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.