| Drive to Redearth
Creek Parking. From
the gate, head south-south-east. Continue along the same bearing with a
climbing traverse to a drainage, about 842732. Go across and carry
on with the climbing traverse, the terrain gets steeper. The goal is to
tread past Massive's north ridge and ascend treed slopes climber's left
of a large bluff; this steep line grants the safest route in the
winter. There is very little view of the bluff (842713) along the way,
a GPS is
useful. Once above the bluff, the easy ridge leads to the summit. |
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From the highway,
the preferred route is climber's left of the bluff (red). |
| Snowshoe trip: 10.25; 6.0 up.
We
suspected Massive Mountain would require a massive effort. We were
hoping for bearable snowshoeing conditions; that would make or break
the trip... We came prepared with a planned ascent route and
navigational tools. With most of the height gain bushwhacking in the
trees, it's no wonder trip reports are inexistent. Yet, Fab and I were
up for the routefinding challenge, anticipating the barren summit ridge
with exceptional views. We were very fortunate to start out on an old
snowshoe track that seemed to be going our way. After about a
kilometer, we left the track to follow our bearing. The snowpack was
supportive and travelling in the Lodgepole Pine was pleasant. Past the
drainage crossing, the terrain gets steeper. We pulled out the GPS on
several occasions but reached the bluff a little high on its right,
unable to gain our line of ascent without crossing large open
slopes. We decided to keep going straight up through a string of trees.
This direct line in
steep open terrain is exposed, even with a firm
snowpack this ascent is unnerving. We were happy to crest on the ridge,
with both the crux and obstructed approach behind. We hiked the easy
ridge enthralled by exceptional sights. Although the sky was becoming
hazy, there was no wind and we could feel the warmth of the
filtered sunrays. We had a great summit stay, quite thrilled about the
accomplishment. As the wind picked up, so did we. Returning was easy.
We opted to go down our planned ascent route (climber's left of the
bluff), it is less hazardous but still quite steep. A traverse back to
our up-track followed. The rest of the trip was mindless and almost
effortless. In my opinion, the views from Massive Mountain's summit
make up for the lack thereof along the long approach. |
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Starting up on an
old trail. |
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Travelling on flat
ground for a while. |
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Crossing the
drainage between Massive and Pilot Mountains. |
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Typical terrain
approaching the bluff. |
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We're too high to
reach our planned ascent route without crossing the open
slopes or losing height. |
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We choose an
alternate direct route through these trees. |
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Ascending this slope
was unnerving, even with good snow conditions. |
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Gaining the ridge
crest. |
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The snow is shallow
and wind-affected along the ridge. |
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The highpoint is
easy to reach. |
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Looking back with
Castle Mountain on the left. |
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From the highpoint,
the summit ridge is followed to the top. Mount Bourgeau is visible
(center-left). |
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At the summit cairn. |
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Mount Brett. |
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The Bow Valley. |
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Pilot Mountain looks
gigantic. |
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Yahooooo!!! |
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Leaving the top. |
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A cairn along the
ridge. |
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Ski anybody? |
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Looking back at the
summit ridge. |
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Very pleasant ridge
walk with fantastic scenery. |
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We quickly reach
treeline. |
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Leaving our up-track
to go down the preferred way. |
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Still quite steep,
but less hazardous. |
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On the proper side
of the bluff. |
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Back on our up-track
in typical terrain. |
| Back
to home page |
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