Hidden Lake - Backcountry tour and turns

Halfway Hut (Ptarmigan Hut)
Lovely historic hut below Hidden Lake.
Almost 100 years old. 

Got out Sunday March 9 with young bucks Curt and Max for some backcountry turns. Not being out much this season, decided to ski conservative terrain. Last couple of seasons did some winter mountaineering trips near Skoki (Mt. Richardson, Ptarmigan Peak) and enjoyed skiing the slopes above Hidden Lake, so we headed there. Simple, but not short approach to Halfway Hut (Ptarmigan Hut) for lunch. 

Earning our turns. Long ski slog towards
Temple Lodge at Ski Louise. 
(Photo by Curt)

Heading to hut for a snack on the way up.

Making our way above the hut.

It was snowing hard all morning. Once in the alpine, travel was slow due to sticky (high moisture content) snow and limited visibility. We did one long run back to the hut. Lots of snow, but low angle and fresh wet powder made turns so so. Snack at the hut, then quick ski out. Good day out in the hills.

Typical conditions in the alpine.

OSWB looking for best up track. 
(Photo by Curt)

Transition to down hill mode. 
(Photo by Curt)

Curt in pow. 

Max in pow.

Nice pow, but we needed more steepness. 

Low vis near the hut on the way out.