I often post images of local mountains that look rugged and majestic. Sometimes I stare at those mountains and wonder, what's it like up there? How long could I survive? What equipment would I need to do so? What about winter? Would it be possible to survive in those conditions? My brain fills with ideas about the wonders that lie undiscovered on those great heights.
Thankfully, there are many trails in the provincial mountain parks that give you access to some of the most stunning scenery that you can see in winter. This particular season, we haven't had any snow whatsoever at the lower elevations (though the forecast calls for snow this weekend). The forests are as lush as ever and even daffodils have begun blooming throughout the city. So, if old man winter wasn’t going to come down, then I would have go up and up and up, approximately 1400 meters above sea level, to visit the snowy old rascal.
Western Hemlock
The trails are about 30 minutes by car, vertically from the city centre. It is wonderful to see how the thick greenery of the lower altitudes gives way to sporadic patches of snow that thicken as the road winds upwards around the mountainside, passing through giant cathedrals of hemlocks, spruces, cedars, and more.
Preparation is key when visiting those old mountains, even if the trail is easy and well marked. Weather can be unpredictable up there, so if things turn for the worst, then it's better to be prepared. I usually make a checklist of items to take. It has been a while since I last went snowshoeing, so I wasn’t sure what to take with me. The following table contains a list of items that I took on this trek.
| Personal | Survival | Emergency |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet and keys | Multitool | Emergency blanket |
| Camera and gear | Shovel | First aid and trauma kit |
| Phone | Hydration system | Heated vest |
| Chargers | Hand-held Light | Whistle |
| Hand sanitizer | Watch | Phone grip |
| Kleenex | Map and compass | Headlamp |
| Toilet paper | Trekking poles | Change of clothes |
| Notebook and pencil | Cap and sunglasses | Knife |
| Tickets | Food and drink | |
There are probably more items that could be taken on a truly dangerous trail, though it's safe to assume that all snowy mountain trails can be dangerous. The small shovel is useful to dig yourself or others out of the snow after an avalanche (if you’re still alive). Which reminds me, never go alone. That’s just asking for trouble. Although to be honest, if there’s an avalanche, everyone in the group will be in trouble. But that’s what friends, family, and lovers are for. If they are not willing to be buried with you in a pile of snow on the side of a mountain, then do they truly love you? Just kidding. Now that I think about it, it’s just safer to stay home where it's nice and warm.
It's important not to get too close to these beautifully fluffy banks. Hypothermia can kick in within seconds of falling into the very cold water.
These flat surfaces are also very tempting. Wouldn't it be nice to run across that nice flat field and make a snow angel? The fishes under the thin ice would surely be surprised and delighted to see you. 🐟
Frozen still life
There are some effects that cannot be replicated through photographs. Case in point is the rainbow shimmering on the soft bed of snow on top of the lake. If you look closely at the image below, you can see flashes of colour caused by the afternoon sunlight. The effect is enhanced as one moves along the shore. Notice also the animal tracks on the surface. When it comes to walking on thin ice, leave it to the professionals.
Speaking of dying an agonizingly slow cold death, tree wells are notorious dangers. One might be tempted to get close to a tree for a selfie or a bio-function. Look at the snow around the trees in the following image. The accumulated snow at the base of the trees hides a hollow chamber, so when you get close, the snow collapses, you fall in, then the snow buries you. It's important to be aware of this potential danger.
The dusting of snow on those trees is neat
Mountains can be dangerous at those elevations, but old man winter treated me kindly this time. Thank you for coming along on this mountain trip. I hope you enjoyed the sights.
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