Ski Traverse in Canadian Rockies, Bow Yoho
A 5-day ski traverse at Bow Yoho in the Canadian Rockies. Discover the incredible Wapta Ice field and Yoho Glacier with an IFMGA mountain guide.
Group
Rockies
5 Days
Apr
Very high
Intermediate
Description
Join me in this incredible adventure at Bow Yoho in the Canadian Rockies!
During this 5-day ski traverse we will cross the famous Wapta Ice field and Yoho glaciers, that divide Alberta and British Columbia in the Canadian Rockies. It is a unique option to discover the impressive Wapta ice field.
I particularly recommend this program because it is one of the easiest ways to access some of the most remote spots in the Rockies. Furthermore, it is comfortable because we'll sleep in huts, so you'll only need to carry a day pack. This is a great advantage compared to most tours in the region that require tents.
This tour will start by travelling to Bow Lake. Then, we'll be skiing for 5 days. It is a big circle with majestic views.
We'll be very close to the town of Field and Emerald Lake, and also close to Lake Louise.
The best season to visit this area is spring, because days are longer and there's less risk of avalanches.
This program is available for intermediate and advanced skiers with some ski touring experience and good physical condition.
Contact me if you want to join me for this amazing ski traverse in the Canadian Rockies. I'll be glad to guide you in this trip!
You can also take a look at other trips I organize in my country, like a ski touring trip to Revelstoke / Rogers Pass.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- Price per person to join a group.
Itinerary
Day 1: Lake Louise
We will meet in Lake Louise at the Alpine Center in Lake Louise at 08:30 RMT, get organized and head to Bow Lake where we will begin our adventure. The group will go through a 1 hour avalanche companion rescue exercise. Over the next 3-4 hours we will ascend up to the Bow Hut for the first night. There may be time to go for some skiing in the afternoon.
Day 2: Ski day
We will be up early and ski across the Wapta Ice field to the Yoho Glacier and the high lands of Mt Collie (3145m). This leads us to a great ski run down to the Des Poilus glacier and down to the brand new Alpine Club of Canada Des Poilus hut.
Day 3: Ski day
On day 3 the group will ascend to the Isolated Col and an excellent ski descent to the Stanley Mitchell Hut in the Little Yoho Valley, there may be opportunities to ski Mt McArthur (3015 m) and an amazing glaciated ski descent.
Day 4: Ski day
Spent skiing the Little Yoho Valley with great ski mountaineering objectives very close by, the Presidents (3140m).
Day 5: Ski day / Emerald Lake
You will make your way along the Ice line trail traversing the full length of the Presidents and head into Yoho Pass which takes us to Emerald Lake which will mark the end of a great adventure!
Details
More info
-The price does not include 5% GST. -Some technical gears are included, but personal gear is not.
-To train for back country skiing, ski all varied terrain and snow conditions at your local ski area, also ski with a light backpack. Back country conditions which are often excellent powder can sometimes be variable.
Meeting point
FAQs
How difficult is the Bow-Yoho Traverse?
The Bow-Yoho Traverse is a challenging backcountry ski adventure that requires a high level of fitness and experience in backcountry skiing. The terrain includes steep ascents and descents, glacier crossings, and variable snow conditions. Participants should be prepared for long days on skis and carrying a heavy pack.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Yes, participants are responsible for bringing their own backcountry skiing equipment, including skis, boots, poles, and skins. Rental equipment is available in nearby towns, but it's recommended that participants have their own equipment and are familiar with its use.
Do I need backcountry skiing experience to participate?
Yes, participants should have prior backcountry skiing experience and be comfortable with steep descents, glacier travel, and variable snow conditions. It's also essential that participants have avalanche training and carry appropriate safety equipment, including a beacon, shovel, and probe.
How long is the Bow-Yoho Ski Traverse?
The Bow-Yoho Ski Traverse is a 5 day trip covering approximately 50 kilometers. Participants should be prepared for long days on skis and carrying a heavy pack.
Will the glaciers be safe to cross?
Glacier conditions can vary; we will assess the safety of each crossing before proceeding, and our route options each day. Participants should have glacier travel experience and be familiar with using ropes and other necessary equipment for safe glacier travel. It's also recommended that participants have training in crevasse rescue techniques.
About the guide
Jeff
4.9
(63)
Mountain Guide
Alpine Air Adventures is an independent mountain guiding business run by Jeff Bullock. I am a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide, with my training and certification through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and the Canadian Avalanche Association.
We specialize in outdoor Banff adventures including: rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, avalanche courses and improvised rope rescue courses.
Based out of Banff, Alberta, Canada in the heart of the rugged Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alpine Air offers everything mountain. My main emphasize is to offer safe and unforgettable Banff adventures to my guests. With the allure of the mountains right at my doorstep I am always keen to take on any adventure and I am excited to have you along. Contact me to begin organizing your dream mountain ascent or descent.
Languages
French | English
Certificates
ACMG | IFMGA
What people are saying about Jeff
I have been doing backcountry ski trips with AAA for 3 years now and have been impressed every time. They're very good at adapting the plan to fit the group and have the knowledge to take you into some full-on terrain if that's what you desire. Thanks for pushing my limits and I can't wait for the next one!
My partner Jen and I had 2 days splitboarding in the Lake Louise area with AAA. Jeff and Tamara were both super friendly and easy to get along with as well as extremely professional and knowledgeable. Both days were exactly what we had hoped for and more, and we were able to learn so much from Jeff and Tamara’s expertise on the mountain. We had some of the best runs of our lives and will definitely contact Jeff and AAA when we are next in Banff for more adventures.
The back country awaits! Could be just over that ridge. You’ll never know unless you get a guide to show you! I took a one day peak beyond the well known slopes of Lake Louise with my awesome guide. Someone once told me riding those lines is like flying - and it is totally true! I’ll be back for more.
Jay
I had a superb time and Jerry my guide was brilliant with safety being always paramount.
Sue
Our guide was Jason (not Jeff) and although he was a great guy, he appeared to not be very familiar with the location in which we skied. I was also surprised by the fact that he never asked us about our skiing abilities or the type of terrain we hoped to ski. Due to the avalanche conditions and snow cover, we were in terrain where the trees were too tight to ski and so we skied down an avalanche path (with minimal hazard from above) that was quite steep with a lot of exposed vegetation and small cliff bands. For two of the three of us, this terrain was at the edge of our comfort zones and so the ski down was not very enjoyable. Afterwards, I couldn't help wondering if we had been asked about our interests and skiing level, if we might have found lower angle terrain with a less dense forest cover. Having said all this, once Jason realized I was in a place I was not happy about, he was very attentive to assisting me through the terrain. In summary, the three of us paid a lot of money for a ski tour that was not great and we wondered whether it should have been cancelled if this was the best terrain to be found given the conditions.
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