Boulder Pass Ski Tour

John enjoying the nicely packed trail near Boulder Pass.

February 5 John and I planned to ski up Fossil Mountain. Fossil Mountain is the north-eastern portal of the infamous Deception Pass, the high point just before the world famous Skoki Lodge. Fossil Mountain is a popular hike/scramble. Fossil Mountain was my third summit ever, way back in October of 1992 with my good friends Jock and Keith, and another dude named Dave. We spend the Thanksgiving long weekend camped at Merlin Meadows and ran up Fossil on our way in. Seems like an eternity ago. Have not been up Fossil since 1992, so it seemed like a ski ascent was a great idea.

John and I drove separately and met at the Fish Creek parking lot. John set a great pace up the ski out of the Ski Louise resort and we made great time to the Hidden Lake turn off. Weather started clear, but by time we reached Boulder Pass the wind was whipping and the wind chill was maybe -30C? Visibility was low to zero at the pass. We pulled the plug and skied back to our cars. 

Good workout and always great to hang with John. We will be back later this season for Fossil, Richardson or Ptarmigan.

Dark skies looking west. When we started you could see Haddo Peak, not now.

Best view we got towards Fossil Mountain from Boulder Pass.
The wind chill and conditions were nasty, not worth it.