With the monsoons of June now officially over and summer here it was time to get up to Kokanee Glacier Park near Nelson BC and see what was left of this winters record breaking snow pack. The road to Gibson Lake was a few weeks late in opening and even now there is a wash-out 1km from the parking lot. With some strategic placement of rocks and dirt even we managed to by-pass it and make it to the parking lot where we would prepare for our climb. We left Nelson at 6:00am and were ready to start climbing at 7:00. We figured if the snow was low enough we could make the 4,000 ft ascent in about 3.5 hours (with a break or two to take in the views).
Most of the snow is now gone at the parking lot but 600 ft higher and the snow patches starts to appear, a further 1,000 ft and it's skinning time.
Starting at 5,200 ft in the woods.
Eventually reaching the snow at around 6,600 ft.
At 7,000 ft time to take a load off and switch over to skinning.
Nice to be back on the skis after a months absence.
A final boot pack up to the ridge and then skis back on.
The 9,000 ft summit in clear view at the back with tracks from Wednesday party of four.
Too steep for skis on the final 50 ft to the top.
Some lunch and a soak up of the sun.
Finally the down.
The snow was warming up but some decent turns to be had thanks to the 6:00 am start.
Hopefully next year we can get a comparible snow pack and earlier access to the park so we can ski the full 4,000 ft shot instead of having to downclimb the last 1,400 ft. to the lake. All-in-all still a great day to be outside and go for the final ski of the season.
Wanna know more about any gear in the pics check out the links below to some of the gear reviews:
Marker Tour F12 Alpine Touring Bindings
Dalbello Virus Tour ID Alpine Touring Boots
Black Diamond Pure Carbon Pole
Backcountry Access Stash Pack Alp 40
Black Diamond Swift Alpine Touring boots
First Ascent High Season Wind Shell jacket
