Exshaw Ridge

Exshaw Ridge – February 17, 2008

Ridge height:                 2118 m
Elevation gain:               approx. 900 m
Ascent time:                  4:55
Descent time:                2:25

Hiking with Mark.

After wasting several hours driving around trying to pick an objective, we settled on Exshaw Ridge and got underway at the late time of 10:30 am. I had seen Bob Spirko’s trip report and we very much wanted to check out this long but interesting ridge.

The first three and a half hours were not what we were hoping for. The snow was deep and difficult to wade through, the weather a dismal shade of overcast gray, and we gained the ridge too early. The first three highpoints we hit were all completely treed and therefore devoid of views. As well, the trees prevented any clearing of snow from the ridge by the west wind and so travel was equally as strenuous as it was for gaining the ridge. I must have spent those entire three and a half hours with a scowl on my face!

Thankfully, two things suddenly disappeared that more than made up for the less than less gratifying start– the trees and most of the cloud cover. With both out of the way, the views and all directions were terrific. As well, the ridge was wide, fun to walk along, and had some small, but interesting cornices overhanging the steep east side.

Unfortunately, time ran out on us and we had to bail on the traverse before we could explore the full length of the ridge. Nevertheless, the trip, as a whole, turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable one.