Ochre Spring Peak - Ski Tour

Clearing a bit as we descended, view along SE Ridge 
of "Ochre Spring Peak".

View back to summit as we descended. 

March 29 met up with Curt to explore a new area for some turns and hopefully a new summit. We decided on "Ochre Spring Peak", a little unofficial bump along Highway 93 South in Kootenay National Park. 

 

Starting up the long avi slope.

Lots of avi debris.

View across the valley to Vermillion Peak.

As we slogged up the long and foreshorterned view in the avalanche channel, the old up track provided a new clear path through much of avi debris. After about 250 vertical metres of gain, there was a side channel to main drainage/avi channel. The trail stayed on the crest of division. Old turn tracks could be seen in the side channel, yeah, didn't have to ski down bumpy avi debris. 

Old up track in the thick of avi debris.
(Photo by Curt)

Bumpy up track.
(Photo by Curt)

Mini ridge dividing the major channel from the smaller drainage.
No avi debris in the side channel.

Curt soaking up the day.

After gaining another 100 metres up the mini ridge, the up track went up a steep slope, but ended near 2000m. Above the old track high point, trail breaking was easy and the snow conditions improved. Once above the main tree line, about 2100 metres, the snow quality really improved, no more sun crust, with a nice layer of soft powder. Weather deteriorated with high wind speed and partial whiteouts as we gained elevation into the alpine. 

View to the valley.

Partial view to summit.

Looking down to tree line. 
The incoming blast of heavy snow can be seen in the valley.

We had hoped to continue to the summit, just to be peak baggers, but the weather really deteriorated once we were above tree line. Our highpoint was about 2400 metres at 2pm. The wind was really howling, the snow was blasting and falling fast and full whiteout conditions, we chose to turnaround. At our highpoint we had gained about 1000 metres and the weather was nasty.

Above tree line the snow was excellent, no sun crust, didn't feel or dig up any wind slabs, just nice powder. It was a delightful ski back to the main tree line, but these nice conditions didn't last long. 

Curt just getting back into the trees. End of the nice snow.

OSWB heading down for some bumpy turns.
(Photo by Curt)

As we dropped in elevation the snow got more sun affected and had a hard sun crust. Much of the lower skiing was not great and you had to stay sharp and use your sharp edges. 

OSWB skiing the lower slopes, sun exposed snow was fast and furious.
(Photo by Curt)

OSWB skiing the sun blasted hard packed snow 
low down in the valley.
(Photo by Curt)

Curt enjoying the day out. 

Last look up the avi slope as we head out.

Dolomite Peak Circuit Ski Tour

Sunday February 1 got out for a great ski tour, the Dolomite Peak Circuit, with John and Curt. John, Colin, Mel and I did this fun traverse back in January of 2021, old trip report here.

John and Kevin chit chatting on the way up.
(photo by Curt)

Getting some great views.

Started out with low valley clouds which gave some great views as we headed above tree line. Sun came out as we descended to Lake Kathrine. On the traverse to Dolomite Pass the wind really picked up and it started to snow. Exciting conditions as we ascended and descended the pass. Wonderful day out. About 17 km, 900m of gain and tons of fun. 

View to west.

Heading uphill, views to Dolomite Peak. 

Skins off, ready to ski down to Lake Katherine.
(photo by Curt)

Skinning up to Dolomite Pass, getting snowy and windy.
(photo by Curt)

At the pass.

Getting ready to switch to downhill mode.

John ready for action.

Heading down below pass.

Dark skies below.

Wicked Wanda WI4, 60 metres, 1 pitch

 

Jason on the approach.

January 16, had an awesome day of ice climbing in the Ghost with my old friend Jason. We climbed Wicked Wanda since it was well shaded and we assumed it was protected from some of the recent warm weather. We were right. Excellent ice conditions. JW lead the full climb as one pitch to the top bolts. Fun 4- up to the funky wind sculptured section, then super interesting featured climbing through this top section. 

View to the route.

JW heading up.

My view up on second.

My view down. About half way up.

JW excavated some ice and made us a nice little tunnel to get behind a small feature. The top section was amazing climbing. Super fun pitch.

Heading up into the wind features.

JW's tunnel.

JW at the top bolted anchor. 

JW's view down to me on second.
(Photo by Jason)

OSWB nearing belay station.
(Photo by Jason)

Great to get on some ice. Didn’t see any other climbers, quiet, sunny and calm day in the Ghost.

View north from top of the route.
Blue sky and calm. 

JW's awesome Ghostmobile.
Such a cool ride.

The proud owner.

Bow Summit - Backcountry turns

Curt skinning up the nice up track. 

Old guy making tracks.
(Photo by Curt)

Sunday January 11 got out for some yo yo skiing with the Curt at Bow Summit. Very busy at the parking area for Peyto Lake with all kinds of people getting out to enjoy the beautiful day.

 

Curt getting ready with our first downhill transition. 

We skinned up a well packed up track and first did couple of laps on a few nice short sheltered slopes at tree line. Great snow with nice consistency in the snow pack. Short runs but really nice quality. Since we were new to this spot we toured around to check things out. 

One of the nice sheltered slopes we skied.
Super nice snow, but not powder.

Weather started out calm winds with warm temperatures, but around 2pm snow squalls appeared along with increasing winds.  We skied over to overlook Peyto Lake then explored more south and did a long run on a slope that was well used with many tracks. 

Peyto Lake

Really nice long run, but definitely not freshies. After skiing this slope we made our way back to the car. Great day of earning our turns. 

Base of the big run.