| Via Wolverine
Valley. Ascend south-west slopes to Unity Peak's north-west ridge. The
ridge is easily followed to the top. |
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Up the thinning
ski-out. |
| Ski touring: RT 8.0; 4.5 up. We
took
advantage of a good overnight freeze for this objective. Instead of
following the normal ascent route up the east ridge of Unity, we
planned a
direct ascent up the steep south-west facing slopes to gain the
north-west ridge. We met a young scrambler at the trailhead; after a
short conversation, I figured (from Clubtread posts) that it was Steven
Song; his goal was to snowshoe to Lipalian Mountain. Fab and I set off
on skis up the thinning ski-out, we reached Skoki trail in good time
and veered towards Wolverine Valley shortly thereafter. Travel was good
on the very firm snow. Our ascent slope was still shaded as we
neared it; with minimal avalanche concern, we climbed as high as we
could on skis then we put on crampons. Leaving the skis behind, we
continued straight up. The part of the slope we were on had previously
slid, the snowpack wasn't very deep but it was firm throughout. After a
good grunt, we traversed towards the ascent ridge. A short walk on the
broad ridge leads to the summit block, which is easily surmounted. I
stood on the tallest boulder while Fab took some pictures. After
reading the
fixed plaque, we had lunch. The view is spectacular, we were lucky to
be out on a bluebird day. The wind was calm and the air was warming
quickly, hence we reluctantly left the top to be off the steep slope
early. On the way down, the snow had already softened a little. We had
an awesome glissade back to our skis and a decent couple of turns to
valley bottom. From there, we lollygagged back to the car. |
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Nearing Skoki trail,
past the cabin and up to the right. |
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Wolverine Valley and
Unity Peak. |
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Our planned route
ahead. |
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Here, we exchange
skis for crampons. |
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Crampons work great
on the very firm snow. |
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Continuing straight
up. |
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These slopes are
quite steep. |
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North-west ridge of
Unity Peak. |
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Looking back down
Wolverine Valley. |
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Getting closer. |
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Going around the
summit block, I'm barely visible. |
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Posing on the
highpoint. |
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Ska Fab on the
plaqued boulder. |
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Protection Mountain. |
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Reluctantly leaving
the summit. |
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Redoubt Mountain. |
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Traversing back to
our ascent slope. |
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Wolverine Ridge
grants good yo-yo skiing. |
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Alpine axe out for a great glissade. |
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Fab skis to valley
bottom. |
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Our route. |
| Back
to home page |
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