Ski touring is often about timing. Sometimes your timing is off and you endure endless hours of skinning but your pay off is so marginal that you wish you had of stayed in bed. Other times everything lines up and you are poised for the day of your life.
It has become a tradition to make the annual pilgrimage from the coast mountains to the ski touring mecca of Rogers Pass. The scale and scope of the mountains mixed with snow quality make it a trip that many of my close skiing buddies can’t pass on. With skis in hand we ventured to Glacier Park Lodge to hunker down for a week of touring.
The weather forecasts for the week showed snow everyday with light winds. Everything was lining up and our timing couldn’t have been better. Our group tends to seek out the more adventurous areas leaving the masses behind in search of the hidden gems of Rogers Pass. Sit back enjoy a week of powder skiing in Rogers pass.
Day 1 provided deep turns but only in the safety of the tree's. Doesn't mean we didn't find quality snow.
Day 2 was looking even better snow accumulation was slowing down and temperatures were dropping. We decided to test the water and venture out to some more exposed areas. As the day went on we gained confidence with the stability. Below was the result of some great route finding.
Bottomless, blower and stable. So deep it was up to your ears.
Day 2 ended with smiles all around and mentions of top 10 ski day's of all time. Day 3 was trending to be another good day. With a huge warm storm arriving late the next day timing would be key to milking another amazing day.
We set off in the morning knowing that a three hour skin awaited us. It could all be in vain if the storm came in quicker than expected. After an initial bushwack and a skin track so steep that it would even send the Euro's running we arrrived. What was in store none of us could have expected.
Relentless pillows and cold smoke fueled our day for faceshots.
Chest deep and steep.
As we decended farther the group was grumbling about all time ski days. Where did this rank? It was high, top 3 for sure. When you look back at days like this you wonder if you can ever beat it. As time passes your memory of great days fades into the background. This is what keeps us coming back. The hope, the anticipation and the possiblity of special days. What makes it even more special is sharing it with friends and capturing the smiles.
Roger pass we thank you. For one of the best weeks of our life.
For more pictures visit
powdergangster.ca
