For backcountry splitboarders and skiers looking for a true adventure, the Wapta is an experience not to be missed! This classic Canadian Rockies tour offers stunning scenery, thrilling descents, options to incorporate backcountry alpine huts, and challenging terrain that will test even the most seasoned riders.
The Wapta Traverse is a North/South trending ski tour located on the Wapta Icefield. The term “Wapta Icefields” is typically used to describe an area of several hundred square kilometers that includes both the Wapta and Waputik Icefields.
Wapta means “running water” in Cree and refers to the second tallest waterfall in western Canada, Takakkaw Falls, which drains the Daly Glacier at the southern end of the Waputik Icefield.
There are many route options and combinations for doing the Wapta Traverse. The most common is a 4 or 5 day backcountry hut trip traveling North to South. Running loosely from Peyto Lake in the North, to Sherbrooke Lake in the South, this route combination is 47 kms with 1860m elevation gain and 2130m elevation loss.
The Wapta straddles the continental divide on the border of British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. This hydrographic landmark is also the divide between Banff National Park to the East and Yoho National Park to the West. This area has seen adventurers with low tech ski touring setups exploring here as early as the winter of 1932.
Besides having the endurance, friends and gear to complete the Wapta Traverse ski tour, at bare minimum backcountry splitboarders and skiers should have the 3 following skill sets:
1. The ability to ski or snowboard in steep and at times complex backcountry terrain.
2. Have a strong knowledge and experience in glacier travel and crevasse rescue situations.
3. Have the ability to navigate complex avalanche terrain.
If you do not have these 3 basic skill sets, the Wapta Traverse is not the objective for you...yet.
If you need support developing these skill sets, there are many resources, courses, communities, and guides that can help you to develop the skills needed to be successful for this type of complex objective.
This expansive zone of low angle terrain links many snowfields and glaciers with many peaks! For those interested there are many mountaineering opportunities available while completing the traverse.
Summit objectives while on the Wapta include noteworthy peaks such as Mt Olive, Gordon, Rhonda, St Nicholas Peak, Mount Daly and many more. The highest objective and often considered the crown gem of the traverse is Mt Balfour with its summit at 10,735 ft (3,272m).
Some of these peaks have very straightforward approaches and descents with no more skill required than basic glacier travel and crevasse rescue. However some of these routes require much more advanced skills including narrow ridge traverses with significant exposure, the ability to climb snow and ice, set up anchors, belay and rappels as needed for the given situation.
The most classic route on Mt Balfour involves some route finding, down climbing, bootpacking, and requires an ice axe for the final part of the ascent.
Risks include avalanches, crevasses, terrain, extreme temperatures, white outs, route finding and getting lost, injuries, limited information and communication access once out there.
There are many risks on the Wapta, and these are just a few to help you get your mind tuned into the considerations needed for this type of undertaking.
Objectively you have avalanches, crevasses, and of course complex mountainous terrain with cliffs, ice seracs, rock fall, cornices, terrain traps and all sorts of hazards.
One of the biggest risks on the Wapta is simply the remoteness of where you are. This could be a factor that is highly underestimated, especially if you are coming from Europe or somewhere else where you are perhaps not used to the exposure of being in a very remote space.
A simple twisted knee, or concussion, can quickly turn into a serious situation! Always be prepared to handle situations like these by having the necessary gear, and first aid training, but by also creating space within the group to have the necessary safety conversations before you leave.
Obviously not all situations are preventable, but by simply discussing the reality of injuries in the backcountry amongst your group, can be a helpful reminder for everyone to do their part to work together to keep everyone safe. Injury prevention is always the best solution.
Weather will also always be one of your biggest risks on the Wapta. It can change quickly and because you may not have access to weather updates, the longer you are out there, the more things can change without your knowledge of what could be about to hit.
Extreme weather is not unheard of on the Wapta. Temperatures can easily get to -40 Celsius or colder and leave people stranded with limited options. White outs and violent storms are also a common occurrence on these icefields. Making hazards like crevasses, avalanches, cliffs and route finding even more complex and dangerous.
Consider what it could be like trying to find one of the Alpine Club huts that you're supposed to be staying at, while in a complete white out. Take steps ahead of time to mitigate these types of risks. The solutions are a lot easier to plan for when you have access to resources and internet, than they are when you’re in the middle of a complex situation.
You need the basic backcountry touring setup with your splitboard or skis, skins, poles, backpack, beacon, probe, shovel, and first aid kit. But then you need the more specific gear for this trip.
As this traverses across glacial terrain, you will need your full glacier kit which could include something as simple as a Petzl Rad line setup or something more traditional like a glacier rope, prusiks and prusik minded pulleys along with anchor building supplies like ice screws and snow pickets and of course a harness.
Whatever your gear setup, make sure you and everyone in your group know how to use it! You will also need an ice axe or at minimum a whippet pole attachment to self arrest in case of a fall on your rope team.
If you're planning to ascend specific summits you will need gear based on the chosen objective or objectives. This may include things like full vertical ice climbing gear, ascent plates, crampons, ski crampons, and rappelling gear. Know what you need based on your specific objectives.
It's a good idea to have some sort of satellite tracking device whether that be a spot or Garmin inReach device which have capabilities to reach emergency search and rescue teams. Some cell phones now come equipped with satellite technology and available membership plans for utilizing satellite communication in the backcountry.
Two way radios are another underrated communication device and definitely worth consideration for a remote backcountry trip like this. If staying at a Alpine Club of Canada hut, your fuel should be provided.
But let's say you get lost, injured or maybe something malfunctions in a hut. It can be a good idea to bring a small stove, pot and some fuel in the case of an emergency amongst the group.
Chances are probably low, but it's good to have the added insurance and peace of mind. If you want to see full video on how to pack for a multi day splitboarding trip check out the link below for another video where we will do a deeper dive into clothing and exactly what I bring for a multi day backcountry trip.
When planning for Wapta Traverse, make sure to think through your rope team(s). Always thinking about safety when assigning and or choosing team members.
Car drops are a special consideration on the Wapta. Depending on group size and vehicle capacity, you will need a minimum of two vehicles.
Now if you were to do the north to south version of the trip, you would leave a minimum of one vehicle at the Sherbrooke Lake parking lot off of the Trans Canada highway just west of the BC/Alberta border (note that some winters Parks does not plow this parking lot.
Alternative plans will need to be considered and checking ahead with Parks Canada could be a good thing to sort out before leaving).
Then drive all team members north via the Icefields Parkway and park north of the Bow Summit parking lot about 2 kms on the side of the road. There is no formal parking lot, so make sure to pull off to the side as far as you can.
At the time of the writing of this, there are no rules against parking on the side of the road, except that you must have a valid Parks Canada Pass for the duration of the trip. This goes for all vehicles including those left at Sherbrooke Lake parking lot.
These may be purchased at the Banff Gate or at the south end of the Icefield Parkway Highway 93N. However, check ahead to make sure they will be open, especially if you are planning to do an early start! In which case you may want to purchase ahead through pc.gc.ca.
A simple but easily overlooked consideration is fuel. Be sure to fuel up at Lake Louise when coming from the east or Field when traveling from the west before dropping vehicles. You don't know what road or driving conditions will be like when you finish, and things can get wild in this part of the world so plan for the worst and be prepared for the potential to be stuck in the parking lot, on the road, or worse yet in a ditch.
If you are planning to use Alpine Club hut accommodations, there are many options and combinations of huts that you can choose.
A common combination would be the 5 day, 4 night option, staying at Peyto, Bow, Balfour, and Scott Duncan Huts. Peyto and Bow huts are fairly close to each other and therefore some people choose to skip the Bow hut altogether and make it a 4 day, 3 night trip.
Others choose to do it in 2 days, often staying at the Balfour hut for 1 night. Single day pushes of the Wapta are very common place these days. These types of epic days must be undertaken with careful consideration and planning.
Often these pushes are done by starting in the very early hours of the day (middle of the night alpine start) and completed often in the dark the following night. This type of expedition is often done, not as a first time trip, but after having done the Wapta at least once before.
A very careful line consideration, gear, safety, etc must be considered when planning a single day mission of the Wapta and pre training must be taken seriously. If you prefer a more rugged accommodation experience you can snow camp on the Wapta Icefields, but will be required to secure your camping permit from Yoho National Park or Banff National Park.
You will also be required to obtain your backcountry permit which is separate, but can be obtained simultaneously if you plan on spending a night in the backcountry versus the conventional campsites.
In these scenarios you can use a 4 season tent, or even build a quinzee or snow shelter that you can sleep in. Be sure to understand and practice how to build these kinds of shelters prior to leaving so that you know how to build them to be safe and effective.
You will need food for all days of your trip and it can be a good idea to have a little something extra in your pack or even in someone's pack for a multi day trip like the Wapta. Unforeseen things can occur to change the length of the trip such as an injury or weather and the last thing you want is to run out of food.
Plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it's nice to bring something as a snack or a treat for each day. Some of my favorite snacks are popcorn that I pop in a pot with coconut oil, cookies, and the always famous chocolate.
Something else I almost always bring is a package of instant mash potatoes. They are very light weight and you can just add hot water to rehydrate. If you're looking for ways to add calories, bring butter, coconut oil or even coconut milk powder or regular milk powder, which incidentally pairs really well with instant oats for breakfast. Also a nice treat!
As a last recommendation, I recommend having some creature comforts at the dropped vehicle.
A change of footwear and clothes can be nice, but beyond that I would recommend some beverages and snacks that can be eaten after being frozen for days. Maybe a few lawn chairs if you have a large group and some people have to stay back, while the others go get the vehicle or vehicles from the other end.
A really nice touch is a portable fire pit and a propane tank. Maybe even bring marshmallows or hot dogs and have a roast!
I hope this information helps break down some of the considerations when planning to splitboard or ski the Wapta Traverse! If you’re not currently in a space where the Wapta is an attainable objective, but would like to take on this type of mission, find community, courses, and ways to build up your experiences to a point where this is an adventure that you can take on!
Perhaps hiring a guide is one of the easier ways to take on these types of adventures when you’re starting out. Choose a great group of skilled friends and get out there, prepare, plan, and execute!
Whatever your capacity, I hope that this helps with some of the planning and considerations to be aware of if you are planning to take on this epic adventure that we know as the Wapta Traverse!
Safe travels!
Splitboard HQ Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
]]>We find that most backcountry skiers and splitboarders gravitate to certain regions, whether it be due to proximity, terrain preference, crowds, familiarity or comfort level, it is an often overheard conversation of people verbally jousting over where to splitboard near Calgary.
With all that in mind we have made an attempt below to break the regions down, highlight the characteristics, when to go, where to find more information and share some of the more commonly visited areas. You will have to research, explore and go on adventures to find your own epic zones. That is one of the most enjoyable parts of being in the backcountry (IMHO).
This large zone is one of the closest to Calgary. The bulk of the riding can be found on the west and east side of the Smith Dorrien Highway spanning from Spray Lakes in the north to Pocaterra Junction to the south.
This area is popular with day hikers and snowshoers. This is a great place for new backcountry users as the transition from non avalanche terrain to avalanche terrain typically happens very gradually.
This area is anything accessed from Sunshine Ski Resort, Healy Creek, Mt Bourgeau or Redearth Creek Trailheads (on the Trans Canada).
If you have a season pass at Sunshine there are a bunch of options for day tours right off the top of the resort. The Redearth and Bourgeau drainages offer some long walk-ins to classic steep and wind scoured rockies riding. There are some gems if you don’t mind walking a long way and going on a bit of an adventure
This region includes the backcountry accessed from Lake Louise Ski resort and terrain accessed from the Chateau Lake Louise parking lot (across the valley from the resort).
Mt Fairview, Surprise Pass and that area are always favorites. There are also plenty of little nooks and crannies to explore in this region.
Highway 93 south has been growing ever more popular over the past few years. For splitboarders this region holds the appeal of a lot of vertical relief right from the highway. So, in short, if you are a splitboarder who doesn’t like skiing for long periods of time, there are lots of zones that climb right out of the parking lot.
This area includes Castle Mountain Junction to as far south as Vermillion Crossing.
Splitboarding on Highway 93 North is certainly one of the better zones to find snow in the Rockies. Located north of Lake Louise, this region (93N/Hwy 1 Junction to Saskatchewan River Crossing) sees more snow than the other touring areas around Calgary. It is also the main access point to the ultra impressive Wapta Icefields, a spectacular environment with endless multi-day adventure options.
Access to the alpine is quick and easy in many zones, this is one of the greatest appeals of 93 North. There are also plenty of shorter gladed runs for when visibility or avalanche hazard is not cooperating.
This region extends from West Louise Lodge on the Trans Canada to Field, BC. All the areas stretching north and south from that stretch of Highway are what this zone is referencing.
Splitboarding in Yoho and Kicking Horse Pass is diverse and wide ranging. From big alpine style days in areas like Mt Field, to the tree riding of Narao glades, from the bowls, chutes and varied terrain of Sherbrooke Lake to the ever popular Emerald Lake Avalanche Path, this region is as large as it is varied and holds a lifetime of backcountry adventures.
There are also multiple access points to the icefields from this region and some incredible traverses and circuits to explore.
In a nutshell, in response to the question of ‘Where to Splitboard near Calgary’, the options are limitless. So much depends on your experience, time available and preferred style of riding. We have access to everything from short gladed runs to multi day icefield based missions, steep couloirs to low angle powderfields.
All it takes is the motivation, time to learn how to do it safely and you can have a lifetime of adventures within a 2 hour drive from a major Canadian City.
If you are keen for splitboard instruction, avalanche safety, and/ or guided trips, be sure to check out our Splitboard HQ Courses.
See you on the mountain!
Splitboard HQ Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
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Splitboarding in Yoho and Kicking Horse Pass is diverse and wide ranging. From big alpine style days in areas like Mt Field, to the tree riding of Narao glades, from the bowls, chutes and varied terrain of Sherbrooke Lake to the ever popular Emerald Lake Avalanche Path, this region is as large as it is varied and holds a lifetime of backcountry adventures.
There are also multiple access points to the icefields from this region and some incredible traverses and circuits to explore.
The Yoho / Kicking Horse Pass Ski Touring Regions receive a good amount of snowfall for the rockies. Typically not as much as 93 North, though as you get deeper into the mountains to the north this statement becomes less true.
Similar to 93 North, you have the benefit of light and dry snow, with a good amount of volume. One thing to note however is the trailheads in this area tend to be much lower than 93 north so it tends to be a lot thinner at trailheads than 93 North.
This is highly dependent on the day of the week and where you go ski touring and splitboarding in Yoho / Kicking Horse. Locations like Emerald Lake Slide Path, Sherbrooke Lake and Narao Glades tend to see a fair amount of traffic. This zone is so big though that with some research and a sense of adventure you can almost always get away from the masses.
90 mins - 120 mins
An amazing alpine adventure. Best kept for mid to late season to prevent low elevation bushwhacking
A immensely popular, easily accessible powder riding zone
Fun tree skiing located near the Lake Ohara Trailhead
A wildly varied zone with lots of different riding options
Splitboard HQ Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
]]>For splitboarders this region holds the appeal of a lot of vertical relief right from the highway. So, in short, if you are a splitboarder who doesn’t like skiing for long periods of time, there are lots of zones that climb right out of the parking lot. In saying that, there are lots of long sloggy adventures to be had too.
For this article we are referring to the ski touring zone from Castle Mountain Junction to as far south as Vermillion Crossing. There is a bunch of riding to be done further south than that, however, I have done little exploring down there and it is very subject to snow conditions as they tend to be much thinner.
Lower elevations near the road the snow tends to be on the thinner side compared to places like 93 North. This zone in general tends to have a later start due to massive amounts of fire related deadfall (needs a bunch of snow to fill it in to make travel pleasant). In saying that, if you are accessing ski touring and splitboarding zones that have an established summer trail, this horrendous bushwhacking can be avoided.
As I mentioned earlier, Highway 93 South has seen quite the boom in popularity. It’s proximity to Calgary and easy access to some great terrain and snow make it an appealing day out touring for backcountry skiers and riders. That being said, midweek is pretty chill and if you travel a little ways away from the main zones you can usually find unridden snow well after a storm.
75 mins - 105 mins
Great beginner friendly ski touring zone with little exposure to avalanche terrain.
Popular zone for accessing the alpine. Harder to access safely each year with deadfall growing in.
Easy access on summer trail and lots of different riding options.
Splitboard HQ Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
]]>Highway 93 North is not just home to big icefield trip options -- there’s everything from gladed riding, easy access to the alpine, mellow beginner options, valley bottom tours, couloirs and circuits. Options abound in this mountainous and easily accessible ski touring zone.
Access to the alpine is quick and easy in many zones and this is one of the greatest appeals of Highway 93 North. There are, however, plenty of shorter gladed runs for when visibility or avalanche hazard is not cooperating.
Highway 93 North tends to receive more snow than other regions listed. The region's proximity to the continental divide and being on the leeward side of the Wapta Icefields means it sees its fair share of big snow days and a steady trickle of snowfall throughout a normal season.
The balance of light and dry snow, along with a good volume makes this area super popular with those seeking amazing powder snow and insane views.
As resorts get more popular and expensive, the backcountry is seeing much more traffic. Weekends on 93 North are very busy and often to get splitboard riding to yourself you will have to travel a fair way by foot.
Weekdays are still super mellow as far as crowds go. In saying that, as you learn the area it is possible to find quiet areas on busier days and, it typically snows enough in the region to consistently fill in the weekend ski and splitboard touring tracks.
90 mins - 120 mins
Popular early season and beginner zone. Still possible to get into serious avalanche terrain though
An amazing peak that requires glacier travel skills. Splitboard friendly as it is largely up from the parking lot, minimal low angle travel.
Popular tree skiing/riding that receives a lot of snow.
A fun and incredibly beautiful skit and splitboard traverse from Helen Lake trailhead to Mosquito Creek.
Splitboard HQ Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
I personally have very little experience splitboarding directly off the Lake Louise resort. The little I have done has largely been characterized by alpine riding in a variable depth snowpack. I cannot include too much more detail than that. There is, however, plenty of information to be found online in regards to the Lake Louise.
On the other hand, I have spent a lot of time touring and splitboarding out of the Chateau Lake Louise zone. This area is the home of many big mountain splitboard mountaineering objectives that are best left to the very experienced and highly motivated split or ski touring crew. There are a bunch of classics for us mere mortals too though.
Mt Fairview, Surprise Pass and that area are always favorites. There are also plenty of little nooks and crannies to explore when ski touring Lake Louise.
Still very much a thin rockies snowpack but as you get closer to the divide snow volumes tend to increase a bit. The valley bottom is usually pretty thin all winter, though snow depth increases quickly here with gains in elevation, especially in more protected zones.
Lower traffic than you would expect (in my experience), again, I have spent very little time in the resort backcountry so cannot comment with any authority on that. The Chateau lake Louise zone sees a bunch of traffic on Surprise Pass and other popular zones, but it is usually pretty easy to get away from the crowds.
90 mins - 105 mins
Best for being well known and great terrain. Often skied out.
Best for a relatively easy summit in stable avy conditions and clear weather
Best for accessing from Lake Louise Ski Area
Splitboard HQ Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@splitboardhq.comCalgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
Affectionately known as K-Country to locals, this large zone is one of Calgary's closest backcountry ski touring spots. The bulk of the riding can be found on the west and east side of the Smith Dorrien Highway spanning from Spray Lakes in the north to Pocaterra Junction to the south.
This area is particularly popular with day hikers and snowshoers, so places like Chester Lake, Burstall Pass and other areas with marked trails see a lot of traffic. These areas are fantastic for new backcountry ski touring and splitboarding users as the transition from non avalanche terrain to avalanche terrain happens very gradually.
Expect a thin rockies snowpack with early season travel at lower elevation often being very challenging. The west side of the Smith-Dorrien highway typically sees more snow than the east side, though there are a few pockets that go against that trend.
When big upslope storms roll into this area, Kananaskis Country often sees considerably more snow than areas further west. This being said, the snow pack is generally thinner overall than zones further west.
Weekends are busy, not just with splitboarders and ski tourers but all manner of mountain enthusiasts and recreationalists. If you can time your days to be midweek, you will likely have all but the most popular zones to yourself. On weekends you will most likely be sharing your ski touring and splitboarding zones unless you are willing to walk a long way, or have some well-hidden secret spots up your sleeves.
75 mins - 105 mins
Best for mellow touring and easy introduction to the backcountry
Best for tree riding after a big storm
Steep short chute riding, need good stability
Splitboard HQ Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@splitboardhq.comCalgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@splitboardhq.com
For the purposes of this description the Sunshine Backcountry is anything accessed from Sunshine Ski Resort, Healy Creek, Mt Bourgeau or Redearth Creek Trailheads (on the Trans Canada Highway).
If you have a season pass at Sunshine there are a bunch of options for day ski tours right off the top of the resort. Most of the descents are short and in the Alpine, you can however drop down towards Healy Creek on some fairly steep terrain on those lower visibility days
The Redearth and Bourgeau drainages offer some long ski touring walk-ins to classic steep and wind scoured rockies riding. There are however some gems if you don’t mind walking a long way and going on a bit of an adventure
Sunshine is in a unique spot, it receives a lot more snow than many of the surrounding areas. It still has very much a thin continental snowpack, but has a pretty high annual snowfall for the region. That being said, if you are accessing the more northern ski touring zones (accessed from Highway 1), these tend to be thinner. This is largely due to lower elevation trailheads, though even as you get higher wind seems to have a pretty huge effect on the snowpack.
If you exclude Wawa ridge and the terrain accessed very immediately from Sunshine this area sees little in the way of crowds. The Trans Canada and Healy Creek trails will have loads of traffic, however, this will largely be snowshoers, winter hikers and cross country skiers.
60 mins - 75 mins
Best for mellow touring and low angle turns
Best for quick access alpine turns from Sunshine Village Ski Resort
Best for steep treeline avalanche chute riding
Bow Valley Banff to Castle Junction Guide Book
Splitboard HQ Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@splitboardhq.comCalgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@splitboardhq.com