Spectacular day at Kananaskis Lookout
Trip date: Friday Apr 19, 2024
Submitted by Diana Piggott
Particpants:
O solo mio (with apologies)
Discussion:
What I lack in smarts, I make up for in dogged determination!
I parked at Boulton Creek, possibly the only car there today, and broke trail up Whiskey Jack. It was mostly good, but a mix of nice soft snow, and a soft crust, which was worst at the most challenging points of the trail.
At Pocaterra, I met a single set of tracks coming in from the left (Mike?), and followed them to Tyrwhitt, where we parted ways. Decisions.... It was such a lovely day I had to at least try to get up to the lookout. I was a little surprised to be breaking trail up there too. Conditions were pretty good, except crusty around the two switchbacks.
At the lookout, I found tracks had come up from the south and returned the same way. I did the mirror image, returning the way I had come. The first 2/3 or so of the descent were quite pleasant, if somewhat sedate, but then suddenly the snow quality changed from thick whipped cream to super glue. Ack! It was very sticky and slow back to WhiskeyJack.
The rest of the descent was variable, often quite pleasant, and sometimes very challenging, with the crust taking the skis out from under my feet. There were a few bits of sunny superglue also.
It was totally worth it, but as usual I wish I had been a couple of hours earlier. Pictures to follow!