Cross-country Ski - Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

Saturday March 16:  arrive afternoon/evening in Canmore lodging (Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge)

Sunday March 17:  arrive 9:30-10am at Mt Shark parking lot for 10:15am check in at helipad.  Approx 1-1-1/2 hrs S of Canmore.

Driving directions from Canmore to Mt Shark Helipad (22.6 miles, 1 - 1-1/2 hrs):  Follow signs to Canmore Nordic Center  and stay on Spray Lakes Road, which becomes Smith-Dorrien Spray Trail (#742 south).  Follow this well-maintained gravel road for about 22.6 miles along Spray Lakes until you reach Mt Shark turn off.  Turn right onto Mt Shark Road, then drive past Mount Engadine Lodge and over the bridge.  Continue 1.5 miles on winding road and turn left, following sign to Mt Shark Heliport.  The helipad is a short walking distance (200m) from the parking lot.  Do not drive to the helipad. 

Updated 2/18/2019: Trip canceled - insufficient qualified participants.  Trip will be rescheduled to March 2020.

Mt Assiniboine in winter:  https://10hikes.com/winter-assiniboine/

For experienced backcountry cross-country skiers, with light to mid-weight metal edge nordic skis and avy gear.  Open to co-/Asst-Leader qualified to lead N3 and higher level backcountry skiing. 

 Enjoy several easy to moderate backcountry routes, day tours and option for short evening tours, originating from park core area near Mt Assiniboine Lodge and Magog Lake.   Leisurely to moderate pace, with occasional stops for photo opportunities.  Optional evening skiing  and night sky photography/viewing.

Group size minimum 3; maximum 8.  Recommend you reserve your spot by 2/15, as hut/heli/motel space limited.   Trip open to Mountaineers and Chemeketans. 

Trip costs:  includes shared motel room in Canmore AB (Sat 3/16), 5 nights  (Sun-Thur) in Naiset huts.  Participants are responsible for reserving/payment for RT heli flight between Mt. Shark heli pad (50-90 minute drive south of Canmore) and Mt. Assiniboine Lodge heli pad, which includes cargo transport (40 lb + skis).   Cost of presto logs for hut will be shared by group.  Non-members who belong to outdoor clubs with reciprocal rate agreements with the Mountaineers may participate at member rates.

Wonder Lodge cooking/dining shelter:  https://assiniboinelodge.com/what-wonder-lodge-cooking-shelter

Cancellations (notify leader at least 3 days prior to deadlines below):  Hut cost $100 not refundable.  Motel and other costs:  incurred costs non refundable less than 5  days.    Cancellation fees will be adjusted for significant currency rate changes, or waived if replacement for your space.

We’ll shuttle our gear about 1/3 mile between Mt Assiniboine heli pad and our huts.  We’ll explore ungroomed (skier-tracked and untracked) routes 5-12+ miles RT from our cozy Naiset huts (7200' elev) to Lake Magog and nearby Sunburst and Cerulean Lakes, through Og Meadows, and gentle slopes above our cabins to Gog Lake and Wonder Pass, and more areas nearby.  

Bring avy gear and current avy knowledge (recent AIARE1 or equivalent).  We will ski as a group in terrain with no avy hazard and minimize travel in low avy hazard areas.   This will be the leader’s third winter trip to one of her favorite year-round destinations which she has shared with several groups over last 20+ years. 

Assiniboine Lodge welcomes Naiset guests during late afternoon tea and purchases of beverages, presto logs. 

Bring your camera to capture a few memorable photos.  

Carpool between Seattle, or Spokane/Portland area (with leader), and Canmore; and between  Canmore and Mt Shark helipad.  Alternatively, you may wish to fly between Seattle or Portland and Calgary, and take the Calgary/Banff airporter  shuttle to/from Canmore.  Airport shuttle info:  https://banffairporter.com

We’ll have 2-3 bed motel units in Canmore, equipped with small fridge (some with microwave) or kitchenette.  Bring foods or dine out for meals in Canmore and on the road.   Pack meals for Naiset huts from Sunday lunch through Friday lunch.     

Consider extending your stay in Canmore before or after the Assiniboine trip to explore some of the hundreds of miles of groomed Nordic skiing and backcountry ski/snowshoe routes in nearby Banff/Lake Louise or Kananaskis Country (south of Canmore).

Call or email with your questions, recent backcountry X-ski experience and avalanche trainings, and to tentatively reserve your spot.  Trip fee due immediately to secure your reserved space.  

For more area info: refer to guidebook Ski Trails in the Canadian Rockies (Chic Scott) and see websites for Mt Assiniboine Lodge/Naiset huts, Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park, Banff NP, Kananaskis Country – Alberta Parks (winter activities link). 

Be aware of driving distance:  approx 600 miles from Seattle area, 12 hours driving time (allow enough time for road conditions).  

Be sure to have current medical insurance coverage and travel cancellation/evacuation insurance (advised).   Current border crossing documents required (passport or WA enhanced ID/drivers license).