“Burstall Pass Peak” (GR145231) - South West Slopes Ski

 

East aspect of "Burstall Pass Peak".

Great day out of backcountry skiing on Saturday March 22, second full day of spring. Avalanche hazard was complicated, lots of recent snow on old weak faceted layers. Curt and I chose an objective with low angles and minimal over head terrain. “Burstall Pass Peak” (GR145231), the high point between Burstall Pass and South Burstall Pass. 

Great choice for the day. Sunny and cold start, but beautiful blue skies to motivae the approach ski in. Just above the steep trees above the flats of the Robertson Glacier, a speedy group of four skiers passed us; they did a run off Burstall Pass. 

We headed south, nearly all the way to the low point of South Burstall Pass, then headed up the low angle South West Ridge of “Burstall Pass Peak”. Just above the pass, the ridge was blown clear of snow, so we left our packs and skis and hiked to the summit. Intermittent views as snow squalls blew in and blew out of the area. 

Super windy on the summit. I tried to dig out the summit register, found a plastic film container with a frozen solid note pad. Quick hike back to our packs. We managed to get some turns on the low angled terrain back to main up track. From the Robertson Glacier turnoff out, we were hit with a huge snow storm, snowed a lot. Great day out on skis even with the spooky snowpack. 

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.