Some ski tours are about deep powder and perfect turns. Others are about being out in the mountains with friends and hoping for the best weather. Our ascent of Mt. Cokely on January 24th fell firmly into the latter category.
With an extended dry spell and low avalanche conditions on the forecast, we knew we were in for a battle against ice. Five of us from the ACC Vancouver Island set out under bluebird skies, driving as far as conditions allowed—right up to the trailhead at Rosseau Chute. From there, we shouldered our packs and started the climb.
The ascent quickly turned technical. Hard, refrozen melt snow made for slow, progress. Ski crampons were very handy that day. But the effort was well worth it. The summit rewarded us with an expansive view—Vancouver Island’s rugged peaks stretching into the distance and views of potential future ski lines around Mt. Aerosmith.
The descent demanded just as much precision. Sticking to the sun-softened aspects, we picked our way down the remnants of an old ski hill, linking turns where the crust allowed. It wasn’t the kind of skiing that earns you face shots, but it was a masterclass in edge control.
By the time we reached the logging road and slid back to the cars, ski and splitboard edges were dull, but spirits were high after skiing a frozen, sunny Mt Cokely. Sometimes, the best days in the mountains aren’t about perfect conditions—but hanging with friends and exploring new locations. And on that front, Mt. Cokely delivered in full.
