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First Time Rogers Pass Tips

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wrichmond
Posts: 562 - Karma: 369
Hi all,

I've got a 2-week interior BC trip in Feb and have Feb 10-15 in the Wheeler hut. It's my first time in the interior, so I would appreciate any advice (especially safety related).
I've been memorizing Doug Sproul's Rogers Pass guide, so I've learned about the parking and restricted area permit system.
I have an AIARE 2 with 30+ days in BC last year, mostly around Stanley, Idaho and some time at Snoqualmie pass, WA. I like to tour, so am ready for long days
The more ski mountaineering approaches definitely look like the biggest challenge for the trip.
No crevasse rescue experience, so I'll plan on giving the glaciers a wide berth (potentially going on the glaciers to access Forever Young).

Of course conditions pending, but I've started to plan interesting terrain, and focused on 2 zones so far.
What looks fun:
Out of the Wheeler Hut (I'm ok with a longer approach but am spooked by glaciers)- The Ravens, Glacier Crest, Mushroom People, Forever Young Abbotts Path, Avalanche Crest, NRC Gullies
Driving over to RVC parking lot- Video Peak, Grizzly S Coloir, Cheops N Bowl, STS Coloir, S face of junction West, Junction East, Grizzly Shoulder/Puff Daddy Area

I've heard even in Feb, sun crusts can be a big deal, as well as wind crusts.
What else should I know?
Besides Avalanche Canada & TGR (maybe instagram), what are the best resources to learn about snow conditions? Caltopo doesn't pull Canadian weather stations.
What are the unexpected hazards with this terrain?



I'll also be hitting up Kootenay Pass, London Ridge, Sandon, Mt Plewman, so any general tips (not staches, just tips) would be appreciated too.

**This thread was edited on Sep 7th 2018 at 6:46:38pm
Sep 7 2018 6:45PM
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bigwhite.steeze
Posts: 8227 - Karma: 1,032
avalanche.ca is the best resource for snow conditions past and present, you will also find lots of locals in revelstoke with info and the parks canada employees working at the welcome center are very knowledgeable. Rogers pass is big bad burly terrain, hazards are everything you'd expect with that. It snows alot, and when its snowing the conditions are often bad and alpine missions are spooky, lots of terrrain traps and lots of valley travel or steep climbs through the trees.

both your area choices are great ! you sound like you have more than enough knowledge to have a great time in the pass, what you ride will definitely be weather dependent. You really cant have a bad time, all routes are fun, most tours are long, and if your planning on ski mountaineering, its gonna get pretty gnar, and the conditions will have to be just right.
Sep 12 2018 12:04AM
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jca
Posts: 4172 - Karma: 6,310
I should be back in Rossland anround that time in February, the Rossland range is pretty easy to figure out but if you want any intel or somene to skin a few laps with (around Rossland or the Kootenay Pass) give me a shout. Are you thinking of staying in the Igloo cabin on Plewman?
Sep 30 2018 8:27PM
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wrichmond
Posts: 562 - Karma: 369
jcaI should be back in Rossland anround that time in February, the Rossland range is pretty easy to figure out but if you want any intel or somene to skin a few laps with (around Rossland or the Kootenay Pass) give me a shout. Are you thinking of staying in the Igloo cabin on Plewman?

Word thanks for reaching out! Yeah the terrain around there looks so fun, even on low stability days

Lodging is:
Dancing Bear Inn Hostel, Nelson -Kootenay Pass / Whitewater slack country
North Valley Hut, Retallack - London Ridge/Sandon
Wheeler Hut, Rogers Pass - Rogers Pass
Mountain Shadow Hostel - Plewmans but a igloo sounds dope

**This post was edited on Oct 4th 2018 at 11:51:37pm
Oct 4 2018 11:47PM
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