Date: December 14, 2021
Location/Route Map: Kootenay
Elevation: 1996 m
Elevation Gain: 540 m
Distance: 10.2 km
Rating: Class 2
Avalanche Terrain Rating: Simple/Challenging
Notes: Avalanche hazard varies depending on which slopes you choose to ski. Always consider objective hazard from the slopes/cliffs above!
GPS Track: Download
After an unsuccessful, draining (both mentally and physically) snowshoe attempt on Massive Mountain the previous day, through deep, fluffy powder, it was safe to say that both my dad and I were ready for something different! Contrary to being an absolute pain for snowshoeing, we had a feeling that the aforementioned snow would be a dream to ski! With no previous plan (starting to be a theme for us this winter), we brainstormed places we might be able to ski. After thinking for some time, I remembered a "ski run" (a strip cut through the forest to control the forest fire from 2003) that we saw across the highway, when scrambling Mount Whymper in the summer! Although our plans began quite simple, we ended up embarking on what would be a very full day...and I'd have to say it was some of the most fun I've ever had skiing! I think I'm starting to fall for this backcountry skiing thing...even if it's just my second time!
Stanley Glacier Valley Route Map (see link in desciption - or click here - for interactive version).
Mount Whymper rises into the clouds, across the highway! After parking at the Stanley Glacier parking lot, we originally began skinning along the highway to the east, hoping to join up with the bottom of our "ski run"...After about a couple hundred meters however, we realized that we'd have to cross the Vermilion River, and I doubt there's a bridge leading to some random "ski run"...As such, we turned around, back to the parking lot, and followed (the more popular) Stanley Glacier trail, which does in fact have a bridge!
Snowy Vermilion Peak and a subtle reminder of the fire that occured many years ago...
The long wall of Castle Mountain, obscured by low clouds! Unlike many approaches through dense forest, there's never a shortage of views on this one!
As we gained elevation along the trail, we considered traversing through the forest to the "ski run" (now on the correct side of the river). But...with all the incredible winter scenery, our plan quickly grew to skinning all the way up to Stanley Glacier Valley...Maybe we'll hit the "ski run" on the way down??
The Stanley Headwall is mighty impressive as we approach the upper valley!
Narrow path through a recovering forest.
Entering the upper valley!
Mount Whymper dominates the backdrop as my dad emerges from the baby tree forest!
The slope eases off, and it's mainly flat all the way to the clearing below Stanley Glacier.
Already caught a glimpse of some of the glacier!
Beautiful valley! We took our time skinning up the valley, gazing up at the steep, snowy walls surrounding us.
More ski runs? ;)
Deep snow up here!! Luckily we aren't stuck knee deep in it with snowshoes, like yesterday... Photo credit: Dad
We followed some skin tracks gaining elevation on the left side of the valley, to avoid some dense bush. Snow started pelleting down at this point (kind of like little styrofoam balls), and we were caught in a whiteout.
Approaching the clearing below Stanley Glacier!
A couple eye-catching towers peek out above the headwall!
Looking far up, to the cloudy topped headwall!
The trail would continue to the treed outcropping (center) in summer, but with avalanche risk from the slopes on either side, we decided it would be best not to venture deeper into the valley.
After considering what we wanted to do, we saw some tracks coming down from the frozen waterfall to our right (known for the Nemesis ice climb), and as it looked low avalanche risk, we decided to give it a go!
My dad skins past a house-sized boulder along the way!
Skinning up the slope...wait a second...is that a person up there?!
It is!! We spotted an ice climber halfway up Nemesis!...I felt like I had to be extra quiet, as to not distract them...That's some crazy stuff!!
The view of Whymper stayed with us the whole way, and never failed to impress!...Also, the whiteout's gone! :)
Looking down the headwall.
Even the bright blue of the smallest frozen waterfalls caught my attention!
Unique rock formations on the ridge across the valley!
We were accompanied by the sound of ice axes striking the frozen wall, as the ice climber inched his way up Nemesis!
Suiting up! Photo credit: Dad
Still plenty of fresh powder to ski!
Ripin'!
Yeehaw! Photo credit: Dad
Round 2? After having an absolute blast, we immediately came to the consensus to head up the other side of the valley for some more!
I don't know how it's even possible, but the views just kept getting better!! Photo credit: Dad
Skinning up through some light trees.
Stanley Peak rises mightily above its corresponding glacier!
Unreal view of the towers!
More glacier!
Yay! One guy almost made it! His partner is halfway up the final section (far-right).
Putting the tiny ice climbers in perspective with the BIG scenery!
This peak from the headwall is mighty impressive itself...and it's still 500m lower than Stanley!
Looking across to our tracks on the opposite side of the valley.
Lightly dusted brown cliffs above!
Wanna sponsor me Line? haha :P
What.A.View.
Locked in!
The whole day was incredible, but this had to be the best part! The snow on this slope was an absolute dream! Hands down the best snow we've ever skied! Photo credit: Dad
"Oh man! This is too much fun!...hahaha...What a hoot!" - Dad
Back on the skin track...We tried to make it without skins, but after immense struggles to gain the tiniest of hills, we eventually gave in and made the switch for the fourth time.
Woah! I caught an avalanche (far-left) on camera without even realizing it!
Evening glow...even though it's only 3:30pm!
Mount Whymper...for the 5th time :)
Looking back through the forest.
Three peaked Boom Mountain!
Although we had far out-done our original goal of skiing the "ski run", we still hadn't forgotten about it! When we arrived back at the short bridge, crossing Stanley Creek (near the end of the upper valley), and we saw some skin tracks traversing to skier's right, we just couldn't resist following them! Hopefully they knew what they were doing and there's a way to cross Vermilion River at the bottom...If not...nah, they gotta know what they were doing...right?
A bit of bushwhacking through little Christmas trees! Don't worry...no Christmas trees were harmed in the process :)
Different angle of Ochre Spring Peak!
Cloudy sunset!
Made it to the fabled "ski run"! Looks like we weren't the only ones...
Skinning up a bit higher for some extra ski time, to end an amazing day! No this is not just another picture of Whymper...it's of my dad skinning up the ski run...
Final run selfie!
Beautiful sunset!
What a place to ski!
Woohoo!
Disclaimer: this was take two!...Take one: "Other side, OTHER SIDE OF ME!, That side, THAT SIDE!, OH PAUL! I coulda had such an awesome video!" - Dad...In my defence, he never shared his plan with me, so I had no clue what "that side" meant! hahaha! Photo credit: Dad
I knew there was nothing to worry about ;)
There were even views when it got dark! What a day!
Mountains 'n stars (or planet, or satellite, or something bright in the sky)!
Mountains 'n stars (or planet, or satellite, or something bright in the sky) x2!
After a kilometer skinning along the highway we were back at the parking lot after one incredibly memorable day!
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