1985 - The Garibaldi Neve Traverse, Three Brothers Ski, Overlord, Eric

The Garibaldi Neve Traverse
Location of Mt. Garibaldi
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Looking west at Mt. Garibaldi.

We skied into Diamond Head on a Friday night by headlamp and started out for the neve early the next morning. Going down into Ring Creek included the usual ski across avalanche debris, so that kept you moving and a little tense. After that, it was more relaxed. Getting up onto the neve, we took a break and enjoyed a view of the icefall that led up to Garibaldi.
I was with a group of people I didn't know well. The only people I really knew were Chris Cooper and Dave Timewell. Unfortunately Chris hurt himself or was suffering from a previous injury and thought it was better not to try the traverse, so he headed back to meet us in a couple day's time at the road that leads up to the Black Tusk parking lot.

Approaching the Shark's Fin.

Snow conditions were not that great. There was a crust in many spots and as you skied down you had to be prepared for the snow to change from crust to powder, then back to crust. The weather made up for it though. As you can see in the picture above with the black Shark's Fin in the middle foreground, Black Tusk on the left hand skyline, and Guard Peak on the right hand skyline. The route goes through the saddle just to the right of the Shark's Fin.

Sphinx Hut

We spent the night in the Sphinx Hut. It was like an ice box. In the morning it was about -20C.

Skiing across Lake Garibaldi

On the Sunday we skied across Lake Garibaldi and then headed down the trail to the Whistler Highway. It was a cold, clear day. We were very fortunate with the weather.

Three Brothers Ski - Manning Park
Location of the Three Brothers Mountain

Near the summit of Big Buck Mountain.

Bob Cuthbert and I went up to the Three Brothers Area of Manning Park for another ski. It was approaching spring but things were cold enough that the snow was very nice. The weather was clear and it was a joy to stand outside and view the stars without the air or light pollution from "civilization". Once the moon came up though, some of the stars were harder to see.

Bob enjoying the view towards the Okanagan.

I was absolutely gorgeous. You could see the mountains of the Okanagan to the east and the Cascades to the west. It was great to be there.

Keith with Mt. Hozomeen in the left distance.

I quickly found out that the sun was powerful enough this time of year that I got a sunburn the first day, and as I forgot sunscreen, I cut up some cardboard to fashion protection for my nose. This picture was taken on the summit of the highest Brother. Mt. Hozameen is on the left part of the skyline.

Great to be in the mountains.

The Three Brothers area is a great ski touring area with wonderful views.

Mt. Overlord - Singing Pass Area East of Whistler Mtn.
Location of Mt. Overlord

Davidson, Carr, and Castle Towers.

Although the hike up to Singing Pass is longer now that you can't drive up the old road, it's still very worthwhile. For those who go beyond the pass and up to Russet Lake, it's even better. Looking across the alpine flowers in the picture above is Mt. Davidson on the left with Castle Towers on the right.

Keith Rajala, Bob Cuthbert, & Alan Lizee.

Bob Cuthbert, Alan Lizee, and I camped south of Russet Lake and enjoyed being by ourselves. Later that night we were treated with the northern lights.

Whirlwind Peak

Going on the assumption that a person will fall into crevasses that you don't see, we roped up while going from the Whirlwind-Fissile cold over to the Whirlwind-Refuse Pinnacle col.

Dressed well. :-)

I think it's important to dress well while on these trips;-) This picture is taken on the summit of Overlord looking south west.

... and I would take Eric (aged 3) for walks in Golden Ears Park.

A lookout near the beginning of the West Canyon Trail