Both are valuable in seeing what factors might be at play throughout the rockies. However, the regions are too large to put much confidence in extrapolating the reports to a given aspect, or feature that you might be exposed to.

A couple years ago there was an inspiring magazine article with some Ryan Creary photography skiing couloirs around Assiboine with Andre Renner and relating it to the early pioneering done by Erling Strom. I'll never find the article, but there is some stunning photography floating around the net.

I've done 4 ski trips to Naiset, most recently though in 2003. Looking at revisiting this March which is the best time for snow conditions IMO. Not much has changed I would guess other than Assiniboine Lodge now handling the Naiset bookings, and the new common area/cooking shelter. I assume that you have done your research and know all that...

A few thoughts-

-Start out early from Shark. It is a fair distance and while the trail as far as Bryant Creek is well travelled, it may not be over Assiniboine Pass. Once over the pass, the trail can be tricky to follow in spots if not broken. Best not to be doing that in the dark. Same goes for skiing out, it is pretty flat for most of the way so will take most of the day despite being "downhill".

-I would allow more than one day touring up there if you can, to make the ski in/out worthwhile. We have always spent 4-5 nights. For longer trips, paying to have some of your supplies flown in is an option, as is flying in/skiing out which is what we did in 2003.

-Maybe things have changed now with the cookshelter, but bring collapsible water bags and be prepared to locate and clear out the waterhole.

-What ski gear to bring? Much of the terrain is fairly mellow and rolling and while there are many good places to make turns, many go there just for the touring amidst spectacular scenery. It's a compromise between touring efficiency and downhill performance. On all my trips there I used light T3 tele boots and old school 85-65-75 tele skis, which struck a good balance for me. One of the "backcountry system" boots along with light metal edge touring skis would be the ticket for going in and out, but not ideal once up there. OTOH modern fat powder boards and AT boots would begin to seem like anchors on the 25 km of trail.

Your call.

-Best resource for tours would be Chic Scots "Ski Trails of the Canadian Rockies", which has many of the standard tours. There are many other tours too, but best to start with the trade routes. 

-I would recommend the Jones Bench circuit with a stop by the Nublet for some turns.

-A variation on this in STABLE conditions is to go through "Jones Notch" and return via Jones Bench.

-Wonder Pass and beyond to viewpoint is a nice short tour with some easy turning opportunities.

-Ellies Dome is probably my favorite, great viewpoint and turns, but can suffer from exposure to wind, as does nearby Mt. Cautley.

Lodge staff were always friendly and helpful, but remember that they have their clients to look after. Be completely self sufficient! Other than firelogs for your cabin which you will need to buy from them. Bring cash! (it is BC afterall)  :)

Hope that helps. Have a great trip!

Steve,

Thanks for the comprehensive information! It was very helpful.  I know you haven't been in a bit, but the mountains won't have moved so it will still be very useful beta.  

My options are either my splitboard setup, or renting some more backcountry suitable classic skis (I have both classic and skate skis, but those classics are definitely more suited to the track set world). Making a 4 day trip out of it so the slog on the splitboard maybe be worthwhile eh? Two days of pain, for 2 days of riding once up there?

Also, thanks for the indications about the avy resources Jake (and not to put much faith in them). I'll be keeping my eyes out for activity on the track in, and hopefully can glean indications from the guides at the Assiniboine Lodge. 

I've been up to the Naiset cabins a couple of times. Once on cross coutnry skis the other on AT gear.  With a heavy pack, I prefered the AT gear; I'm sure your splitboard will be fine.  It beats skiing on skinny skis and carrying your snowboard and boots for sure.  If you leave the parking lot before light you should be able to get some afternoon turns up at the Lake.  

The cabins get super warm with the wood stove so you wont' need much of a sleeping bag.  Especially if you sleep on the top bunk.