Ref: Beyond Our Peak -Seek the Unknown
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The route to the summit and the classic descent called The Womb with a loop variation.
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Ski
touring: RT 11.0; 8.0 up. Mount MacPherson and I go a long way back. In
the 90's, Fabrice and I attempted to drive up some backroads and
bushwhack to the top; this led to a lot of swearing and tons of
scratches. We came to realize that bushwhacking in Revelstoke is to be
avoided at all costs. I returned a few times to ski The Fingers but
that never concluded with a summit bid. This winter I set my eyes on
returning to reach the summit and ski The Womb. With ideal conditions,
I sent invitations to Fabrice, Val, and Stephane; Stephane was the only
one able to join.
We left early and made good time to The Fingers. Once beyond the Nordic
Trails, Stephane went in the lead. The previous night's snowfall was
more significant than anticipated and blazing the trail in boot-top
snow was arduous. Ascending The Fingers is not to be taken lightly. The
higher you proceed, the
chutes narrow and get steeper (45˚); stable avalanche conditions are a
must. The leftmost finger is typically used to access the east ridge.
After 4.5 hours, we reached the ridge where we stopped to recollect. A
group of 3 skiers took advantage of our uptrack meeting with us shortly
after our arrival; their leader and I exchanged the task of
trail-breaking along the ridge. The remaining plod was pleasantly easy
compared to the trudge up The Fingers. At the base of the summit block
and the entrance of The Womb, we separated from the other group and
carried on to the top. The wind-affected snow granted minimal ski
penetration on the steep barren slopes; we gained the summit at 3:30.
It was windy and cold, we didn't waste time putting on extra layers. I
hastily took pictures hoping my phone wouldn't lose the last of its
charge. Following our brief summit stay, we opted to ski down the
northern flank then veer towards The Womb. Our route in open forest and
shallow gullies, handrailed MacPherson's east face; the sheltered
terrain yielded light spring powder. Once into The Womb, we encountered
variable snow conditions from nice snow to heavy, crusty snow and old
avalanche debris. Despite that and very tired legs, the experience was
delightful. The Womb is an amazing run with 1,100 meters of vertical,
it's a Revelstoke classic! I'm very happy to have had a great day of
ski touring on Mount MacPherson, this outing is incredibly satisfying!
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On the Nordic ski trails, the way to The Fingers is well indicated.
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Heading to The Fingers after leaving the skid road.
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The Fingers, the ascent chute leading to the ridge is unseen.
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The ascent goes through an old cut in the forest.
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We're making our way climber's right of the prominent buttress on the ridge, the ascent chute remains unseen.
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Arduous trail-breaking.
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The route reveals itself as we progress.
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Looking back.
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The grade steepens.
Picture courtesy of Stephane Gingras.
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Nearing the ridge crest.
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This picture depicts the steepness of the upper chute.
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Stephane's precarious kick turn.
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From the ridge, looking at a group of skiers using our uptrack.
Picture courtesy of Stephane Gingras.
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Their leader and I will exchange trail-breaking along the ridge.
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We'll access The Womb from MacPherson's northern flank.
Picture courtesy of Stephane Gingras.
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The open slopes to the summit.
Picture courtesy of Stephane Gingras.
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Fabulous view of Mounts Begbie (L) and Tilley (R).
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We're continuing to the summit while the other skiers are heading down The Womb (bottom right).
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Nearing the top.
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Mount Begbie and Blanket Glacier in the background.
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View north-west over Boulder Mountain towards the Cat Group.
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The town of Revelstoke is clearly visible.
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Mount English dominates the south-western view.
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Leaving the summit.
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Skiing the northern flank.
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Looking back at the summit.
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Revelstoke's ski resort (Mount MacKenzie) and Mount Cartier on the right.
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Veering towards The Womb. |
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Lovely terrain and decent spring skiing conditions.
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Nice runs in open forest.
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Dipping in a shallow gully that handrails MacPherson's east face.
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Looking back again.
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Our route delivers us into The Womb.
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The Womb.
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I'm shredding spring powder.
Picture courtesy of Stephane Gingras.
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The Womb is officially tracked out on this awesome april day.
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Another action shot!
Picture courtesy of Stephane Gingras.
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The run-out of this fine ski run!
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