| Ref: Drew
and Mark in the Canadian Rockies. |
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The objective from
the highway. |
| Snowshoe trip: RT 8.0; 5.5 up.
Overcast weather and
avalanche danger has forced us to plan a trip east of the Divide. We
noticed Drew and Mark's trip report a while ago; it seemed Big Bend
Peak would be a good snowshoe outing. We decided to forego their ascent
gully; instead we made our way through the forest on a moderate grade.
Breaking trail was difficult at first; half an hour into it, the snow
became supportive. We were pleased and continued on the treed ridge in
good spirit. Another 20 minutes and we found a packed trail; no way,
could we be this lucky? Indeed, the up-track followed the ridge to
treeline, very nice. To our surprise, this area appears to be busy.
Above treeline, we continued a climbing traverse below the false summit
on a natural ramp. We aimed for the saddle past the sub peak.
Side-hilling was frustrating (Fab's snowshoes have rounded tubing), after
a few spills, he decided to front-point straight up. From the
saddle, the ascent is straightforward. We enjoyed the last stretch
under blue sky, the warm temperature with minimal wind felt great. At
the top, we were greeted with some of the best scenery imaginable.
After a good stay at the summit, we returned to the saddle and could
not resist another short break next to a rock outcrop. Baking in the
sun, mmmm... Instead of backtracking our long traverse, we opted to go
straight down to the natural ramp; that part was fun and fast. The
upper terrain would be a joy on skis! We rejoined the trail and casually
returned to the car. |
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The Saskatchewan
River is easily crossed in the winter. |
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On the old road for
a short while. |
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Leaving the road, we
head south to gain the north-east ridge. |
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An hour into the
bushwhack, we find an up-track. |
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Nice trekking
through the trees. |
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This area is
surprisingly popular. |
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We contoured around
the false summit |
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Climbing to the
ridge, the summit is now visible. |
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Straightforward plod
to the top. |
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Mount
Saskatchewan. |
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Summit
ridge, almost there. |
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The
top, minutes away. |
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The
sun is out, the view is phenomenal, it's great to be here! |
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Looking
south-west at distant Mount Bryce and Castleguard Mountain. |
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The
approach and the "bend" in the highway below. |
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Mounts
Andromeda (centre) and Athabasca (right). |
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Retracing
our steps. |
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Sheltered
at a rock outcrop, we take another quick break. |
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We
descended straight down, avoiding a long traverse. |
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Back
to treeline in little time. |
| Back to home page |
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