Crowsnest Mountain

We headed up to the Pass on September 23 to have a go at scrambling Crowsnest Mountain. We were originally supposed to be in Glacier on a multi-day backpacking trip. However we decided to pull out after a late start, permit hassles, fatigue, and super windy weather. Instead we went to Crowsnest with Jarred, and his brother Jordan & friend Caleb who were visiting as part of a 4 month road trip.

Conditions down low were beautiful for fall. However, as we started to ascend it became more and more winter like. Several frozen scree slopes and snow filled gullies led us to the crux gulley. This gulley is intimidating to some people in the summer, and as a result a chain has been installed to aid with ascending and descending safely. We couldn't find the chain buried in the snow, and so we precariously began our way up the gulley. I was in the lead, trying to clear hand and footholds of snow and ice. It was difficult finidng places to go, and there were several instances where I felt stuck. We finally stopped the chain, and Brad made a ballsy reach across the gap to bring us to a safer route up.

Once we finally reached the top of the gulley, we were only a scree slog away from the summit. By this time we were frozen, and both Jarred and I were almost hypothermic. Dark storm clouds were rolling in, and we turned around and headed down. Although we didn't tag the summer, it was still a fun and successful day. Of course, it was beautiful weather by the time we got back to the car!