Kootenay Pass - Cornice Ridge

Location: Kootenay Pass - north
Time: Full day
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2km
Elevation Gain: 1800 feet
Map: 82 F/3 82 F/2

Start on the Caribou trail above the warming hut and traverse right up the ridge. Skiing back down to the lake from this point is very popular, however typically wind effected. The south-west slopes above are controlled for the highway and the north-east slope is their overshoot zone. On a good day you can see forever from the summit, and runs can be made from the ridges to the east both north and south slopes, and from the west ridge across to the Communication tower. The runs are moderately steep and steeper are require good evaluation techniques.

Kootenay Pass - Ripple Ridge Cabin

Access: Kootenay Pass - South
Map Used: 82 F3 and 82 F2
Time Required: Half Day - Overnight
Kilometers: 3
Elewation Gain: 1500 ft.
Rating: Easy
Avalanche Exposure: Safe - Moderate

Park your vehicle at Kootenay Pass and cross the road south and follow the Monk Ck road past the weather station and explosives depot. The road is wide, usually well travelled and takes you right up to the pass and signs which indicate the boundary of the Provincial Park. Follow the road along level ground for about 200 metrers leaving the road when it turns left and continue along the treed ridge for another 50 meters. Touring routes start back at the pass at the edge of the Park. Tours to the east along Baldy Rocks offer lots of skiing options. Tours to the West towards Lightning Strike and ascents of Riple Mtn.

Kootenay Pass - Stagleap Provincial Park Backcountry Skiing

Kootenay Pass is located between Salmo and Creston on Highway 3 just north of the U.S. border. It is the source of excellent early season powder and a wide variety of touring for all levels of skier. The pass is the highest elevation highway in British Columbia and may be closed for avalanche control at any time.

Ski Tours:

Ripple Ridge Cabin
Cornice ( or NoName ) Ridge
Baldy Rocks
Lightening Strike
Wolf Pass