Mount Brett – August 3, 2005

Mountain height:       2,984 m (9,788 ft)
Elevation gain:          1,585 m 
Ascent time:              5:35
Descent time:            3:30

Scrambling with Bob Spirko.

There’s a good reason why Mount Brett is in the “Difficult” section of the Kane scrambles book – it’s difficult!! Getting to the difficult summit ridge was an interesting experience in route-finding for us, as we bushwhacked, for what seemed like an eternity, along the heavily treed slopes, south of Pilot Mountain. Once out in more open terrain, however, the beautiful scenery of the grassy drainage, Pilot Mountain on the left, and Mount Brett at the far end of the valley, made up for our initial problems.

The summit ridge started out easily, but suddenly became fairly narrow, with a terrific drop-off on the left side. The hands-on scrambling was very enjoyable and a little exhilarating at times. Of the two downclimbs before the summit, the first was easy, however, the second was of considerable difficulty and was treated with extreme care. The summit was reached shortly after.

Clear skies, warm temperatures, and a wonderful panorama in all directions, warranted an extended summit stay. We could clearly pick out peaks as far north as Chephren and as far south as Joffre. Of course, everything in between was also pretty cool!

For the descent, we found the correct drainage and followed it down – a considerably easier route than the one we took on ascent. The return bike ride was absolute heaven – isn’t gravity great…sometimes!?

Mount Brett, from the top of the drainage

The south slopes of Pilot Mountain (true summit at the left)

Bob at the start of the summit ridge, with Mount Ball behind

Bob traverses the easy lower sections of the ridge

Bob starts the first and easy downclimb

Bob negotiating more exposed sections of the ridge

Bob is all smiles as he looks for a way down the second and more difficult downclimb

Looking back at the second downclimb

Looking back at the ridge

Bob relaxes at the summit; again, Mount Ball dominates the background

The view to the south from the summit; Mount Bourgeau in the centre, Assiniboine at the distant right

Looking north from the summit; Copper (left), Castle (distant in the centre), Pilot (right)

On descent, looking back at the summit ridge

Bob scrambles down more interesting terrain on descent

A more "flowery" vantage point to see Mount Brett 

Click HERE to see Bob's account

LOG