Bow-Yoho Traverse, 7-day ski touring in British Columbia

Packed on top of the Waputik Mountains in the Canadian Rockies is the Wapta Icefield, spreading into both national parks of Banff and Yoho.

The gorgeous glacial scenery offers prime conditions for excellent ski touring, along with its accessible mountain hut system.

For many years now the Wapta Traverse has cultivated a world-class reputation for ski mountaineering. Its great hut connections, ideal terrain for traverses, and simple mountain access have helped foster its international standing.

A close neighbour of Wapta is the Bow-Yoho Traverse, which actually crosses a section of Wapta at a 90-degree angle. Underrated until now, its equally ideal slopes are only just beginning to gain in popularity.

The first crossing of the Bow-Yoho Traverse was in the summer of 1910 by the renowned Austrian guide Conrad Kain.

Bow-Yoho Traverse is a great alternative to the Wapta Traverse. It is safer, more accessible and more comfortable than the Wapta Traverse. It also features the addition of a new hut, the Richard and Louise Guy Hut.

Its ideal location cuts a daunting 12-hour traverse into two short days. It’s also the springboard for explorations of the nearby mountains of the Des Poilus Glacier area, such as Collie, Des Poilus and Yoho Peak. Access to these spots would have previously required exhausting days on the slopes.

Potential participants should be aware that the ski tour includes carrying heavy packs along glacial terrain of elevations of approximately 2,200 meters and 700 meters of verticals. We will also be covering 10-15 kilometers per day on average, approximately 5-7 hours per day.

Get in touch now to reserve your place in the great Canadian Rockies as we head into the mountains for a 7-day ski tour on the Bow-Yoho Traverse.

If you’re curious about the legendary Wapta Traverse, then check out my Classic 5-day ski touring traverse in the Canadian Rockies.