Castle Mountain to Baker Creek Cross Country Skiing

At Protection Camp Ground. Castle Mountain behind

At Protection Camp Ground. Castle Mountain behind

Monday January 11th 2016

Castle Mountain Lookout to Baker Creek cross country ski trail is along the Bow Valley Parkway. The groomed ski trail runs from Castle Mountain Chalets at the Hwy 93 junction at Hwy#1. to Baker Creek Chalets 14 km away toward Lake Louise. Today we went from the parking at Castle Mountain Lookout to Baker Creek and returned for a total of 19 km. The starting temperature was 18 C at 9:00am and -6 c at 1:00 pm. Although the skies were clear somehow it was snowing lightly and  2cm of fresh snow on the trail. The best part of the ski is the part where the trail takes to the old rail or road section with views across to Mt Bell and Panorama Ridge. The Bow River and the rail line are just below. The picture above shows Protection Mountain Camp Ground. There are two sections of double tracked loops around the camp ground that are great for beginners to practise on and who could complain about the great views.

At the view point above the rail lines

At the view point above the rail lines. Helen ,Christine & Lee

Nice track conditions

Nice track conditions

At the lookout rail line below

At the lookout rail line below

Early start and the sun is just coming over the trees

Early start and the sun is just coming over the trees

The narrow trail through the trees

The narrow trail through the trees

Beautiful day just a bit cold

Beautiful day just a bit cold

Somewhere close to Baker Creek

Somewhere close to Baker Creek