A long day trip that traverses several glaciers overlooking the Columbia Icefields.
This traverse starts at the big bend just south of the Icefields Centre along the Icefields Parkway. The drive from Jasper townsite is just over an hour. From the parking lot a short section of trail goes up through the woods gaining open slopes in ‘Hidden Valley’. From here we will contour onto the first glacier going up and over 2 high passes before descending to Castleguard Meadows and skiing out the Saskatchewan Glacier back to the big bend parking area. This trip can take 8-11 hours depending on snow conditions.

Cost

See Pricing & Booking.

What to bring

Ski Touring Equipment List

Rental equipment is available at Gravity Gear in Jasper.

CLOTHING: Be prepared for cold and windy conditions. The following list is a minimum amount of clothing.

• long underwear (top and bottom)
• insulation layer (e.g. fleece/wool shirt)
• wind layer or fleece jacket
• goretex pants and jacket
• gloves and/or mitts
• toque

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT:

• touring/telemark skis, boots and bindings
• Snowboarders; a split board works well, but snow shoes are not permitted, as they are not practical in the terrain we will be using.
• ski poles (collapsable poles are best for snowboarders)
• climbing skins that fit your skis or splitboard
• *avalanche beacon / shovel / probe

THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO FORGET!:

• water (1 litre minimum)
• lunch (plan for several shorter breaks)
• sunscreen
• sunglasses and ski goggles
• blister kit (“Compeed” brand of blister bandage works really well)

HANDY ITEMS: (optional)

• camera
• down jacket
• thermos