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Dominion Mountain south side

A long and scenic journey to a gorgeous peak and some fabulous ski terrain

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
12 km
Ascent
807 m
Descent
807 m
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
2.1 km
Gradient
27˚
Dominion Mountain south side Map

This is an excellent logical-feeling route which takes you to a sub summit of Dominion Peak. Tagging the actual summit is simple enough if you want to go to the highest point, but it doesn't add much skiing and adds a few annoying ski-skin-ski transitions. Most people skip the summit and turn around from the top of the good ski terrain, and that's how the route is drawn here.

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, continue on the snowmobile track which winds around the bowl northwest of Cabin Peak. At times the trail passes under some steep, rocky terrain, so keep overhead hazard in mind as you traverse the bowl.

As the track rounds the south ridge of the summit you're aiming for, break off it and begin skinning up the blunt rib above. The trees are fairly sparse for most of the ascent so you can set the skin track pretty efficiently and enjoy the ever improving views without having to work too hard for them! If you've ever wanted to ski at the the Ymir Lodge or do the famous Bonnington Range Traverse, this ascent provides a great opportunity to check out the relevant mountains.

When you crest Dominion Peak's southeast ridge, either follow it to the summit (as described above) or rip first your skins and then some big GS turns down the slope you just ascended! The skiing is exceptional and the setting feels wild, so enjoy every bit of it before returning to the Huckleberry Hut.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

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

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area