Mount Engadine Burnt Trees

A gentle slope with well spaced, burnt trees

Ski Touring Easy

Distance: 4.5 km
Ascent: 495 m
Descent: 495 m
Duration: 2-3 hrs

Low Point: 1.8 km
High Point: 2.3 km
Gradient: 25˚

This is an awesome beginner ski tour with well spaced trees and a gentle slope. There is very little overhead hazard unless you ascend higher onto the ridge or continue further down the valley between Mount Engadine and The Tower. The ski in is usually a well packed dual use trail between snow shoers and skiers. The ascent route is straightforward as you gently wind through the giant burnt tree forest. The runs are short but that just means you can do a few laps if you like. This is a great day with lovely views.

Looking into the valley at the end of the Burnt tree zone. Venturing past here will take you into more serious avalanche terrain.

Heading up through the burnt tree forest

Big trees and little people in this unique landscape

Description

To access the trail you park on the side of the road, there are usually many cars parked here and there is a summer trail sign for Rummel Ridge. You ascend gently for 2 km through the forest and are rewarded with a lovely lookout view of Spray Lakes and a bench if you want a short break. Continue on until you hit the burnt trees. You can ascend at this point or continue further as the burnt trees extend for approximately 2 kms. This is where you can choose your own adventurous ascent and descent.

The burnt trees give this ski tour a unique feel and provide for some unusually pretty views. This is a really good beginner ski touring route with a short approach and mellow terrain but you will still want to make sure you have proper avalanche training and gear to venture into this zone. The best time to ski this area is between December and March as it is a lower snow volume area. This makes a good full day tour if you do a number of laps or great half day, late or early start adventure.