We are in a cooler weather trend with clear skies in Jasper and along the
Icefields Parkway. Aside from some wind affected surfaces in the alpine the
skiing is excellent, with the deepest snowpack in years (maybe decades). With
the excellent travel conditions below treeline, this would be a good year to do
some exploring, and ski some of the routes that normally have horrendous trail
breaking to ground.
No recent natural avalanche activity has been observed in the Jasper area, and
explosive testing has resulted in bomb holes in the snow, and maximum size 1
sluffing.
The ice climbing is also excellent, with numerous climbs along the icefield
forming, and many rarely formed climbs are 'in'.
Keep in mind this is not a 'normal' December, relative to the past several
seasons. There is more snow, and therefore more severe consequences if you are
involved in a skier/climber triggered or natural avalanche.
There is a lot of snow and ice to play on, so focus on the areas/routes that
are not threatened by avalanche and cornice hazard. This is shaping up to be
one of the best seasons on record.
Jordy Shepherd
Mountain Guide
Revelstoke/Jasper
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