| Ref: Chic Scott's Summits
and Icefields |
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Climber's left in the small trees below the gully, the sun is coming up. |
| Ski mountaineering: In the midst of a high-pressure ridge and excellent
snow conditions, this objective seemed to be appropriate. An
acquaintance of Fab from Mount Norquay joined us. We left the trailhead
very early and were well on our way when the sun came up. We took our
skis off in the gully for a little narrow section; other than that, the
ascent was fairly straightforward. The gully along with its run out
exposes the skier to a great deal of avalanche danger if the conditions
are not right. I couldn't help feeling little. Once above the hazard, I
started enjoying the trip a lot more. We roped up for the glacier. Near
the summit block, the slope steepens. We ascended climber's left to
a saddle; from there the summit is minutes away but there are icy
rock steps that must be negotiated to gain the summit block. I
remember putting my knee on a rock and being
pulled up by the loop of my pack! Nice, very graceful... Anyway,
standing on the summit of Hector, I forgot about all the worries in the
world. The ski down was incredibly awesome. We even managed to squeeze
through the narrow section without taking our skis off, side slipping
carefully. The snow had softened dramatically and it was good to get
down quickly. I will remember this trip for a long time! |
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Above the gully, another group behind us. |
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Near the glacier. |
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The ascent slopes on the glacier. |
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Standing on the summit, looking east. |
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Fab's first big mountain. |
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Enjoying this moment. |
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