Ref: Steven's Peak-Bagging Journey
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Leaving the Zopkios Rest Area with Great Bear (left) and Iago Peaks in sight.
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Ski
touring: RT 8.0 (includes Great Bear Peak); 2.75 up. Ev requested an
easy objective following our ski tour on Thar Peak two days ago. Thar
Peak's steep ascent on icy south-facing slopes proved difficult. I
figured Iago and Great Bear Peaks would be good candidates; I
had been saving them for a solo trip given there's minimal avalanche
hazard along the straightforward route. Once again, we
drove through some desert country before reaching the snowy mountains
of the Coquihalla Region. At the trailhead, we geared up under blue sky
but the forecast called for increasing cloudiness and snow squalls. We
followed the well-trodden Ottomite Road to the Zupjok-Ottomite Col;
then, we aimed for Iago Peak's north-east ridge. There were tracks
everywhere; we followed a random uptrack going in
our direction. The ascent on the ridge is pleasant and grants great
views of the Anderson River Group. Higher up, we took note of a good
starting point to ski
down the north bowl. Shortly thereafter, we gained the summit. By now
it was snowing lightly. Ev wanted to hunker down by
some trees and forgo the short side trip to Great Bear Peak. She didn't
think the second summit was worth a visit and she wasn't interested in
tackling the very steep grind back up Iago Peak. I told her that climb
would take no more than 15 minutes and she would be glad to have gone
to both peaks.
With that said, Ev agreed to continue!
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Ascending the Ottomite Road.
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Zupjok Peak comes into view.
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An open area at the Ottomite-Zupjok Col grants a good view of both objectives.
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Several uptracks lead to Iago Peak's north-east ridge.
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Looking back.
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Typical terrain higher up on the ridge.
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During the climb, the Anderson River Group dominates the view to the north-west.
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The summit is a short distance ahead.
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Great Bear Peak's ascent appears very gentle.
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Looking back at the ascent ridge with Zupjok Peak on the left and Zopkios Ridge to the right.
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Someone built a snow shelter on the summit.
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Vicuna Peak juts out abruptly in contrast to Alpaca and Llama Peaks.
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The Anderson River Group is a cluster of impressive peaks.
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To the south-west, Bombtram Mountain is another popular ski touring destination.
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Across the highway, The Flatiron stands over Great Bear Peak.
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Seeking shelter from the wind while taking the skins off our skis.
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Ready for the short side trip to Great Bear Peak.
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Continue
on to Great Bear Peak
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| Back
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