The ADVG’s Ski Expedition, continued skiing from May 6th to May 10th on the Columbia Ice field, entering via the Saskatchewan Glacier and visiting Several peaks: Snow Dome, Kitchener, South Twin, North Twin, and Andromeda.

To Note
HS (Height of Snow) & snow pack recovery
200cm + above 2600 meters except specific terrain feature.

Where we camp at 3200 meters, we had good freeze every night (good snow pack recovery overnight).

Saskatchewan Glacier approach:
The first 6.5 KM is mostly walking with occasional skiing in between. I had a strong, fit and small group, and we still took 4 hours and half from the parking lots to the toe of the Saskatchewan glacier.

South Twin
At about 3350 meters on the Northwest ridge of South Twin, we encountered, (like suggested in Chic Scott book), a 60-80 meters ice face, which we needed to pitch out. (Something to think about if you visits this peak).

Below this obstacle, the Northwest ridge offered us a beautiful descent in winter condition, helped by 5m HN overnight (night of May 7th to May 8th).

North Twin
We were able to climb up with our ski all the way to the summit. We skied down the South face in very good corn snow.

Athabasca glacier approach or descent
This route was in really good condition today (May 10th); mind you, we left at 06:30 where it was -8 degrees Celsius at 2850.

Finally
We had very good mountain & climbing condition above 3000 meters, leaving early in the morning and ending the day early afternoon.

This is what it is in the Columbia Ice Field these days…

Sincerely,

Fred