Burstall Pass Peak

Burstall Pass Peak

February 16, 2009

Mountain height:         2615 m
Elevation gain:            700 m
Ascent time:              4:50
Descent time:              3:10

Snowshoeing with Mark.

Unofficially named Burstall Pass Peak sits immediately southwest of Burstall Pass and is a slightly easier alternative to Snow Peak. The ascent is well documented in Gillean Daffern’s Kananaskis Country Trail Guide, Volume 1.

The scenery on the way to Burstall Pass was expectedly outstanding, especially the views of Commonwealth Peak, Mount Birdwood and Snow Peak. Just as impressive was the snow-covered form of the day’s objective. Though not much more than a big hump, the contours of the peak’s snowy ridges under a brilliant, blue sky were beautiful.

The actual ascent was fairly straightforward, save for a couple of steeper and slightly exposed sections. Unfortunately, the good weather held only to the east of the Continental Divide. Much to the west and south was obscured by low lying clouds. We reached the first cairned summit and then continued to the slightly higher summit to the south. That traverse looked to be quite exposed and steep in places, but was actually very easy.

After hanging out for about 45 minutes, in the hopes the weather would improve, we gave up and started back. It appeared that a clearing trend was in the works, but we didn’t have the time to wait around for it. Except for the crumby weather to the west, an outstanding and wonderfully scenic trip.