| Ref: Dave's
Place |
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Heading to Bow Hut. |
| Ski mountaineering: RT 5.5; 3.5
up (from Bow Hut). After coming here last week to ascend The Onion and
having such a good time, we really wanted to come back. The
high-pressure ridge prompted us to return sooner than later. We didn't
hold back for this first-of-the-year trip, booking the hut for one night and
taking our hounds to Lisa's Bed and Biscuit. The ski in to Bow was
pleasant, it wasn't brutally cold yet. Although clouds engulfed the
icefield, a definite cooling trend with clearing sky was on its way. We
shared the hut with a couple of groups, it was cozy and very humid
inside as the temperature plummeted to -20 celsius outside. The sky
also cleared, we observed the Milky Way from the deck; priceless.
During the night, the moonlight cast shadows in the dormitory, I knew
it was going to be a good day. We left the hut before
sunrise. While climbing on the glacier, the sun beamed on the
surrounding mountains and the temperature rose. A well-established
track accelerated progress. Once at the col, we decided to
rope up for the plod to the base of Vulture's ascent slopes. The trail
breaking was easy and fast (height loss). Back on rock, we left rope
and gear behind for the final 150 meters. The snow was very shallow;
scraping the skis on descent was a concern. At noon, we reached
the top; to our surprise, the wind was light and the thermometer
indicated -6 celsius. WOW, I started to imitate crow/vulture sounds
while flapping my arms wildly!!! The highlight of the descent was the
ski run back to the hut; the snow was light, over boot-top, fantastic.
After picking up our things at the hut, we made our way back down
quickly. On the lake, Fab turned back and yelled "it's - 32";
unbelievable inversion. Once at the parking lot, Fab dropped everything
to start the car. It puffed and sputtered until the battery died.
Luckily for us, a couple of skiers from Canmore, also returning from
Bow, arrived soon after us. They kindly gave us a boost. Thanks to Tamara and Ryan for ending our trip on a good note! |
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At treeline, Saint
Nicholas and the hut come into view. |
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The following
morning, leaving the hut in -20 celsius. |
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The sun is about to
hit the top of Saint Nicholas. |
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The objective, Vulture Peak. |
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Mount Collie,
numerous crevasses are visible. |
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Nearing the top of
the popular ski run. |
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We followed a good
up-track to the Saint Nicholas/Olive Col. |
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Looking back towards
clustered Mounts Rhondda, Habel and Baker. |
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Saint Nicholas/Olive Col. |
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At the col, we rope
up and leave the set-track. |
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The
final ascent, shallow snow on rock. |
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Mount
Balfour and the High Col in the sun. |
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Summit
ahead, Fab's thermometer is indicating -6 celsius. |
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Mount
Olive and our approach from the col. |
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Summit
cairn, Mount Crowfoot in the background. |
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The
popular ski run above Bow Hut is in the shade. |
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Saint
Nicholas appears very steep from the col. |
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Pumped
legs after this most awesome run. |
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Back
at the dead car, it's bloody cold. |
| Back to home page |
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