Wapta Traverse: Bow – Yoho
The lesser known Bow – Yoho version of the Wapta traverse runs east to west, passing some of the most spectacular ski mountaineering summits, cols and glaciated peaks such as Mont des Poilus and the Presidents. When conditions you right will be treated with long powder decents, gourmet backcountry food curtesy of PeakEATS and comfortable huts ranging from the historic Stanley Mitchell Hut, built in 1940 to the spacious Guy Hut, completed in 2017.
PeakSTRATAGEMs Wapta Traverse Trip Pricing includes: ACMG guides, hut fees, backcountry access fees, specialized glacier travel equipment (harness, ropes, crampons, etc.) and all meals.
Prerequisites: Strong intermediate skier in good physical condition.
Price: $975 based on a group size of 4-8 Contact us for details of our small group or private trips
Dates Available: April 12-15 2019. Contact us to arrange custom dates
Sample Itinerary: Contact us to create a custom itinerary
Day 1: Approach to Bow Hut
The drive to the trailhead starts takes us along the beautiful Icefields Parkway to Num-ti-jah Lodge at Bow Lake. We will traverse across the ice of Bow Lake and up the canyon towards the Wapta Icefiled. We get our first glimpse of Bow Hut perched up on the rock to our right as we leave the trees behind, entering an amphitheatre of peaks and hanging glacier and committing to the alpine for the first time. For those with energy to spare, summits of neighbouring peaks such as Mount Gordon or Mount St Nicolas are possible, or just make some powder laps at the toe of the glacier.
7 km or 4.4 mi distance, 450 m or 1500 ft ascent, 3 – 5 hours travel time to the hut.
Day 2: From Bow Hut to Guy Hut
Today we will traverse across the Wapta, via the Gordon – Rhondda pass, weaving through the crevassed glacier leading up under the spectacular slopes of Mount Collie to the ridge. A long day, with technical route finding, our experienced guides will lead you to the spacious Guy Hut with stunning views over Mount des Poilus and isolations col.
11 km or 6.8 mi, 950 m or 3120 ft elevation gain, 6 – 8 hours travel time.
Day 3: From the Guy Hut to Stanley Mitchell
Passing through Isolated col, one of the cruxes of the trip, is the objective of today. The col offers excellent views of the Presidents, Little Yoho Valley as well as your skin track all the way back to the Guy hut. An excellent ski descent will bring us to the historic Stanley Mitchell hut.
For those with extra energy this area has a plethora of peaks to ascend, including Mount des Poilus, Isolated Peak and Mount MacArthur.
Minimum travel distance 7.5 km or 4.8 mi, 350 m or 1200 ft ascent.
Day 4: Decent from Stanley Mitchell Hut to Emerald Lake or Takakkaw Falls
Numerous options exist for our exit to Field, BC. Expect a long day as we descend 760m over 25 km to the road.
For the super energetic amoung you options exist for an attempt at a summit of one or both of the Presidents. This requires an alpine start under headlamps and an extremely long day.
For everyone else, the option exists to extend your stay at either the Stanley Mitchell or Guy hut to spend time bagging peaks and skiing powder Contact Us to arrange private custom tours
