Cabin Peak Southwest Face
Backcountry Skiing Route
Details
4.93 mi
2,113 ft
Mellow and scenic tree skiing make this a Type 1 fun route
This is a fun ski route, ideal for intermediate tourers or those seeking a safe option in poor conditions.
Start the day by touring up the well-traveled ski/snowmobile track which winds up through forests to the col separating Midday and Cabin Peaks. Initially the trees lining the track are dense, but as you climb they thin out and allow you to observe the terrain surrounding you. Snowmobiles come up the track regularly, so keep an eye and ear out for them as you ascend. The gradient is mellow and the track completely obvious, so treat the journey up to the col as an enjoyable warmup, and an easy way to gain some altitude.
From the col, branch off right and climb up the blunt south ridge of Cabin Peak. The skin to the summit gets more scenic with every step, and more and more peaks appear on the horizon as the minutes pass. The terrain of Whitewater ski area and the [Ymir Lodge]( is close by, as are the peaks of [Bonnington Range]( and other Kootenay sub ranges.
Once on the summit the southwest face stretches out below you - simply pick your poison! The skiing is pretty similar all over the face, but there are some fun little features which you can seek out. The trees thicken as you get lower down but they're always skiable all the way down to a snowmobile track which leads you easily back to the col between Midday and Cabin Peaks. Either follow this track to the col and down to the hut, or take another lap. Given how short the face is, taking 3 or 4 laps in a day is perfectly possible, and allows you to farm the slope for all it's worth!
When you've finally had enough, head back for a peaceful evening in the Huckleberry Hut. Written by Charlie Boscoe
This is a fun ski route, ideal for intermediate tourers or those seeking a safe option in poor conditions.
Start the day by touring up the well-traveled ski/snowmobile track which winds up through forests to the col separating Midday and Cabin Peaks. Initially the trees lining the track are dense, but as you climb they thin out and allow you to observe the terrain surrounding you. Snowmobiles come up the track regularly, so keep an eye and ear out for them as you ascend. The gradient is mellow and the track completely obvious, so treat the journey up to the col as an enjoyable warmup, and an easy way to gain some altitude.
From the col, branch off right and climb up the blunt south ridge of Cabin Peak. The skin to the summit gets more scenic with every step, and more and more peaks appear on the horizon as the minutes pass. The terrain of Whitewater ski area and the [Ymir Lodge]( is close by, as are the peaks of [Bonnington Range]( and other Kootenay sub ranges.
Once on the summit the southwest face stretches out below you - simply pick your poison! The skiing is pretty similar all over the face, but there are some fun little features which you can seek out. The trees thicken as you get lower down but they're always skiable all the way down to a snowmobile track which leads you easily back to the col between Midday and Cabin Peaks. Either follow this track to the col and down to the hut, or take another lap. Given how short the face is, taking 3 or 4 laps in a day is perfectly possible, and allows you to farm the slope for all it's worth!
When you've finally had enough, head back for a peaceful evening in the Huckleberry Hut. Written by Charlie Boscoe