A number of members headed to the Campbell Icefield Chalet for a week of skiing in the Rockies. We were sadly missing our usual fearless leaders, Catrin and Erich, off on Patagonia adventures, but we were ably led by Josh.
We had a great week, albeit with less than ideal snow conditions. There had been rain all the way up to 2600m 
, forming in places a half inch ice crust that made a lot of skiing a survival exercise. Coming down the low Col, usually a fun set of turns, was brutal, especially after the sun left it. We found some nice snow up on the Prior glacier, and coming off the higher elevations. The consolation was that every day was brilliant sunshine and (obviously) very stable snow conditions.
Instead of sick pow we went in search of objectives, including all the way across the ice field three times to the Prior and Barnard glaciers. The last day a self-punishment group went to Diamond Dust, Prior, Barnard, and then Waitabit in a massive tour.
We used the opportunity to practice glacier travel skills and roping up.
We took one day to approach Mt Alan Campbell, which in excellent conditions might go in a (short, January) day. On this day though we turned around at the glacier, not feeling keen on descending the entire mountain in the crust. Here we survey the lake/wetland at the foot of Alan Campbell (left).
Surveying Mount Freshfield on the far east side of the Campbell Icefield.
We managed to ascend Barnard Shoulder and get great views of the Waitabit valley. One of us had done the same trip in the summer and it was cool to hear the differences. Unsurprisingly the cairn built in the summer was nowhere to be found.
I had recently purchased lighter skis for bigger missions like Baker or Albert Edward in a day. They served me well in the long traverses, but lacked power through the crust. It is a bit unnerving to look down and see one’s ski tips underneath ice.
A quick break. Prior Glacier in the distance.
Such a spectacular spot and a great group of folks to spend time with. Dinners were exceptional, except I still have yet to master cooking rice for 14 - I think next time a premade lasagna or pastitsio is in order.
We lucked out with a nice northern lights display outside the hut one night.
Dave F. joins me at the foot of the Prior glacier.
Having the best time! Wearing the doudoune to stay warm.
Ironically the last day was the cloudiest, but the heli still managed to get us out in plenty of time to get to the ferry home. Drives both ways were very smooth as there had been no snow below 1000m.
Another excellent trip to the Rockies!