Cheops North Five

Plan A was to ski to the summit of Video Peak, descend off the north side, and then to climb back up to Bruins Pass and return via 8812. But by the time we were half-way up the valley the sun was intense. The fresh snow that had fallen overnight was quickly turning to gloop on any aspect facing the sun. And we'd be on a south facing slope for hours. So Plan B was to head up to Balu Pass and try to get into one of the north facing gullies on Cheops that would hopefully still be holding snow.


Plan B: Cheops North


Balu Pass


On Cheops with our track down in the valley


It was a stunning day.

Ross Peak, Bonney, and Green


Cougar Valley


Cougar


Lunch!


The upper entrance to Cheops 5 looked a little sketchy so we opted for the lower one.





We then worked our way to skier's left into one of the lower gullies. A feature that we look at longingly every time we come this way but only dare to ski under these ideal conditions.







And that was it! Our last ski of the season. A great way to end what started way back in October. Time for a new challenge now in the form of a little sailboat that has been begging for our attention.

Bruins North Bowl and 8812

Late spring and it just keeps snowing. Neal joined us for a trip up the Connaught. We couldn't help taking a photo of the hotel. Will it be gone by this time next year?



We headed up onto Bruins Ridge. It felt mid-winter at times. Blowing like mad, swirling snow, and cold!



We reached Bruins Pass and had a look around.





The north side looked great so we ripped this skins and had a really nice ski.



Followed by snacks.





And the climb back up to the pass.



And the return descent down 8812 bowl.



The ski out down valley bottom is a delight this time of year. No fighting to maintain a high line or thrashing through alder. Just point 'em down and go.



But the end is near! I think we'll give up before the ski season this year.



All the photos are here: https://goo.gl/photos/p5w8wk1Do4mM6qVt6

Lily Glacier

We skied up onto the Lily Glacier under bright skies. This tour must have one of the best view-to-effort ratios in Rogers Pass.

Bonney Glacier


Moraine below Bonney Glacier


Bonney Glacier


Once above the icefall we thought about heading over to the Dome-Rampart Col. But the weather was so nice we decided to continue over the high point on the glacier and on towards the north south ridge of Swanzy. Just for kicks. The weather would hold.

West side of The Dome and Castor


Donkin


Glacier below S ridge of Swanzy


No. It wouldn't.



So we skied down the icefall in an absolute white out.

Then it did this.



Oh well.