perrott. (click for a larger image)

This is a post which you might want to bookmark and use for future reference. It’s especially relevant and useful for new skiers, or when you’re considering skiing on one of these trails for the first time.

You’ve read Ray Perrott’s trip reports on this blog, but I should point out that Ray keeps meticulous records of trail distances, elevations, and other pertinent data. Better yet, he knows how to process this information into useful and easily-readable graphs.

When looking at this, take note that overall steepness of a trail can be a bit misleading. For example, Moraine Lake Road over the entire 8.9K distance is only a gradient of 2.7% which isn’t too daunting. Look closer, however, and you’ll see that Moraine Lake Road hill is 5.2% which is quite steep, and more than a raw beginner would want to tackle.

The first trail mentioned on the graph, Lookout south(Kananaskis Fire Lookout in PLPP) has a section which is 1K long and has an average gradient of 14.7%. That is very steep and is one solid kilometre of herring-boning.

Thanks to Ray Perrott for the graphs

If you have any questions about the ski hill gradients, leave a comment. I’m sure Ray would be willing to answer any inquiries.

I like showcasing the extraordinary talents and abilities of my readers. We gain a lot of knowledge and insight which would otherwise remain hidden from our inquiring minds and I am appreciative of everyone who has graciously given their time and knowledge to enlighten us.