"Your blog is amazing. I check it everyday … and when I can’t ski, it is wonderful to just look at the pictures." -Denise
Backcountry
Thanks to Alf Skrastins for this:
Here are a few suggestions for ungroomed trails that can be OK for XC touring skis:
-The Telephone Loop at West Bragg Creek.
-Highway #66, past the gates at Elbow Falls and up to the Rainy Pass area
-The Eagle Hill trail at Sibbald Lake along Hwy #68
The three trails listed above are in the foothills and are best between late December and mid-March, when enough snow has fallen along the eastern side of the Rockies. Use the West Bragg Creek trail reports as a guideline.
The following trails are in the Kananaskis Lakes and Smith-Dorrien valley areas. They typically get a lot of snow. These trails are free from avalanche risk.
-Hwy #40, south of the Kananaskis Lakes turn-off. This used to be trackset at one time.
-The Smith-Dorrien trails between Sawmill Day Use area and Chester Day Use area. These trails used to be groomed, but have not been maintained for several years. The ones that are in better shape (less little trees and deadfall) will hopefully be signed as snowshoe trails this winter.
-The Burstall Pass Trail to Burstall Flats.
-The Chester Lake Loop
-The Rummel Lake trail
-The old logging road that runs between the Mt. Shark road near Engadine Lodge and Commonwealth Creek.
In Banff Natiional Park, there are several trails that can be good.
-Boom Lake trail is signed as an ungroomed XC trail, but it also gets a lot of snowshoe traffic.
-Healy Pass is a favorite of mine, but you’ll need a good snowplow on some of the hills. I prefer wider skis for this one.
-Taylor Lake and Tower Lake trails are also used as touring trails by folks on XC ski gear, but they both gain a lot of elevation and require nearly constant snowplowing on the way down. I prefer to use wider backcountry skis for these two trails.
Alf
{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
Mountain weather:
Looking at the Banff gondola web cam today, there are rain/snow clouds in one direction and beautiful blue skies in the other. Amazing and beautiful!
Hmm. Then again, it appears that the west facing camera hasn’t been updated for a while. It makes for an interesting combination.
SKOKI
Conditions couldn’t be better, but no one comes… so it’s time to close!
What a great place to end the season. Skoki lived up to its history, and provided the best. This well cared for historic lodge near Lake Louise continues amaze, with its magnificent scenery and delicious food (thanks Michelle).
A three hour ski to the lodge, got us there in time for a leisurely afternoon tea (the soup is to-die-for), and plenty of time to ski over to Cyclone cabin in the Red Deer lakes area. Travel was easy on a firm crust with minimal ski penetration. To get full benefit, we skied out the next day around Fossil Mountain over Baker Lake. In fact we also did a side trip to Redoubt Lake.
Catch a glimpse of our experience by checking this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14228638@N07/sets/72157629857731343
Would love to visit that wonderful historic cabin for more than just a day trip but $200/night is a barrier. A self-catering option would be nice if they wouldn’t mind sharing the kitchen!
Nice photos that make me realize that it has been too long since we visited Skoki. Now that our friend Michelle is cooking there we can add another reason. A day trip in and out for afternoon tea at Skoki is a reasonable tour for strong xc skiers.
Sunday was a day of perfect weather to do one of the Rockies classic spring backcountry tours- the loop around Dolomite Peak. After dropping a car 1 km or so north of Mosquito Creek (the new preferred exit point), we headed up the well beaten track in Helen Creek. Wall to wall skins were a necessity on the hardpacked, often icy skintrack- skinny skins would have been frustrating to say the least. Above the trees, the snow was generally more forgiving, and some OK turns were had on the hillside above Dolomite Pass. From there, over the high col and down to the trees above the Mosquito Creek drainage, snow conditions were quite good making for easy travel and relaxed descending. The winds were notably almost absent, encouraging several long breaks to savor the warm sun and long April daylight. Once in the forest for the descent to the highway, a mix of crusts, icy packed tracks and heavier sun-softened snow made for some “interesting” skiing, but nonetheless, the shorter high line through the woods out to the road is much preferable to the traditional slog out along the Mosquito Creek trail.
All in all, one of the better days on the Dolomite, in our many times around it.
You can follow Sunday’s tour in my Picasa album, select “slideshow” at left above the thumbnail images.
https://picasaweb.google.com/steveandjoriggs/DolomiteCircuitApril8
Fabulous photos and thanks for a great report.
Beautiful pictures! Really warms the soul
Sorry, gotta run…I’m lubing my bike chain 
Wow. It takes my breath away.
Superb photos and awesome skiing!
The first words that come to mind are “Freedom of the Hills”.
Steve, what kind of snow was it to ski? Was the loose snow over top a freeze/thaw layer? Could you break through, or was it like a babies bottom?
Another question.
In photo #1, are you aiming for the opening just right of the prominent peak , or does the route veer up and off to the right of the photo?
I see from studying photo #3 that you seem to be indeed veering right before that high open spot.
Thanks to all the contributors to this site I was able to track down the good snow and get some decent training despite poor snow conditions here in Edmonton. I’m off to Lillehammer tomorrow for the “real” Birkie this weekend. Tusen takk!
I hope you’ll give us a report. Good luck. -Bob
En to tre fire fem, Dean ! Have a blast.
PARADISE VALLEY
Amazing conditions today with the cooler temperatures and fresh snow overnight.
The Parks Trail Report has not been updated yet. There was about 5 cm fresh snow overnight, and it was -7 C when we set out. Simple Blue wax was perfect… no thought of using skins.
We went about a km past the third bridge with no avalanche risk. After that you have to consider avalanche slopes on the right.
To read the comments associated with these photos, select Details within:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14228638@N07/sets/72157629208367408
Any beta on Paradise Valley at Lake Louise. I’m heading up there tomorrow…
No beta on Paradise but I’m in Lake Louise right now and it’s been snowing all day and really windy so expect some drifting. Chances are the Avy conditions may be unstable to!
OK thanks for that. Back-up is Canmore/Banff/Canmore via Goat Creek. Any word if I still need rock skis on that trail?
Another long backcountry day on sunday. My friend Kelly and I skied through fresh snow from Elk pass parking lot to the turnoff for West Elk pass where we broke trail on top of some old tracks to the AB/BC border. Lots of whumping in the meadow along the way. A good indicator of the considerable avalanche danger at the time. From there we broke trail to Fox lake then with the best of our ability followed the summer trail to Upper Elk lake. Staying on the summer trail was virtually impossible (even with gps) so whenever a steep slope appeared on our right we would head downhill left. Eventually we hit a steep drainage which meant a bunch of switchbacks (and some tele turns). Eventually we came upon the one big avalanche gully that must be crossed but luckily we were low down and snuck across at a narrow treed section. After that it was easy on level ground. I said to my friend “this looks like a trail we’re on” Sure enough we had ended up on the summer trail again. What luck! Soon we came to the creek draining the upper lake where we found a log jam to ski across to join the trail on the other side. After lunch on the lakeshore we decided to ski to the end of the lake. Then we kept going, and going, and going until we reached the end of the valley under Petain falls. Massive walls of rock smothered in ice and raked by avalanches signaled it was time to turn around. Five o’clock! I guess its another night ski out! We made good time back to our lunch stop where we had another snack then decided to ski up the way we had come in. Alot shorter than the powerline route. We arrived back at the car at 10:15. It was a chilly -19c. The Gps indicated 29 km round trip with a whopping 1927 meters of elevation gain! A great trip with a great friend (he never complains when I want to go further!)
Just found this wonderful video by Pat Morrow of the ski descent from Rockbound Lake. Woohoo!
http://vimeo.com/33504971
Rockbound lake is an awesome ski trip! Last time I did that one was five years ago. Make sure you’re a good skier before you try it. Lots of vertical and a narrow eight kilometer downhill that will leave your legs shaking at the bottom. If you’re an expert skier with avalanche training its possible to ski to the top of Castle mountain by Rockbound lake also.
Great video by Pat Morrow! Its as much fun as it looks!
I’ve been dusting off some old photos, some of which I took with B&W film. I have to chuckle that some of these images look like they are from the early 1900′s. I can only assume that we considered avalanche conditions acceptable! Not sure if this link will work.
Castle Mtn, winter, circa, 1982
https://picasaweb.google.com/103808913449392522664/Castle_mtn_ski_c82?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMnspem_3eak-QE&feat=directlink
Works fine! Great photos from the 80′S! Did you guys manage to ski to the summit of Castle on that trip?
Peter, we were almost in the clouds that day, hence no further photos. I recall that the skis came off in order to climb the last bit to the actual summit.
Skied up to elk pass and down to elk lakes on friday. Headed to the upper lake and noticed a skier set trail across the lake. Continued to the far end of the lake. Thanks for the trail! We used the hydroline up and down. No gps, but I think it was around 32 km and about 6 hours of skiing.
Wondered if the track we were following went to the falls? I guess we know now!
Today I decided to do another long ski. (Getting myself used to long days as I’m heading into Assiniboine in a few weeks). I skied Redearth creek to Shadow lake and beyond. Met my snowman partway in and dusted him off then hurried along to arrive at the shore of Shadow lake at 11am. Conditions were nice and fast with about a centimeter of snow on the track. From the lake shore I skied on the south side. Along the way I tried to find the spot where I camped a decade ago. That was one of the coldest camping trips I’ve experienced. It dropped below -40c one night! One of my friends still has frost damaged toes from that trip. Feeling energetic I made my way up the creek and valley towards Whistling pass and Haiduk lake. Unfortunately I had skinny skis and no skins so I turned around when things got steep. As I arrived back on Shadow lake I heard a loud crack behind me on Mount Ball.
I stood in awe as a massive avalanche poured down its east face. Back at Shadow lake lodge I had a snack then back on the skis, down the steep twisty bit then onto Redearth creek and back to my car. With the great glide it only took an hour to get back to my car from the lodge. It was nearly a 40 km day and boy do my legs hurt….Tomorrow it will be Cascade fire road with the wife and kids……..I think i’ll be a bit slow tomorrow…..:)
Looking forward to seeing some photos and write up about Assiniboine!
I’ll try my best!
Skied to Skoki lodge yesterday. Its a 28 km day with 1100 m of vertical. The weather was overcast with light snow falling most of the day. The trail was well packed by the snowmobile but no skier set tracks so the skis were a bit hard to control. Had a short lunch at the lodge then back up to Decepion pass. Made some great tele turns all the way down from the pass then fought the wind back to Boulder pass. From there it was a speedy descent back to the car.
Peter, I went in to Skoki Lodge for the first time today, Feb 20. What a great place! Snow and trail conditions were flawless, no doubt the reason for a six hour circuit. Staff at the lodge were very friendly, as were the twenty-odd guests I met along the way. Highly recommended A+
Just a note on gear…I used light waxless touring skis with partial metal edges and combi skate/classic boots for more control. Skins were not required until I ascended Deception Pass on the return leg and were quickly stripped. BTW, I use Kicker Sticker skins which are only half length and don’t affect glide too much. IMHO, the most taxing part of the route is that $&/(!#% ski out, in either direction!
I used my old telemark skis (which probably haven’t been tuned in ten years!). I usually wax them from tip to tail which allows me to ascend almost anything and therefore no skins required! The extra wax doesn’t effect glide much either. I’ve actually managed to ski up Assiniboine pass on them (which is incredibly steep in places) without needing my skins. I must agree with you about the ski out! No fun to climb on the way in and hard on the tired legs on the way out!
I’m posting this a little late, but a couple of us skied into Skoki last weekend (February 10 – 12) and were surrounded by absolutely breathtaking scenery. The trail is was a true pain, as most people staying at the lodge agreed. It hadn’t snowed there in days, so it was slick, and with a slight tilt to one side, it meant a lot of side trips into tree wells. Beyond Skoki Lodge, however, it was skiing heaven. For the most part trails were skier set, though we did end up bushwhacking a little (on skis) towards Natural Bridge. Definitely a great way to try out my brand new light touring skis (Fischer E99s). The trail in should be in much better shape now that it has snowed a bit again.
You can see the photo album here: https://picasaweb.google.com/barbarab202/20120210To12Skoki?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCK_6wYDb_IbQwwE&feat=directlink
Those are fantastic photos. So gathering from your post, if you have touring skis, add some skins and you’re all set? I have metal edge Rossignol’s 55
Gord – Yes, climbing skins made all the difference. Heading in we left them off all the way to Halfway Hut, but once I noticed everyone else had skins on, I put them on as well. Big difference and they worked wonders. I got the Black Diamond STS Nylon skins from MEC in 65mm width, then cut them to fit my skis (very easy).
Not my schtick but I stumbled onto this fortress mountain cat ski site for those interested. kpow.ca
Skied in the Commonwealth drainage on Monday. Skiing was pretty good. Snow pit indicated about 40cm of new snow on a sliding layer (moderate shear), then about 30cm of crystalline snow, then about 40cm of quite solid snow above the ground. The surprise was that there was virtually no depth hoar at ground level (after the frigid temps of last week).
I skied to the Ink pots today (above Johnston canyon) from the Moose meadows parking lot. The trail up was well packed by snowshoers and walkers so travel was easy. The temperature was around -15c. Once the climbing was over the descent to the ink pots was a bit hazardous as there were a few trees across the trail I had duck under. This trail has some narrow steep sections and theres no room for error as it drops off on one side. Once at the Ink pots I continued up Johnston creek for a few km. There was no trail beyond the inkpots so trailbreaking on the creek was difficult as the snow was unsupportive. I dug myself a pit to get out of wind and have lunch then headed back. On the way back I sawed out the fallen trees so no one else had to limbo under them then enjoyed the speedy descent back to my car. A short day out but with the cold temperature I didn’t mind.
Saturday skied in the Smith-Dorrien. After last weeks meltdown, there was a breakable crust under the new snow. Above about 1800 meters the crust was not present.
No mention of the excellent skiing in 15-20 cm of untracked dry powder, on a supportive 100 cm snowpack? Who knew marmots could ski?-
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9gznwsXNm-XXqu8Z3fZPeNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
PIPESTONE
Yesterday, we enjoyed getting off the Pipestone Loop and skiing further up the Pipestone River. Take slightly wider skis and maybe skins.
The warmer conditions have consolidated the snow. Sometimes we managed to stay on top, but generally we were getting ski penetration of about 15 cm.
I have included a Google image along with a ski photo to help you visualize what to expect:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14228638@N07/sets/72157628733769043
To avoid using skins to climb from the river back onto the trail, I would suggest only using the access at the north end, or top, of the track set loop (shown in red). For those who like referring to their GPS, this would be at a UTM Easting of 555463 and Northing 5703303.
You can also easily access the river at UTM 556805/5701049, which allows you more time travelling beside open water (beautiful but be careful)!
Hi Chuck,
I am interested in knowing where you got the Pipestone trail route you showed in red – from your own GPS readings? I use Google Earth quite a bit for planning recreational trips, but am disappointed that it doesn’t show trails. It’s pretty clear that it has a more urban focus than a recreational focus.
Thanks, Pat
Hi Pat;
Chuck was trying to post a reply to your comment, but for some unknown reason it wouldn’t work, so he asked me to post this link. It’s pretty neat. http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1393347
Skied up to Chester lake and to the cirque above the Elephant rocks today. Managed to get a few turns in before the sun started to set and it was time to ski out. On the way up I met up with more snowshoers on the SKI trail than skiers. Trouble understanding signs? Anyways at least they weren’t in the downhill track on the way out. Plenty of fresh snow made for nice conditions except in the cirque where the snow was unsupportive and a bit bottomless.
Happy trails to all!
Skied on the west side of the Smith-Dorrien yesterday (Tuesday). Promised to not disclose the exact location. Conditions weren’t too bad. Found some decent snow in the trees which had not been wind effected. Only about 80 cm of depth so still some roughness to the terrain but didn’t hit anything. Very little new snow had fallen.
Wow am i slow to post!…. Skied with a buddy to Rummel lake last sunday. Got some nice turns in on the avy runout uphill and left of the lake. Pretty solid snowpack where we were but I wouldn’t chance going any higher! My buddy was up there yesterday again and reported even more snow where we were previously. Lots of snowshoers on this trail so if your going to ski it go early! Not enough room for both on the narrow sections!
Merry Christmas everyone!
P.S. Thanks for putting in the backcountry and snowshoe sections Bob!
TOKUMM CREEK
On December 15, we skied up Tokumm Creek, which is a nice tour (that I think would qualify as backcountry) in the Banff area. Be careful on the narrow bridges, and do not use any single log crossings. It’s always nice to bring skins, but unless you need to break trail, you can usually just use wax.
Take a look at this lovely long valley by checking out:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14228638@N07/sets/72157628538480999
Thanks Bob for BACCOUNTRY page.
Skied Black Prince today. Only 2 runs and we quite early, because it is totally skied out. We need more snow.
Glad to see Bob has started something for backcountry skiing. It’s still early season for backcountry alpine touring (AT) or Tele skiing. Last week went up to Burstall Pass and got a few turns in but paid the price with a good gouge in the bottom of one ski from a rock. Still need your rock skis. Canyon coming out was skiable. Avalanche conditions are still twitchy, so stick to conservative terrain. Very little depth hoar as we have not had severely cold temps (yet).