Painting by Anne Brown
The above painting was made from the photo below. I originally attributed the photo to Groomer Dave at West Bragg Creek, but I was subsequently informed it was actually taken by artist Anne Brown, Groomer Dave’s wife.
East Crystal Line at WBC. Nov 10, 2019. Photo by Anne Brown
Briony and Lyen at Tyrwhitt/Pocaterra/Lookout junction
Mar 28, 2020
Thanks for all the “pandemic” comments. We have a lot of thoughtful people following this blog.
My final ski trip of the season last evening was wonderful, but sad at the same time knowing it would be the last one of the season, and possibly forever.
Tyrwhitt
My understanding is that Highway #40 is now closed at Mt Kidd RV Park, so the only folks who will benefit from this report are the people who live in PLPP. That includes all the workers who live in staff housing and the dozens of people who have cabins along the lower lake. Some of you are probably not aware of the “grandfathered” cabin owners since they are well-hidden.
The trails were groomed on the 26th(it says the 27th on the Live Grooming Report, but it was actually the 26th) and were in excellent condition. I was slowed down a bit when it started snowing at the top of Whiskey Jack and for part of Tyrwhitt.
Someone who skied Whiskey Jack previous to me wrote “100” in the snow. I’m not sure what the significance was, but it compelled me to go back through my records and count how many times I’ve skied Whiskey Jack, thinking I had probably done it 100 times. It’s the trail I’ve skied more than any other in the SkierBob universe. It turns out I’ve skied Whiskey Jack 194 times! (But it’s still not enough. No amount will ever be enough).
Starting out on my all-time favourite loop
I well remember the first time I skied WJ. It was Dec 11, 1998 with George Smith and it was the first time I skied any of the south trails in PLPP and was overwhelmed with the beautiful surroundings, the variety, and conditions.
At 6 pm, there was one other vehicle in the Boulton Creek parking lot and I was happy to meet Briony and Lyen at the Tyrwhitt/Lookout/Pocaterra junction.
Guess the trail…
I will post the photos from yesterday without any captions to see how many of you can name the trail or specific location. I’ve numbered the photos, so leave a comment with your guesses. Anyone who has skied the “Loop” will find this very easy. Update: GMJ identified all of them correctly. See his comment.
This pandemic is bringing out the worst in a few people who are willing to throw around insults when they don’t have a clue. Decisions are made with the information that’s available at the time. It’s disengenuous to criticize anyone for breaking rules which are actually not in effect. I received the following email from Chuck:
“It is unfortunate that there is mixed information out there.
I was comfortable to do my trip to Boom Lake based on this article in the Crag & Canyon dated March 25:
https://www.thecragandcanyon.ca/news/local-news/covid-19-empties-national-parks-of-tourists
Note the paragraph that reads:
Visitor facilities in all Parks Canada places across the country are now temporarily closed until further notice, visitors may access front country, backcountry and accessible green spaces, but are responsible for their own safety.
As I said, the washroom was being cleaned when we arrived (we even used it when the cleaner left) the parking lot was plowed and there was no sign indicating any closure or restricted activities at the trailhead.
My reporting has always been based on updating our ski community on what current opportunities are available.”
It would be appropriate for the folks who criticized and insulted Chuck to apologize to him for their impulsive outbursts( and not the weasel-worded non-apologies “I’m sorry if I offended anyone…”).
March 27 @ 10 pm
I know this is already old news, but below is what was posted on the Live Grooming Reports and goes into effect at midnight tonight.
“Vehicle access is temporarily suspended at access points to Alberta’s provincial parks and recreation areas for recreation purposes until further notice. The restrictions are in place to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
If a car is required to access a park or recreation area, these areas will not be available so make other plans. Although, walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-highway vehicle use are still permitted on designated trails, access points will be limited.”
If I understand it correctly, the ski trails are still open, it’s just that you will require a helicopter to access them.
Grooming in PLPP, Ribbon Creek, and Mt Shark has ended for the season, and maybe forever.
Sorry for the late update, but I was skiing in PLPP until 8 pm. Last person on the trail.
I’m disappointed to see the nastiness that this pandemic has brought out in people. Please don’t post personal insults in the comments. You can disagree without being disagreeable.
Wedge Connector
We took advantage of yesterday’s tracksetting on Wedge and Evan Thomas and had a great day of skiing. You may have read on the Ribbon Creek trail report that grooming has finished for the season on the Kananaskis Village, Ribbon Creek, Bill Milne, Wedge, Skogan Pass trails.
Christine on Wedge Connector
Back on Dec 27, I took a beginner skier, Ricky, for his first ever ski trip. He got hooked and skied a number of times this winter. We went back(in separate vehicles) to Wedge pond today along with Christine and enjoyed a beautiful day of skiing on cold snow and excellent tracks.
The end of the Wedge Connector at Evan-Thomas creek
The wind was howling and snow was drifting along highway #40 all the way to the Wedge pond trailhead. Wedge and Evan-Thomas are well protected for the most part by heavy forest, so the wind was not a problem. The trees also help protect the snow from the sun, although that’s becoming an issue with the sun so high in the sky now.
The temperature at 1 pm was +1°C with four well-spaced vehicles in the parking lot. I waxed with VR50(0/-4) and had good grip. The tracks were fast but not icy.
I’ll be overcome with sadness if these trails aren’t groomed next winter.
Moraine Lake road by Chuck. Nov 20, 2019.
Remember when social distancing wasn’t a thing? This set of photos from the past ski season brings back memories of happier times when we didn’t have to fear getting close to others.
Moose in PLPP by Ian and Darlene. Mar 25, 2020
Ian and Darlene posted some remarkable photos yesterday on their trip report from PLPPP and two of them have made the cut to be included in this set of pictures from the winter of 2019-2020.
Courtney with her dog Pippa, and dad, on Mountain road at West Bragg Creek. Feb 24, 2020
The photo at the top is interesting in many ways, not only because it shows people gathered in a large group at the end of Moraine Lake road. The snow conditions were so amazing close to Calgary in the early season that I never even skied to the end of Moraine Lake road once this winter. I usually make half-a-dozen trips to Lake Louise in November to enjoy the early snow. This year we were making the short trip to West Bragg Creek.
One of the benefits of West Bragg Creek, besides the short drive, are all the families and dogs which I get to see. The photo of little Courtney being pulled along the trail by her dog Pippa, along with a smiling dad, brings a smile to my face whenever I look at it.
Bill Milne Dec 24
With ski season drawing to a close, it’s time to start posting my favourite photos from this past winter. This year presents a challenge because I have so many great pictures. It’s been the best winter for conditions in the 12 years that I’ve been running this blog.
Bill Milne Dec 24
The winter started with reports and photos of Winter Wonderland and it continued throughout the season. Sometimes a phrase can lose it’s meaning by being overused, but not this time.
The conditions on Dec 24 on the Bill Milne trail were a photographer’s dream and it’s doubtful the scenes will ever be repeated. I’m so glad I was there to record it for the history books.
Bill Milne Dec 24
Many of the photos which I’ve collected were taken by Chuck on his remarkable excursions to places that many of us never get to. I’d like to thank Chuck, Steve, Alf and everyone else who submitted photos this winter.
For such a spectacular ski season, it seems to be coming to an unceremonius end with the Corona virus preoccupying everyone’s minds and shutting down access to trails.
This will be one of many posts featuring the photos from this past winter.
“Going outside and being active should be encouraged.” – Dr Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health. “As long as they take proper precautions while around others, Albertans can go outside for some fresh air, even while self-isolating.”
If you go skiing, remember the social distancing protocol of staying 2 metres away from others. It’s easy to do in the great outdoors. I wish people at the grocery stores were as responsible as the skiers I’ve encountered lately. Continue reading
“It really is pretty easy to practise social distancing when one is out in the mountains.” -gh
“It’s easy to see what’s coming next- no access to provincial lands. If not right away- once the NP closure inevitably causes overcrowding elsewhere. A poor decision in my opinion.” -Steve Riggs Continue reading
Update Mar 24 from Parks Canada:
“The Agency is temporarily suspending all motor vehicle access by visitors at all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas effective 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, until further notice. All visitor services remain suspended and all visitor facilities remain closed.
This means that all parking lots, vehicle services, trails, washrooms, day use facilities, showers, visitor centres, and all camping facilities, including oTENTiks, yurts and backcountry camping, are closed until further notice. Continue reading
