Cross Country Skiing at Mt Shark

Views and Conditions Mt Shark

Views and Conditions Mt Shark

December 19th Thursday.

Cross Country skiing at Mt Shark requires a drive of 38 km up through the Whiteman Gap on Hwy 742  to the Spray Lakes Road. The trails at Mt Shark are numerous and were developed as a back up for the Cross Country events at the Nordic Center for the Calgary Olympics. I have been there three times and have always had fresh snow.The trails are track set but with the amount of snow that falls in this area it is often covered with fresh snow. On this trip not only were the tracks buried but the temperature was -29C in the morning.

Road to Mt Shark Trail head

Road to Mt Shark Trail head

The beauty of the new snow on a cold day is something to behold. This picture was taken just past Engadine lodge after turning of Hwy 742.

Bitterly cold Conditions but beautifull views

Bitterly cold Conditions but beautifull views

It was so cold that after this picture was taken my camera froze and so did my fingers. We took the trail to the left of picture and headed back to the cars to warm up. After lunch the weather warmed up and we did the same route over again.

Conditions on side trails

Conditions on side trails

Although we did not ski to Watridge Lake as planned but we were in the beautiful mountains and got a work out. Next time I would like to try some of the other trails and you can bring your dog along too, on leash of course.

New snow cover in -25C conditions

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New snow cover in -25C conditions