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Wapta Traverse - Day 4

Banff National Park

Yoho National Park

Balfour hut To Scott Duncan

Also in British Columbia, Canada

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
11 km
Ascent
768 m
Descent
487 m
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
2.4 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
30˚
Wapta Traverse - Day 4 Map

ACCESS: From the Balfour Hut via the Balfour High Col which is the most challenging and potentially dangerous section of the Wapta traverse.

Description

The Scott Duncan Hut is located on a cliff bench below the northwest ridge of Mt. Daly at the south end of the Waputik Icefield. To access the Scott Duncan Hut from the Balfour Hut you need good weather and stable snow conditions as you must gain the Balfour High Col. This is often described as the crux of the Wapta traverse and with good reason as there

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.

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

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