Little Yoho Traverse

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My adventure on the Little Yoho Traverse didn’t begin as I slid into my harness and clipped myself onto the three-person rope team. It began weeks earlier, in a Calgary city park. Spring hung in the air and I couldn’t help but feel a touch silly as I practiced crevasse rescue on the grass, while people went jogging past. I’d dreamt of the Wapta traverse for nearly a decade. I’d twice booked the alpine club of Canada huts required for the trip, but poor snow stability and illness led to last-minute cancelations. I was determined to make the third attempt successful, so I continued practicing my drop loop and z-pully techniques beneath the warm spring sun.

Kate Ryan, a Parks Canada avalanche technician in Rogers Pass, pitched me the idea of a spring traverse and we immediately settled on the Bow to Yoho, which is a longer variation of the traditional Wapta Traverse. James Walter, a sunshine village ski patroller and ACMG guide hopeful, rounded out our three-person rope team.

With our group dialled, we booked the huts and waited for the April dates to arrive. Unsettled spring weather, producing endless convective storms, threatened to derail the trip. While looking for alternative options, James made our decision easy.

“I think we should just stick to the program” he said, ” and turn around if the weather forces us to.”

We quit looking at our options and committed to the trip. I downloaded the gpx files, bought the map and began packing the night before departure.

Skiing the Little Yoho Traverse, In Pictures

Bow Lake to Bow Hut + Mt Olive North

On day one, we skied from Bow Lake to the Bow Hut, unloaded our overnight gear, and headed out onto the Wapta Icefield to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather. In the afternoon, we summited Mt Olive North, skied the col, and climbed back over the St Nicholas – Mt Olive col for a last descent to the Bow hut.

Walking on the Wapta Icefield for the first time, after six years in the Canadian Rockies — After six years in the Canadian Rockies, James, Kate, and I were all psyched to finally be on the Wapta Icefield.

The best turns of the entire trip came from the summit of Mt Olive. The views across the Wapta were incredible, too.

Crossing Bow Lake to begin the Little Yoho Traverse — James and Kate begin the approach to the Bow Hut, crossing Bow Lake, as we set off for the Little Yoho Traverse.

With clear weather holding throughout our first day, we opted to climb and ski Mt Olive's North Summit. — With clear weather holding throughout our first day, we opted to climb and ski Mt Olive’s North Summit.

Bow Hut to Louise and Richard Guy Hut

James leading the way across the Wapta Icefield. His experience with alpine climbing helped navigate the crevassed sections of the glacier.

While traveling, we usually traveled roped up. It's common practice while travesing glaciated terrain. — We each took turns leading the way across the Wapta Icefield on day two.

Kate descending towards the Louise and Richard Guy Hut in near white-out conditions.

Arriving at the brand new Louise and Richard Guy Hut, we discovered we had the entire place to ourselves for the night.

Louise and Richard Guy Hut to Stanley Mitchell Hut

The spectacular 30m toe of the Des Poilus Glacier was the highlight of our third day.

After exiting the Des Poilus Glacier, James wrapped up the rope so we could travel independently.

Kate climbing above Twin Falls on our last approach to the Stanley Mitchell Hut

As we arrived at the Stanley Mitchell Hut, it started snowing heavily. The weather made our decision easy, we'd escape along the Takakkaw Falls Road rather than iceline trail. — As we arrived at the Stanley Mitchell Hut, it started snowing heavily. The weather made our decision easy, we’d escape along the Takakkaw Falls Road rather than iceline trail.

Stanley Mitchell Hut to Field, BC, via the Takakkaw Falls Road

The Stanley Mitchell Hut was busy, but it was a wonderful place to spend an evening.

In the morning, we had broken weather and resigned to the long slog out the Takakkaw Road.

The Takakkaw Road was long but beautiful on the ski out.

One last view before we arrived to Field, British Columbia.

Little Yoho Traverse Packing list

I was pretty jealous that James managed to carry everything in a 45L pack, but I opted for a 60L Gregory Triconi backpack. Here’s a look at what I carried with me.

Ski Gear:

Skis, poles, boots, skins, ski crampons, skin wax, ice axe, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, mountaineering helmet, harness, crevasse rescue equipment, googles, sunglasses

Clothing:

Other clothing:
Midlayer merino wool sweater | Baselayers X 2 | Ski Socks X 2 | Underwear X 2 | Hut Booties

Camera Kit:

Sony a7rii mirrorless camera |16-35mm f/4 Ziess lens | 70-200mm f/4 G lens | 8 batteries | 4 32 gb memory cards

Miscellaneous Gear:

Comments

Alan says
April 30, 2018 at 10:19 pm
Just finished the same trip Jeff over 5 days. You managed to carry all that gear in a 45 litre pack? How much was slung on the outside?
Jeff B. says
May 30, 2018 at 4:12 pm
Hey Mate! Sorry for the late reply! Stoked you completed the trip. I had nothing but my harness and crevasse kit outside the 45L bag. Travel light, travel smooth!