Crystal Ridge

Route Description for Crystal Ridge

Anyone on a snowshoe trip should have Avalanche training, we recommend AST 2 for all backcountry travellers, and AST 1 is the minimum. It is important to note that when travelling through avalanche terrain it is extremely valuable to always have a companion.

Crystal Ridge is the unofficial name given to the ridge south of Cirque Peak by Bob Spirko after he found enormous crystals on its lower slopes.

This trip has a high potential for avalanches. While there are no big slide paths and the few medium-sized ones can be fairly easily avoided, the rolling terrain has many convexities and tons of places for wind slabs to develop and slide short distances. Despite a low avalanche rating for our chosen day of ascent, there was still some concern as just a few days prior, a small slab slide was reported to the north that initiated on a convex terrain feature.

Park at the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint, cross the road, and start snowshoeing up the well-packed Helen Lake trail. After about 600 m on the official trail turn onto a snowshoe track heading off to the left and start ascending a steep pitch through the forest. When you emerge at the base of a rocky slope in an opening, travel north to ascend a less steep aspect. From here simply head up, carefully choosing your route to avoid any suspect slopes.

When you reach the ridge, at a low point, travel left to ascend to the high point. You will see another high point to the northeast, however this may be too dangerous to ascend. Head south to a bump in the terrain that many people call the summit. Avoid a cornice along your way here. Wander the ridge, and admire the beautiful views in all directions. This is one of the most scenic snowshoe trips around, and we even saw a ptarmigan on our trip!

Follow your route back down to your car.

Insider Hints for Crystal Ridge

• This is an unofficial route, that goes through some challenging avalanche terrain. You should be trained and experienced in winter travel in avalanche terrain to go on this trip.
• Always keep in mind that winter routes are constantly changing with conditions, if this route seems unapproachable on the day you head out, turn around and come back another day!
• Snowshoeing in the Banff takes you into remote terrain. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with warm clothes, extra food, matches and ideally a satellite transceiver, like a Garmin InReach. Cell phones do not work until you get to Canmore.
• Always check the avalanche forecast for Banff before heading out.