Today Bev, Rob MacKenzie and I skied to a subsidiary summit (2820 m) of Crowfoot Mountain, which is located immediately east of the Wapta Icefields. It was cold (-8ºC) when we left the Num-ti-jah Lodge parking lot at 8:30. Up to treeline the snow was very crusty, even on permanently shaded north aspects — definitely late season conditions. Above treeline the snow improved steadily and the top 300 m of vertical, although a bit wind-affected (as shown in the pictures) was soft enough to make for excellent skiing (not at all “grabby”). The icy approach had softened by mid-afternoon, when we descended, but there are quite a few snow bridges over the creek in the canyon that you must negotiate that are not long for this world…. definitely late season conditions.

In summary: a fabulous day of spring alpine touring: no wind, no clouds, and great company!

Bev and Rob

Bev Skiing

Rob Skiing

Crowfoot Summit View

The only picture that needs explanation is Crowfoot Summit View. It shows the terrain looking due south from our high point. Mount Balfour, the highest peak on the Wapta Icefields, dominates the right side of the picture. On the left in the far distance is Mount Temple. Quite a nice playground only a 1-hour drive from Canmore!