Hi all,

Spring is lingering in the Valhalla Alpine. The recent unsettled weather along with cooler temperatures have brought various thin snow layers up there. The new snow is melting fairly quickly on Solar aspects however most rock routes located on south facing alpine walls are currently wet. South facing ridge routes appear to be dry. Today we had intended on climbing one of the Southwest face routes on Gimli Peak but opted out because it was looking really wet. We ended up climbing some dry rock on a shorter protected walls near the base of "Lichen it" just right of the lower South Ridge.

The descent route off of Gimli is mostly snow covered and the south facing Alpine basin below is still sporting much of its winter snow-pack. That said there is almost no snow left at treeline. The approach trail is snow free to treeline, there are a few trees down on the trail slowing down progress. Of note, the access road is in descent shape however; a small 4 x 4 vehicle is required. There is a large boulder blocking half of the road (see photos) about 1km from the parking lots. You will need a smaller sized SUV or small pick-up to get through there. Things should start shaping up next week if the dry forecast materialize.

Cheers,

David Lussier
acmg mountain guide
summitmountainguides.com