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Yoho Peak from the Guy Hut

Yoho National Park

A short but breathtaking tour to a summit in the heart of the Wapta

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
3.3 km
Ascent
373 m
Descent
373 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
2.4 km
High Point
2.8 km
Gradient
29˚
Yoho Peak from the Guy Hut Map

Perched just above the Guy Hut, Yoho Peak is an ideal objective when you're short of energy or prolonged good weather. The peak is small enough that you can be up and down it in less than 2 hours from the hut, so it's perfect for a quick blast when you get a clearing in the weather.

Description

The route up Yoho Peak from the Guy Hut is simple enough but the summit ridge can be heavily corniced, so some visibility is essential if you're to travel it safely. The ascent is short and enjoyable, and the view - particularly to the Presidents Peaks to the south - just gets better as you climb. Depending on the conditions it might be necessary to bootpack brief sections of the ridge, but most of it should be easily skin-able.

The summit itself is actually not on the highest point of the snow, which suggests that the peak's cornice is pretty huge; stick to the highest rocky point rather than trying to tag the actual high point. The summit is marked with a cross and there's a summit box with a logbook and a couple of rather "humourous" items....You'll have to go up there yourself to find out the details!

The ski down follows the ridge initially and then drops down the peak's north face. Beneath the north face proper are a series of bowls and it's worth skiing down these for some extra smiles and then skinning back up to the hut if time allows.

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 February and April

Features

  • Bowl
  • Alpine
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area