| Ref: Chic Scott's Summits
and Icefields |
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Epaulette Lake. |
| Ski
mountaineering: RT 11.0; 6.5 up. This was an
extraordinary trip. We possibly had the best conditions; a stable
snowpack, no previous wind events and great weather. Our very good
friend Ev was in town after a while abroad; this was her first outing
this season. We met in Lake Louise at 5 AM and drove out in her truck.
We
parked in a plowed slot a little past the recommended grid reference, 216482.
Prepared with knowledge of recent
trips, we walked down the highway looking for the up-track. Once near
the suggested start, we decided to head in, confident we would soon
find it; we did. The good up-track led us to Epaulette Lake nicely.
Although we had to drop down to the lake, the advantage of the track
outweighed the height loss. The route to the col is awesome. We had
good snow coverage that progressively got deeper (mid boot) and
remained light. The narrow north facing draw is sheltered
and receives
little
sun at this time of the year. However, we were mindful of some big
overhanging cornices. After leaving our skis and kicking
steps to the col, we were greeted by superb views to the south. We
proceeded on the ridge taking turns at breaking trail. By now
we were quite tired. On the false summit, we felt optimistic. The
pyramid
was within reach! We pushed on to the top in good spirits. We were able
to
enjoy the lofty viewpoint despite the clouds that occasionally
engulfed us. Very thrilled about the accomplishment, we savored the
moment. Coming down was fast. Unfortunately, as we went, so did the
good light. Once on our skis, we readied ourselves for a very long run.
The skiing
was excellent all the way down to the moraines, even with flat light.
That was such a treat. At the lake, we decided to go past the up-track
and follow Epaulette Creek down. That turned out great (thanks to Rocky
Mountain Ramblers for their recent trip report). The rollercoaster run
was continuous and delivered us all the way down to the frozen river.
Ev and I had great fun skiing down with burning legs, nearly out of
control and yelling like banshees! I have to say, this was the cherry
on
top of the cake. I'm very thankful for this memorable trip with my best
friend Ev. |
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Following Epaulette
Creek. |
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Nearing the moraines. |
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This steep slope
gives way to the upper draw. |
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The upper draw. |
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Looking back, Mount
Murchison in the background. |
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Nearing the back of
the draw. |
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Looking back again,
gaining height quickly. |
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The grade steepens. |
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Last bit before we
take our skis off. |
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This sheltered draw
will provide an excellent ski down. |
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Kicking steps to the
col. |
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Impressive slope. |
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The ascent ridge
from the col. |
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Travel is manageable
and pleasant. |
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Spectacular sights
to the west with Mount Forbes in the distance. |
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Howse Peak. |
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The sub peak and
true summit come into view. |
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Nearing the sub peak. |
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Ascending the sub
peak. |
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The notch interrupts
the summit ridge. |
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Up the notch easily. |
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The true summit is
within reach! |
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Final pitch to the
top of the pyramid. |
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Ev and I at the top,
yahooooooooooo. |
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Just like an
Egyptian... |
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The alpine route
down to the Chephren/White Pyramid Col. |
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Mount Chephren. |
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The ascent ridge
from the top. |
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After a fine half
hour break, we head back down. |
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Occasionally, high
clouds obscure the view. |
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Down the notch. |
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Retracing our steps
to the sub peak. |
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Nearing the col and
our skis. |
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Mount Chephren and
White Pyramid from the highway. |
| Back
to home page |
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