All participants must be
competent using an avalanche transceiver,
probe, shovel, ice axe, and crampons, and must
be familiar with glacier travel & crevasse
rescue techniques.
PARTICIPANTS MUST BE COMFORTABLE SKIING DOWN A
40-DEGREE SLOPE IN POOR SNOW CONDITIONS.
Called the "Direct Route" in Chic Scott's
"Summits & Icefields - Canadian Rockies", the
route starts from the David Thompson Hwy, about
1km E of Saskatchewan River Crossing. An hour
of bushwacking takes you to the base of a 30-
degree avalanche gully which is climbed to a
col on the SE-E extension of Wilson's S ridge.
From there it's a steep (40 degree) 150
vertical metre descent down a N-facing slope to
the moraines and glacier. Ascend the glacier
to the base of Wilson's NE ridge. Follow the
ridge on foot to the summit.
To minimize midday avalanche hazard and get
possibly an early return on Sunday, we'll be
leaving the trailhead at 4am on Sunday. Most
os us will winter camp at the trailhead
(wilderness backcountry permit required), but
you have the option to spend the night at the
nearby Saskatchewan River Crossing motel if you
prefer more comfort.
ATES Rating:
Class 3 Complex
Distance: 14km
Cumulative Vertical Gain: 2000m
Sunrise: 06:45 Sunset: 20:45
Duration: 12-14
hours , plus driving time
We are leaving Calgary at 4 p.m. in order to
arrive at the trailhead before sunset and scout
the start of bushwacking route.
Required Items to Bring:
AT or tele gear or split board, & skins
Avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel
Ice axe, crampons fitted for ski boots
Harness, 4 locking carabiners, 2 non-
locking biners, 2 prussiks, a 120 cm sling, 1
ice screw
Headlamp with new batteries
Personal first aid kit
Lots of fluids for a sunny 15-hour day
Recommended Items to Bring:
SKI CRAMPONS or be prepared to boot-pack up
sections of the avalanche gully
Ski helmet
How to Get There:
Event Directions:
Take the TransCanada past Lake Louise and turn
onto the Icefields Parkway. Continue for about
85km, turn right onto the David Thompson Highway,
drive another 150m East and park at the pull-out
on the North side of Highway 11.
Carpool Departure Time:
04:00 PM
Carpool Location:
Our Lady of the Assumption School (34 Ave NW, Calgary)
*Cancellation Policy*: If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Calgary Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.
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Registration for this event closed on Friday, April 17, 2015 at 11:55 PM.