Little
Lougheed attempt
February 1, 2004
Mountain height: 2,483 m
Elevation gain: 778 m (we made it about 3/4 of the way up)
Ascent time: 2:55
Descent time: 1:10
Snowshoeing with Mark.
With Super
Bowl XXXVIII kicking off at 4:30 pm,
we needed something short and easy. We got short, but with a couple of feet of
fresh snow, the attempt of Little Lougheed was far from easy! As a matter of
fact, I’d have to call it one of our slowest and most physically draining
ascents. That’s a pretty significant statement, considering that the distance
one-way is a measly 2.6 km!
The peak (unofficially named by
Bob Spirko)
at GR200470, is clearly visible from the Smith-Dorrien road, just before Mount Sparrowhawk.
From the road it appeared we would have no problem reaching the summit. We put
on our snowshoes right away and started up lightly forested slopes. Initially,
travel was not too difficult even though we were sinking almost to the ground
even with our snowshoes. Higher up, however, the grade increased and so did the
depth of the snow… quite dramatically! By the time we arrived at the very
scenic boulder field, we were moving at a snail’s pace, sinking past our knees
on every step and often sliding down a step for every two we took.
Up to that point, the skies had
been overcast all around. Fortunately, they started to clear and even though
the ascent was painfully slow, the outstanding winter scenery more than made up
for our faltering progress. Mount
Nestor and Old Goat
Mountain on the other
side of Spray Lake were fantastic, as were the north
side of Mount Sparrowhawk, the fourth peak of Mount Lougheed, and to the south – Mount Shark,
Mount Smuts and Tent Ridge.
About 3 hours up, we had to call
it quits. Although the summit was now visible, in the present snow conditions,
it was still a good hour to hour and a half away. Again, the amazing scenery
made the entire trip worthwhile and we took a well-deserved break, in very mild
temperatures. The descent was uneventful and as expected took less than half
the time of the ascent. Overall, the great little trip and definitely a peak
that we will return to for completion.
Deep snow and lots of slogging
Nestor (left) and Old Goat
The summit is in sight but it's still a long way off
End of the line. The first peak of Mount Lougheed in the background.