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Low Avi Risk Yoyo'ing Areas in Banff/Jasper

atom

2015-01-14 13:07:36

Low Avi Risk Yoyo'ing Areas in Banff/Jasper

Hi everyone,

I'm just getting into back country skiing, and im looking for some low risk/low angle places to practice in the Banff/Jasper area. Does anyone have any good places they would be willing to share?

Ideally these would be places I could go out by myself or with other skiers of similar experience level and not have to worry to much about avalanche risk.

Thanks!
Jake

2015-01-14 15:13:48

Hey Atom... the treed slope on Parker Ridge where the main summer trail is would generally be considered "safe" if you stay well away from the larger steeper barren slope to the north.

An AST1 course which is relatively cheap or even the Alpine Club of Canada's Back Country In Training program which is free would be a good place to start to meet other new backcountry folk. Avalanche awareness days are happening all over the place right now too and are a good place to meet like minded people and learn a bit about where to go and how to start getting out more.

Lonewolf skiing is terrifying, not because of avalanche hazard, but because if you twist a knee, hit a tree, fall in a tree well or any other immobilizing incident... you might not last long in winter conditions if nobody is around or stumbles upon you.
SkiDadle

2015-01-15 08:48:41

AST1 +1
tjzubick

2015-01-16 15:25:21

AST1 is a great start. Once you have that base of knowledge you will be comfortable picking these lower risk tours out for yourself. Other good resources are the routes on this website, the Lake Louise Sunshine and Banff Area guide sold here, and Chic Scott's book Summits and Icefields 1. In Chic Scott's book there is even a section on powder slopes near the road. Popular Banff areas include Bow Summit, Observation Peak, Sunshine and Lake Louise Backcountry, and Black Prince in KCountry. They may be typically lower risk but can be dangerous in the wrong conditions or if the wrong choices are made. Good luck and have fun!