This past Saturday, we had plans to go for a long backcountry ski tour. When we woke up, it was a frosty -26c morning. We thought that skiing UP a mountain, would be warmer than skiing DOWN a mountain. So we stuck to the plan - a ski tour to Hidden Lake in the Lake Louise backcountry. The forecast also said that there was a chance on an inversion - meaning the temperature might be warmer up high than down below.
When we rolled into the Fish Lakes Parking Lot at Lake Louise - it was still -26c. We geared up, rolled out and all started skiing like our pants were on fire. There's one way to generate heat and that's to move your body! Fast!
We made our way to the backside of the Lake Louise ski hill, past Temple Lodge and headed out of the shade for the sun. On a day that cold, it felt so fantastic to come out of the shadow of the forest and in to the open sun. Aaaaah. Blissful sun. And heat. And warmth.
Lucky for us, the forecast actually came true. The day warmed up, the fresh snow was light, boot deep and perfect. The skiing was Awesome! We made some pretty turns amidst the backdrop of Mount Richardson, Ptarmigan Mountain and Redoubt Mountain - and had a brilliant day at Hidden Lake.
Sometimes, -26c can be awfully pretty.
