Lake Agnes and Big Beehive

January 3, 2004

 
Mountain height:    2,270 m
Elevation gain:        540 m
Ascent time:            2:35
Descent time:         1:45
 
Hiking and snowshoeing with Mark.

When the predicted high temperature for the day is minus 29 degrees Celsius, the primary objective of any hike becomes returning with all 20 of your digits intact. At the risk of sounding like a TV commercial, “Hats off to the designers of the Baffin Technology boots” (rated to minus 100 degrees Celsius). If you are into low temperature, winter trips, get to MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) and pick up a pair – the best $125 I’ve spent all year!

 
The hike to Agnes Lake and the surrounding area makes for a great winter excursion, but beware – last year a person lost his life when he was caught in an avalanche around the lake. If you don’t know how to assess avalanche danger and have no training in avalanche rescue, I strongly suggest you avoid this area.
 
Although snow covered, the Lake Agnes hiking trail was packed down and presented no problems. At the lake, snowy Mounts Whyte and Niblock were particularly impressive. Of course the lake was frozen and covered in snow, allowing us to shortcut across it to get to the Big Beehive ascent trail. The ascent slope was fairly steep and the snow was very deep. The frost covered trees at the top, with the sun on them were very eye-catching.
 
The snow on the ridge was even deeper and required the use of snowshoes. The ridge rises to a high point and then drops a little to a sheltered viewpoint. The views of Mounts Whyte, Niblock and Lefroy were fantastic throughout.
 
Unfortunately, I was a little under-the–weather and so we chose to forgo the loop route that goes to the Plain of Six Glaciers and then back along the Lake Louise shoreline (at least it gives us the excuse to go back and do it again!). Throughout, the stunning winter scenery and frost covered trees were highlights of the trip. Overall, a fantastic winter trip and we both returned with all 20 digits each!



Heading up steep slopes towards Big Beehive



Mount Lefroy looks so impressive from up here



Scenic trek up to Beehive



One of the more open areas by Big Beehive. There are  many trees blocking the views



Love the frost coated trees



Mounts Whyte (left) and Niblock, as see from Big Beehive



Big Beehive, as seen on descent
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