Lake O’Hara Cross Country Skiing

Good snow depth at the Loo Lake O’Hara parking

Saturday February 5th 2016

Set off  from Canmore to Lake O’Hara in a blinding blizzard. By the time we were through the park gates, after passing a car on its roof in the meridian, it was over. On arrival at the parking at Lake O’Hara we drove into 6 cm of snow. The track set was gone and everyone was stalling hoping someone would set off and break trail. The wind was blowing and the snow was falling as we set off. Temperature was only -6 c. Somewhere between a blue and purple wax. I went with blue and like everyone else had trouble with snow clumping under foot. The snow build up underfoot was ok for grip on the steeper up hill sections. Not so good for gliding. Anyway with the prospects of a great lunch in the lodge ahead it was easy to push on. As usual I was glad to see the campsite, knowing the hot soup, salad and homemade bread was not far away. After a leisurely meal in the lodge and a warm up by the fireplace it was time to set off back. No clumping under foot going down it was a beautiful ride with lots of glide. The snow had stopped but the wind was still gusting as we hit the parking lot. A train was stopped across the road out and held us up for twenty minuets it was a lot longer for the other cars ahead.

Busy at the trail head in the fresh snow

Signs at the trail head

Track setting lost in the fresh snow

Someone ahead is breaking trail. Thank you.

Yes it was snowing hard

At last the camp ground

The last climb before Le Relais Day Shelter

Wardens Cabin Lake O’Hara

Le Relais day shelter

Inside the Lake O’Hara Lodge for lunch

Group photo in front of the fireplace