Day 0: Optional Pre-trip meeting

An optional pre-trip meeting in Canmore the day before the start of the trip in the afternoon or early evening. Canmore is located about an hour from the Calgary International Airport and on the way to the start of the traverse. We can arrange an airport shuttle and hotel if needed. During the meeting, we will review the trip itinerary, do an equipment check, and distribute rental equipment (as needed), food, and group gear. If time allows and everyone is present, we will conduct an avalanche safety exercise in order to expedite departure the next morning.

Day 1: Drive, approach to Bow Hut

The drive along the scenic Trans-Canada Highway from Canmore to Lake Louise and then north on the world-famous Icefields Parkway towards Jasper will take us to Bow Lake (120km / 1.5 hours). After strapping on our skis, our adventure will begin by crossing the frozen Bow Lake – one of the famous postcard images of the Canadian Rockies. After skiing up a trail in the trees and then through a narrow canyon, we will enter a broad, glacier-ringed valley that leads to the final slope below Bow Hut, which is situated at 2,350 m / 7,700 ft. This approach of about 8 km and 400 m vertical gain normally takes 3-5 hours, depending on conditions. For the energetic, there may be time left for a few turns above the hut before dinner.

Day 2: Traverse From Bow Hut to the Guy Hut

The traverse from Bow Hut to the Guy Hut covers 12 km with about 820 m of elevation gain. It will be necessary to wear glacier travel harnesses and a rope for much of the 5-7 hours it will take to complete this section of the journey. On a blue-sky day, there is no better place to be than up high on the Wapta Icefield! We will pass between many beautiful peaks and enjoy views of mountains as far as the eye can see. If the weather is poor, we just have to think of it as the grand adventure that it is.

Day 3: Peak bagging and skiing from the Guy Hut

Day 3 will be spent in the area around the brand new, state-of-the-art Guy Hut. Our main objective for the day will be Mont des Poilus (3,166 m / 10,385 ft) – one of the highest peaks in the area. This sought-after ski mountaineering ascent involves skiing to just below the summit and finishing off the last few metres by bootpacking. The unbroken 500 m run back to the base normally provides fantastic powder skiing. We can make a second lap or ski another one of the many near-by options if we have the time and energy.

Day 4: Traverse from Guy Hut to Stanley Mitchell Hut

If conditions are right, we will descend from the Guy Hut to the des Poilus Glacier, cross it, and ascend the steep 300 m / 1,000 ft slope that leads to Isolated Col. After enjoying fine views of Little Yoho Valley, the Vice President, President, and other beautiful peaks, we will ski a great run towards the valley. If time and conditions allow, we can drop our heavy packs and make a ski ascent of Mt. McArthur, 600 m above. After yet another fine summit, a 900 m descent will bring us to the historic Stanley Mitchell Hut. If the avalanche conditions or visibility do not allow us to ski over Isolated Col, there is an alternative, more conservative line around Whaleback Mountain. For those who have the energy, we can make some afternoon runs from the Stanley Mitchell Hut.

Day 5: Stanley Mitchell Hut to the Trans-Canada Highway or Emerald Lake

On Day 5, we will ski out to either the Trans-Canada Highway or Emerald Lake via Emerald Pass or Yoho Pass. Skiing to the Trans-Canada involves losing about 750 m of elevation over 23 km. The last 16 km are on the summer road that leads to Takakkaw Falls, and this section normally passes by quite quickly. It is a relaxed way to finish a great ski trip! Skiing to Emerald Lake via Emerald Pass or Yoho Pass requires good avalanche conditions, good visibility, and lots of enthusiasm and energy from the group. If we can take one of these exits, it will be a memorable and exciting way to finish the trip.