Tent Ridge II
February
2, 2013
Snowshoeing
with Mark.
Our first attempt at a winter ascent of Tent Ridge ended when avalanche
conditions were pretty suspect and the chosen route became steeper than
expected. With more favourable conditions and great weather we returned to see
if a different route would yield better results. It did!
The trip was outstanding from beginning to end. We picked the centre rib
as an ascent route and it worked beautifully, minimizing avalanche risk
(although, of course, there is always some avalanche risk on this mountain),
and providing magnificent scenery. The views from the summit were stupendous!
Even at a lowly elevation of about 2500 m, Tent Ridge is easily one of the best
viewpoints in Kananaskis.
We walked a short distance towards the true summit to the south, but
completing the traverse would have required more time than we had and the wind was vicious. Instead we
settled for long summit stay (on the leeward side) and then a relaxing and effortless
descent.
A brilliant day out!
Tent Ridge. The route we took went up the ridge on the left
Views of 3 Kane scrambles, mounts Buller, Engadine and The Tower, appear early on
Moving into avalanche terrain
The face in front is prime avalanche terrain
Old friends: Old Goat Mountain (left) and Mount Nestor
Even at this low elevation, the view is fantastic
Mark heads up the ridge
The ridge gets steeper
A glimpse of the soon-to-be magnificent view to the south
Where's the snow?!
Approaching the summit
At the top, looking south
...with Mark
Snow sculpture on the ridge
Admiring the view
Getting out of the wind, on the east side of the peak
Heading down
Weird stuff happening at the left!