Ski Conditions

1 photos

Wapta Icefields, Banff National Park

Mts Olive & St. Nicholas

Ski Conditions

With two very fit guests, we climbed Mt. Olive and then St. Nick today in a day trip from the road. Up to 20 cm of new snow and cool temps provided very good ski quality on alpine and treeline north aspects. 240+ cm on the lower Bow glacier.

Olive was in easy, bucket step condition. St. Nick (south ridge) had much more exposed rock than I've ever seen for this time of year.

We exited via Hot Dog Lake and the coverage and skiing was pleasantly good. The final pitch above the moraine (approach trail) had two mid density temperature crust layers overlying large facets so we carefully kept to the trees away from the big connected slope. The snowpack here was beginning to lose its support at 14:30.

Bow Lake was supportive with a trace of new snow which allowed us to skate ski both on the approach and exit.

On The Map

These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.