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Bow Yoho Traverse - Day 2

Banff National Park

Yoho National Park

Bow hut to Louise and Richard Guy hut

Also in Alberta, Canada

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
12 km
Ascent
775 m
Descent
630 m
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
2.4 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
31˚
Bow Yoho Traverse - Day 2 Map

From the Bow Hut you cross the Wapta Icefield heading towards Mount Collie.

Description

Leaving the Bow Hut with St Nicholas Peak off your left shoulder as you head west over the Wapta Icefield you’ll tackle 1,000ft of elevation gain before you get a glimpse of Mount Collie and Mount Des Poilus in the distant background. These will be your bearings as you descend almost three kilometres down the glacier. While this is simple in good weather it can be very difficult in whiteout conditions. If you haven’t roped up prior to this point you will want to now as you'll have to pick your way around several crevasses, trending right and north to gain the high ground above.

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

  • Bowl
  • Alpine
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

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

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area