Geoff and I did a quick lap on the Surprise Pass ski tour. A well beaten track exists to the pass and the descent back to Lake Louise is starting to get skied out. Travel off trail was supportive over the Nov 5 crust which was down about 40cms at tree line. Minimal wind effected snow observed in the area and the various tracks we observed suggested minimal reactivity to skier traffic. We left the parking lot with -15 temps and about 30 cms on the trail. Tree line snow heights were 80-100cms with boot top trail breaking. Broken skies and zero wind made for cool and pleasant conditions with a high of -6. The last 200m back to the Lake Louise trail was thin requiring a light and thoughtful approach. Good ski skating on the hiking trail back to the Chateau. Overall a great outing for November.

Play Safe,