The Windtower II

The Windtower II – April 23, 2006

Mountain height:       2,697 m (8,846 ft)
Elevation gain:           1000 m
Ascent time:              5:10
Descent time:            2:45

Scrambling with Mark, Keri, and Linda.

My previous experience on The Windtower, several, years ago, was a slog to the summit on a rainy and dreary summer day. The scenery was decent, but not what it could have been. We thought it might be a little better on a clear, with some snow remaining on the slopes and so when Linda suggested the trip, we were more than happy to tag along. I was wrong about the scenery - it was infinitely better and the snow (a lot of it) gave much of the trip that remote, high altitude, Himalayan look, even though we were well below 3000 metres and barely a stone’s throw from the road.

The hike to West Wind Pass was not terribly thrilling until we cleared the treeline, just before the Pass. Views towards Spray Lake , with Old Goat Mountain and Mount Nestor towering above, were splendid. The hike from the Pass to the summit turned out to be more than just a “hike”, as we slogged through deep snow and across several avalanche slopes. A steeper slope, just before the Windtower/Lougheed col, proved to be the crux of the trip. It appeared to be quite avalanche prone and we were quick to get up it. My comforting words, “This slope could go at any second, so keep moving,” seemed to provide a huge inspirational and emotional boost to Keri, who bombed up the slope like there was a hot shower and masseuse waiting for her at the top.

Shortly after, we arrived at the Windtower/Lougheed col, where we were treated to the thoroughly breath-taking look at Lougheed’s northernmost peak and the surrounding area. Cornices lined the steep drop-off on the east side of the col, further enhancing the phenomenal view and it was a good fifteen minutes of camera-clicking before we could tear ourselves away and complete the ascent.

At the summit, more terrific scenery waited; the vertiginous drop-off down the north face of the mountain, more cornices and stunning snow scenery, great views of the Three Sisters, Rimwall, and plenty of others. As well, the sky remained cloudless and there was no wind – perfect conditions.

The descent was considerable easier than the ascent and we were able to avoid the steep slope by traversing around it. An awesome day of stunning winter scenery and views – great choice Linda,!