Yeoward Mountain
|
|
| elevation: 2,134 m. |
height gain: 780 m. |
| area: Keefer Lake
(Cherryville),BC |
map 82 L/1 |
| 2021-Jan-18 |
| We accessed this summit from Keefer Lake
Lodge. We parked at the visitor's parking lot and followed the
cat track to the steep climb called "Elevator Shaft", 033552. We
followed the cat track to treeline then beelined to the summit. ***Enquire with Keefer Lake Lodge before using this winter approach; backcountry touring isn't permitted on Yeoward Mountain when catskiing is operational*** For summer access, refer to the link below: Recreation sites and trails BC |
 |
|
| Keefer Lake Lodge. |
||
| Ski
touring: RT 6.0; 4.0 up. This summit
in the Monashee Mountains offers great skiing terrain and fabulous snow
conditions. It also grants panoramic views of The Pinnacles, the
Selkirk
and Valhalla Mountain Ranges. Keefer Lake Lodge is a world class
catskiing operation, they maintain numerous gladded runs in the forest
for awesome tree skiing. Ski touring is sometimes permitted to small
groups when the lodge is closed. When Stephane invited me for a ski
tour there, I couldn't decline. I suggested we ascend Yeoward Mountain
despite
unstable weather as the ascent past treeline isn't long or complex.
Furthermore, there are sparse trees all the way to the top; those would
provide depth if whiteout conditions prevailed. We met in Vernon and
drove to Keefer Lake. After signing in, we started skinning on the cat
track. It had been a long time since I went ski touring, I was quite
excited but wondered if I would remember how to ski powder. The ascent
to treeline was as straightforward as can be. Beyond the trees, the cat
track disappeared. It felt colder with the wind and as we proceeded,
visibility decreased. By the time we gained the
summit, we couldn't see anything. The telemetry offered a nice
windbreak while we had lunch but we didn't linger. My first turns were
fine other than having to deal with reduced depth perception. Skiing
the wind-driven snow was actually quite nice and visibility proved good
enough to venture into a long gully where
the snow was deeper. Delightful skiing ensued well into the trees and
back on the cat track. Wow, it was awesome! ...If I was in
better shape, I probably would have gone back up for another run! |
|
|
| On the cat track. |
||
|
||
| Looking back, these open areas in the forest near the lodge are available for skiing anytime. |
||
|
||
| The
Dome, across the valley, boasts great gladded runs. It is accessed by a
cat track which traverses up high and loops to Yeoward Mountain. |
||
|
||
| The "Elevator Shaft" is a steep direct cat track that leads to Yeoward Mountain. |
||
|
||
| Easy to follow! |
||
|
||
| Looking back again. |
||
|
||
| The top of The Dome comes into view to the east. |
||
|
||
| Higher up, the terrain is vast and open. |
||
|
||
| Leaving the sheltered cat track behind. |
||
|
||
| Zero visibility atop Yeoward Mountain. |
||
|
||
| Posing by the summit telemetry. |
||
|
||
| The trees grant depth perception on the way down. |
||
|
||
| Skiing towards a long gully. |
||
|
||
| The longest gully on Yeoward Mountain. |
||
|
||
| Stephane begins his run. |
||
|
||
| Our turns. |
||
|
||
| Thumbs up, ...more please! |
||
|
||
| Skiing the lower part of the gully. |
||
|
||
| Simply delighted! |
||
|
||
| Back on a cat track. |
||
 |
||
| Yeoward Mountain from The Dome. We skied the long gully left of center. Picture courtesy of Stephane Gingras. |
||
 |
||
| The Pinnacles from The Dome. Picture courtesy of Stephane Gingras. |
||
| Back to home page |