Kent Ridge, South Peak
Kananaskis Park
January 12, 2008

I came across the route description for this snowshoe trip on trailpeak.com. It had all the makings of a good snowshoe trip although the deadfall at the beginning was worse than I expected. Several large trees, still bearing needles, were recent victims of the wind.

After getting through the extensive deadfall, we came upon a half-buried trail, too wide to be anything but a snowshoe trail. It was firmer than the surrounding terrain so we followed it until it abruptly ended. I wondered if the trailbreakers ran out of energy and turned back.

We made good time while on the trail and we followed it for most of our trip. It did, however, veer to the right side of the crest, so the first thing we had to do when the trail stopped, was regain the ridge. This proved to be taxing. Not only was the slope steep but also we sank up to our knees in the soft snow.

After a long plod in the shade we started to encounter a few welcome breaks in the trees where we could enjoy the sunshine and take in some mountain scenery. Snowshoeing became easier and we made it to the summit without any difficulties.

Before going back, we took a few photos but trees prevented me from doing a summit panorama. It was easier to follow our trail back than to break a new trail.

We enjoyed the trip. Although the deadfall and the long plod in the trees detracted, the views on the open slopes and the summit were worth it.

Download path for Google Earth