Upper Lake trailhead. Photo by Mike Norton
Nov 22, 2020: It’s good to see that skiers are now using the Upper Lake parking lot in order to access Elk Pass. The photo above shows skiers at the trailhead as they are preparing to ski the pleasant 900-metre trail to Elk Pass.
The short access road into Elk Pass parking was jammed with vehicles today. I imagine it is just a matter of time until Alberta Parks clamps down on this.
More grooming and tracksetting
The Banff/Lake Louise trail report indicates the Bow River Loop in Lake Louise has been trackset for the first time this season. It also indicates the Pipestone trails have been groomed but are still very rough.
Also at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake road and the Great Divide were groomed and trackset today.
Yoho Valley road: Chuck used up a lot of calories breaking trail in 25 cm of snow on his way to Takakkaw Falls today. Glad to see a photo of Ezzy the chocolate lab on the trail. Be aware, there’s avalanche risk if you go beyond the tracksetting at 4.5K.
Upper Lake parking
I had never skied the Upper Lake – Elk Pass connector before, so today I parked at Upper Lake and started from there. I skied through Elk Pass meadows to the hydroline going into BC, where I could hear noise from heavy machinery. It sounded like a logging operation is going on just on the other side of the hydroline. Something to be aware of for those skiing through to Elk Lakes cabin.