Snow Peak - September 4, 2011

Snow Peak

Kananaskis, Alberta
September 4, 2011

Burstall Pass has a tendency to captivate, empower  and leave visitors in awe.  It's a place that is great for reflection and perspective. As such it has quickly become one of my power zones, whether it be on banks of the Burstall Ponds, the precipices of Commonweath Peak, the slopes of Snow Peak or anywhere between.  But Snow Peak has a very strategic location amongst it all that provides in my mind some of the most stunning and authentic views in the Kananaskis region.  And it is this reason  that I find myself constantly drawn back to this area in all seasons. 

This was my first visit to Snow Peak after a scary winter ascent in the spring of 2011 where we triggered a class 2 avalanche shortly after leaving the summit. However, on this nearly perfect late summer day, avalanches were one of the furthest things from our mind. I was leading a group of friends and co-workers numbering 12 and had enlisted the help of a dear friend Jenn to help co-lead.  Our main goal was to hike to The Pass and have an alpine picnic, those that wished to continue to Snow Peak would break from the group and continue while those that wished to remain below on The Pass would stay.

Robertson Glacier

The first half of the hike to Burstall Pass is often congested and anti-climatic.  The trail pretty much parallels Burstall Creek and the Burstall Ponds (melt water from the Robertson Glacier as well as melt/run off from the surrounding peaks).  The first 4km of the trail is within trees and views are extremely limited, however, if you know where to take slight detours off the trail down to the Ponds, there are some very strategic scenic vista's.  If you are short on time, don't worry about the side trips, continue down the trail and after about 4km the path opens up to a wide gravel flat alluvial plain.  This is the first time you will get a good view of the surrounding peaks, mainly Mt. Birdwood, Pig's Tail and Commonwealth Peak to the North and Mt. Robertson and Whistling Rock Peak to the south. If weather is good, you will also get a good view of the Robertson Glacier. 

Almost full group photo

The gravel out wash plain provides a slight obstacle course of braided streams that change slightly every year.  Most of these can be jumped over but many people prefer bringing an extra pair of shoes or sandals for this area as normally the water is no more than knee deep.  I must admit that glacial melt water is very refreshing on the feet on the way back from The Pass.  While negotiating the gravel flats, just keep an eye out for the signs of the hiking trail.  Directly after the gravel flats you enter the trees again and begin the first real elevation gain.  It is at this point that I would recommend taking a rest and taking in the scenery.  Looking down the valley will also provide you views of Mt. Chester, The Fortress and Gusty Peak across the highway now far behind you.  This is the last time you will see this view until you are pretty much at the top of The Pass.



The next section of the trail takes you up about 160m in elevation over a distance of 1km before spitting you out into an elevated valley.  At this point Snow Peak dominates the view directly in front of you while you walk along the base of the impressive Mt. Birdwood.  A lot of people like to stop in this area for a rest and refreshment.  Our group did and a couple of us climbed some of the small slabs on the south side.  From here the trail, still quite obvious, bends and runs parallel Snow Peak before it starts the final 300m climb through trees to The Pass.  As this climb progresses the trees become more sparse and the views behind you start to open, its tempting to take photos here, but press on, you are closer than you think.  On the upper slopes, Mt. Sir Douglas comes into view, this rocky steep sloped monolith now dominates the southern landscape.  

 

View from Burstall Pass

By the time you reach Burstall Pass you'll probably be a little fatigued, but the view will be worth it.  Its high, clear of trees, quite popular and there is low risk of bears.  Mountains that you will see from The Pass are plenty such as: Mt. Birdwood, Mt. Assiniboine, Lunette Peak, Mt. Sir Douglas, Mt. Laval, Snow Peak, Commonwealth Peak, Mt, Chester and Mt. Vavasour.  This destination is a gem unto itself, however for those that wish to continue to the summit of Snow Peak need to just follow the ridge and climb up the broad scree-slope for another 450m. It was here that our team broke into two.  Arming each squad with a two-way radio a 10-person summit team decided to continue while a 2-person Pass Base Camp stayed back, relaxing in the warm weather and majestic scenery. 

 

Upon starting up the mountain you will leave the crowds behind and likely find yourself alone with your group on the slopes with the people on The Pass slowly shrinking to dots.The only two technicalities that you will encounter in the summer is a small cliff band below the summit and the potential of a large cornice.  The cliff band is not a problem, the cornice should be avoided at all times as a fall would unquestionably be fatal.  Winter ascents should always test avalanche conditions prior to starting an ascent.  As you ascend the views only get better as more peaks come into view.  Upon passing the cliff band(s) you reach a short ridge that leads to the summit where hundreds of other peaks come into view, the main mountains that now dominate are: Mt. Sir Douglas, Whistling Rock Peak, Mt. Assiniboine, Mt, Birdwood, Mt. Smuts, Mt. Murray, Mt. Warre, Mt. Chester, Mt. Laval, White Man Mountain and Mt. Leman.

Summit Shot

With no threats of inclement weather, our summit visit was extensive as we summitted in three waves (teams of 4,4,2).  One summit team tackled the cliff bands straight on, the second veered to the left and found a weakness directly beside the  steep cliffs (not recommended), myself and a co-worker were the third wave and stayed near the right and climbed the cliffs at their shortest point.  Due to health concerns we were also at least 20 minutes behind the 2nd summitting group. 
The route down is pretty much follows the same trail as you come up, however the scree mainly allows you a quick descent.  Just ensure that you are below the cliff bands if you wish to go off trail.  After reconvening with our two team members we followed the same trail in as we did out passing hikers that were still heading up to The Pass exchanging friendly hello's and encouraging them that they were almost there. 

 

Descending the summit looking towards Mt. Sir Douglas

 

Round trip is about 18km and 900m elevation gain, but a view that you will likely remember for a very long time.  While crossing back over the gravel flats our group was given an awesome moonrise behind Mt. Robertson, but the presents didn't stop there. On the way en route to Canmore for a bite to eat our group was treated to the sight of a mother Coyote and her 3 pups playing on the side of the road as well as a deer.

 



Moonrise over Mt. Robertson



Coyote mother watching over her pups

I'm still debating if the views are better in the summer or the winter...all I know is both are fabulous and this definitely won' be my last summit of this mountain.

 

Profile of GPS for Snow Peak.  GPS batteries ran out before completing descent.