JasonG Posted January 8, 2012 Posted January 8, 2012 Trip: Mount Gordon- The Wapta in Winter - Date: 1/2/2012 Trip Report: Ever since a full traverse of the Wapta in 2006 (where I didn't climb anything), I've wanted to go back and stand on a few of the higher summits. The schedules of Trent and Sepultura meshed with mine this winter and a plan was hatched to go to the Bow and Peyto huts, and attempt to ski and climb some of the peaks along the Wapta Icefield. We left early on New Year's day, which worked out well, as the traffic on the Trans Can was minimal the whole way to Lake Louise. It took us about 10 hours or so of driving, and we stayed the night in the Mosquito Creek Hostel north of Lake Louise. No power, but heat and decent accommodations. The outhouse was COLD, however. Early the next morning we awoke to clear skies and met Lynn from Canmore for the ski in to Bow hut. The scenery is spectacular right off the bat, and it only took about 3 hours to get to the comfortable (wood heat!), well-situated, and empty hut. We dropped overnight gear and prepared to head up to Mt. Gordon for a peak bagging warm up (it is a ski up). While the temps were moderate for winter Wapta standards (-10C), the winds were "extra special for the Wapta" according to Lynn. I think it took us about 3 hours to get to the summit of Gordon, fighting an intense head wind the whole way. But the views and solitude made up for the discomfort, amazing!! We skied down to the hut in the fading light, and enjoyed some fine food, wine, and company by the fire. Huts are just so civilized. That evening it started to snow and blow, and that would be a theme for the remainder of our trip. Plans were scrapped for the Peyto hut, and we spent the next two days skiing around the hut in flat light, snow, and wind, before deciding to pull the plug and leave a day early (in an intensifying snow storm). On one of those days, we did summit the "Onion" above the hut, but Mt. Gordon was the only major summit we managed to get up on our trip. Such is life on the Wapta in winter, I suppose. We will be back, although probably in later winter or spring next time! Skiing across Bow lake en route to the hut: Mt. St. Nicholas: Skinning up onto the Wapta in that "extra special" wind: Trent below Mt. Rhonda: Trent and Sepultura, with Mt. Collie in the background: Baker and Rhonda on the right, not sure of the prominent peak in the back center: Mt. Olive: View north from the summit of Gordon (~10,500') Hector lake and Mt. Hector: The view west into the maelstorm from the top of Gordon: Skiing back to the hut with a strong tailwind: Hut life!: Ptarmigan that lived around the hut: Strong winds on the "Onion": Leaving the hut in the continuing storm: Skiing back across Bow Lake: Stuck in the avalanche control back-up on the west side of Rogers Pass: Gear Notes: Skis, standard glacier gear. Approach Notes: 4WD is nice for the long, icy drive. Especially if they close the Icefields Parkway and stop plowing it while you are up at the hut . This happened to us, and we would have been in trouble without 4WD HC. During a storm, the drifts can get very deep. Quote
sobo Posted January 8, 2012 Posted January 8, 2012 Strong winds on the "Onion": Save this one for submission to this year's Photo Contest in the Humor category. Looks like it was a fun trip. Quote
Trent Posted January 8, 2012 Posted January 8, 2012 Jason: Awesome pictures as usual. Thanks for the great trip and fun company! Some more pictures: Jason doing some hut-work On top of the Onion Can't tell if I am moving or not! Quote
treknclime Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 Beautiful shots and TR...thanks for sharing! Quote
sepultura Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 Jason, I think the peak in question behind Baker and Rhondda is Mt Forbes..... I am waiting a confirmation from Lynn. Thanks for the trip guys! Always good to get on the Wapta! not sure what I would do in those parts if it was not January. Let shoot for a spring trip! Quote
Stefan Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 that looks awesome. those winds shots look cold!!!! Quote
mountainsloth Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 wow. looks like an amazing place. thanks for sharing. too bad on the weather. Quote
wbk Posted January 17, 2012 Posted January 17, 2012 Great stuff Jason et al! Friggin love the Bow Valley, Canmore and all that stuff. Can't wait to get up there! Quote
AlpineK Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 That area is great. If you've been or want to go this is a must see video. [video:youtube] Quote
Don_Serl Posted January 28, 2012 Posted January 28, 2012 Baker and Rhonda on the right, not sure of the prominent peak in the back center: yup. per Sepultura, Mt Forbes. highest peak in the Rockies south of the Icefields. nice, eh? Quote
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