The Junior Mountaineering Team skins up a 2500 vertical foot slope on the SW end of Hebgan Lake. The group worked on putting in the perfect skin track to make following laps effortless.
The JMT and instructors talked about safe uphill travel; things to avoid, ways to manage risk, and how to cross slopes, especially in a large group.
Kate makes her way up the skin track.
When skinning in a large group it is important to keep your senses open watching everyone if the terrain gets open or steep.
There was plenty of pow left from the storms earlier in the week.
The group chose to dig snow pits just before cresting the ridge.
The results of the snow pits were very spooky. We were getting quality 1 sheers at compression test 18+ about 2 feet below the surface.
We talked as a group and quickly came to a consensus that we would be avoiding slopes steeper than 35º, taking great caution on slopes between 25º-35º, and sticking to areas with trees.
Grant skins up to the summit of the ridge.
The weather was pristine.
Kate and Ashley prepare for the sunset descent.
Kate demonstrates her stoke!
It doesn't get much better than this.
Kate and Ashley enjoying the fresh tracks!
We found great low angle tree pow.
The 'Tin Chateau' is directly across the lake from the skiing, 1km to be exact. It always seems that the skin across in the morning is a great warm up, while skiing back in the evening it seems like the shore line never gets closer.
The boys skin back towards the 'Chateau.'
The photo ops are endless...
The next morning was stunning.
Grant reaches the top on the second day, ready for some turns.
The lake provides a beautiful backdrop. The scenery seems to reinforce any doubt as to why we would exert so much energy for just a couple turns. After all, it's more than skiing, it's an explosion of beauty and joy and appreciation; hard earned and well worth it.
The backdrop of our adventures is what creates our drive and passion.
Kate and Grant prepare for downhill glisse.
It all culminated in a great weekend. Lots of learning time, and lots of playing time.
The Junior Mountaineering Team just returned from their weekend at Hebgan Lake. This weekends focuses where safe travel, setting and maintaining a skin track, evaluating avalanche danger, evaluating terrain, and safe downhill travel techniques. The weekend was filled with pow, and I believe almost everyone got at least one face shot. Overall it was a great weekend, enjoy the photos!
