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Bow Yoho Traverse - Day 1

Banff National Park

HWY 93 to Bow Hut

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
7.3 km
Ascent
537 m
Descent
73 m
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
1.9 km
High Point
2.4 km
Gradient
24˚
Bow Yoho Traverse - Day 1 Map

Utilizing the Bow Hut which is part of the Wapta Traverse and with the addition of the new Louise and Richard Guy Hut you can now ski traverse to the Stanley Mitchell Hut without the need to spend a night winter camping along the way. This new Bow Yoho Ski Traverse runs east to west and starts at Bow Lake on Highway 93 and finishes near Field BC on Highway 1, 53km away.

Description

The traverse typically takes 4 days to complete with a night spent in each of the Bow, Louise & Richard Guy and Stanley Mitchell huts. It allows skiers to get into the Presidents Range without having to slog the 22km into the Stanley Mitchell Hut from the Takakkaw Falls access road. The addition of the Louise and Richard Guy Hut was the missing link in this traverse and now opens up the possibility for several other traverses and loops in the area.

This traverse involves glacier travel, avalanche hazards and possible whiteout conditions so you need to either hire a guide or be proficient in your rope rescue and navigational skills before attempting this route.

Get the full route description at www.backcountryskiingcanada.com

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Features

  • Alpine
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Glacier kit

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area