| Drive to Panorama
Ski Resort and park
at the upper parking lot. Walk along Summit Drive past Taynton Lodge
and carry on next to the platter lift. We continued ascending while
veering climber's left until we reached Taynton Trail, the ski-out on
the east side of the
resort. We followed that road to Mount Taynton's
ascent ridge, 573884. We dropped to the drainage, crossed it and
climbed the steep rib. After 200 meters of height gain, the
alders subside and the remainder of the ridge to the summit is more
pleasant. |
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Starting along the
platter lift. |
| Snowshoe trip:
9.75; 5.0 up.
Visiting
diminutive Mount Taynton is nothing to write home about... but at this
time of the year, it is a worthwhile objective. Although the sights
from
the summit are obstructed by sparse trees, there are plenty of fine
opportunities to snap pictures along the ascent ridge. The
ski-out grants a decent approach. Once across the drainage, the ascent
in the forest begins. The grade is steep at first and climbing in
snagging alder is frustrating; fortunately, the remainder of the ridge
is quite pleasant. There wasn't much snow lower down but as we
progressed, snow depth increased (boot-top). A crust provided a good
base when we decided to strap on the snowshoes higher up. The sky
slowly became
hazy. At the top, the
sun was covered; good thing it wasn't windy. We stayed long enough to
eat and sip some hot chocolate. We returned the same way, reaching the
truck by headlamp. The route is
straightforward and boasts 1,200 meters of height gain; even
if
disappointed with the view, you'll still be satisfied with the
exercise. |
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Looking towards
Paradise Ridge across the valley. |
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Mount Taynton's west
ridge is easily reached from Panorama's ski-out (Taynton Trail), we
aimed for the skyline. |
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We crossed a
drainage after dipping down from the ski-out. |
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Trekking becomes
easier following 200 meters of height gain on steep, alder infested
slopes. |
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That's more like it! |
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The remainder of the
ascent ridge is quite pleasant. |
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We put on the
snowshoes for the last stretch. |
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The flat summit of
Mount Taynton appears. |
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Mount Goldie. |
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Panorama Ski Resort
and Taynton Bowl behind Fab. |
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Almost there. |
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The vast summit of
Taynton. |
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Well deserved break. |
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Hazy conditions. |
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Heading back. |
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Walking through
rimed trees. |
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Prominent Mount
Nelson peers over a cloud layer. |
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Last bit of sun
before we venture in the shaded valley. |
| Back
to home page |
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