Winter 2017/2018 – Ahhhhh schucks, I lost track of time and forgot to update the website with some of the adventures from this last winter. For the sake of escapism (from the July heat), here is a bunch of photos and some brief descriptions from some of last winter’s wanderings!

First off the press is a boy’s weekend up to Rogers Pass, BC. Roberto got ahold of a couple of us for a much-needed romp up in Canada. Rob, Pete, Josh and myself all met up just outside of Golden, BC with high hopes and our eyes on the weather. The drive up was through an deuzy of a storm that delivered DEEP powder skiing opportunities over the next couple days… and a little bit of rain-on-snow too. Even with higher-than-hoped-for avalanche danger and a majority of the pass backcountry access closed, we had a solid crew that backed-up each other’s safety-oriented decisions. Powder laughter was plentiful, debatably “classic” movies were watched, Tim Horton’s fine cuisine was enjoyed, and plenty of beer was consumed. The trip ended wonderfully at a tucked away hot springs along the way home. It was a damn fine time fellas!

Next on the docket is a trip returning to the Wolverine Cabin in Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area. A couple years ago, Pete and I biked by the cabin during a big summer day and have kept talking about it as a great winter objective since. In March of 2017, Jonny, Daan and I wandered in there for a “quick” overnighter. I learned my lesson. The Wolverine Cabin deserves a couple of nights, at minimum, to make the long walk worth it. Pete and I headed for the cabin over a three day weekend and – as usual for trips with Pete – the weather turned during the walk-in and was puking snow. Thankfully, we were able to push through and navigate to the cabin, arriving just before headlamps were necessary.

We found the humble hut well-stocked with dry wood (thank you Ten Lakes Snowmobile Club!) and not too soiled with rodent droppings! The next morning broke clear, and stayed that way for the next couple days of exploring, skiing, and shenanigans. The snow got pretty sloppy, but the views and memories made my second trip to the Wolverine Cabin well worth it. Maybe the third time’s the charm for snow conditions…?

Last up for this post is a glorious day spent out with great friends along a classic ski route in Glacier National Park. The Running Rabbit Traverse has been on our “to-do” list since first flipping through our copy of Instant Gratification a few years ago. The traverse moseys along ridgelines from Mt. Shields to Running Rabbit Mountain. On this spring day, the weather couldn’t have been better for enjoying the views. Grete, Claire, Burket and I skinned, skied, and bootpacked the ridge route while enjoying great conversation and plotting return trips for additional skiing the plethora of options along the way. The day ended with a long lovely descent from the top of Running Rabbit Mountain back down to the car on Highway 2. The traverse was one of my favorite days out this last winter!

I’ll try to keep the ball rolling on posts over the net few weeks… so check back in!