Featured Runs

This is a classic ski touring objective that can be skied in most conditions and offers outstanding views in all directions. The normal line skis up Home Run, traverses the Kemmel Glacier, and then ascends the south east ridge to the summit. Although skis can be worn to the summit, the final traverse of the summit ridge has more of a ski mountaineering feel to it, as you want to stay well back from the cornice on the right hand side.

After you have finished taking in the views of the Columbia Icefield to the north, the Selkirk Mountains to the west, and Mt Forbes to the south you are treated to 1200m (4000 feet) of skiing back down to the lodge. Descent options vary from the relatively safe line that you ski toured up, to the more committing couloirs on the East face. Some of these lines are up to 45 degrees and offer over 600m vertical before reaching the Kemmel Glacier.

The north east facing glacier on La Clytte was made for skiing; long consistent fall line slopes, sheltered snow, and enough room to spend a couple of days. The ski summit offers superb views, while the true summit (50m higher) requires rope and crampons to ascend.

The approach from Icefall lodge follows the summer trail for a couple hundred meters through the forest before breaking out into the open. A broad treeline ridge is followed to Keffi Pass at 2350m (7800 feet). From here there is a 200m run down the east slopes, before climbing up to the icefall at the toe of the La Clytte Glacier. The La Clytte Glacier starts flat getting steeper as you approach the summit. Some of the steeper shoulders on La Clytte offer pitches up to 45 degrees.

Returning to the lodge is by the same route or several options including a skin up to Espresso Ridge and a steep ski straight down to the lodge. In good stability the Groove Tube, a broad chute up to 45 degrees, offers the most direct decent off the south west side of the summit ridge.

This is a long loop tour that takes you under the dramatic East Face of Rostrum Peak and all the way down to Icefall Brook. From the high point of Porcupine Saddle, it is a 1600m (5,000 ft) ski to the valley bottom. This tour takes you through some of the most impressive glacier landscape that you will see anywhere in the world. The glacier features at Porcupine Saddle change from year to year but are always unforgettable. The variety is huge with everything from tree skiing, to glaciers and unforgettable rock features. There is almost 2200m of skiing (and skinning) on this day.

This is a big day by most standards but it is made possible by starting from the Lyell Hut and finishing at Icefall Lodge. This gives a bonus of 1000m as you start the day much higher than you finish. The Wild West drops 2323 vertical m (7,620 ft) from the summit of Ernest to Lyell Creek. This ski runs descends through complex glaciers and Icefalls into a deep cirque. It is one of the most spectacular ski runs you can do anywhere in the world. There are 2 other ski runs that descend into this same cirque; The Deep End and War and Peace. These also have the elevation bonus. While these runs can only be attempted in good weather and good stability, if possible they will be the highlight of your ski week.

The Mons Hut is often used as a base for Mt Forbes. At 3612m it is the highest peak in Banff National Park and the 6th highest in the Canadian Rockies. While the north face has been skied, it is a bit on the extreme side most winters. The North Glacier is a beautiful ski right from the base of the face. It is also popular as a summer mountaineering objective. Either way it is a big day.