After several weeks of hiking, orienteering, rock climbing, glacier travel and alpine climbing, the team on the Mountain Skills Semester, along with their guide Grant, began their 5-day alpine expedition to the remote Mt Willingdon area.
October 18 – Approach to the Pipestone Valley – A light snowfall fell throughout the day, accompanied by a moderate wind that calmed when they reached the Pipestone drainage. Due to the considerable amount of snowfall, the team opted not to go through Quartzite col due to the slippery conditions, and instead opted for another col to the south, which presented a more straightforward but still slippery route. The team made camp near a lake in the Pipestone drainage.
October 19 – Today the team shifted camp from the Pipestone Valley to Devon Lakes. Rain was falling steadily at times and moderate to strong gusts of wind contributed to challenging conditions. Nonetheless, their teamwork and camaraderie were evident.
October 20 – The group summited Mount Willingdon today. The winds were once again strong and gusty while the snowfall was light. Crampons, ice axe and ropes were all useful during their ascent as they belayed on the four rock steps.
October 21 – The group departed from Devon Lakes to begin their return home. The The frozen trail made for a rapid descent. By mid afternoon the group reached Fish Lakes and decided to continue their journey to Mosquito Creek, which was finally reached at 7pm after a 26 km hike. Their good fitness certainly paid off.
October 22 – After leaving Mosquito Creek, the group made their way back to Canmore. The temperature was just below freezing but luckily there was no precipitation. All in all, it was a great expedition with a lot of opportunities to learn and apply their skills. Congratulations!
📷 Basha Stasak and Grant M.
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