FATMAP by Strava

Cabin Peak Southwest Face

Mellow and scenic tree skiing make this a Type 1 fun route

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
8 km
Ascent
612 m
Descent
612 m
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
2.1 km
Gradient
30˚
Cabin Peak Southwest Face Map

This is a fun ski route, ideal for intermediate tourers or those seeking a safe option in poor conditions.

Description

Start the day by touring up the well-traveled ski/snowmobile track which winds up through forests to the col separating Midday and Cabin Peaks. Initially the trees lining the track are dense, but as you climb they thin out and allow you to observe the terrain surrounding you. Snowmobiles come up the track regularly, so keep an eye and ear out for them as you ascend. The gradient is mellow and the track completely obvious, so treat the journey up to the col as an enjoyable warmup, and an easy way to gain some altitude.

From the col, branch off right and climb up the blunt south ridge of Cabin Peak. The skin to the summit gets more scenic with every step, and more and more peaks appear on the horizon as the minutes pass. The terrain of Whitewater ski area and the Ymir Lodge is close by, as are the peaks of Bonnington Range and other Kootenay sub ranges.

Once on the summit the southwest face stretches out below you - simply pick your poison! The skiing is pretty similar all over the face, but there are some fun little features which you can seek out. The trees thicken as you get lower down but they're always skiable all the way down to a snowmobile track which leads you easily back to the col between Midday and Cabin Peaks. Either follow this track to the col and down to the hut, or take another lap. Given how short the face is, taking 3 or 4 laps in a day is perfectly possible, and allows you to farm the slope for all it's worth!

When you've finally had enough, head back for a peaceful evening in the Huckleberry Hut.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between December and March

Features

  • Tree Skiing
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area