Rockies caching in winter

[+terratin]

I might have a chance to go to Calgary on business during the first half of December, and as I've never been there before it would be great to extend this trip a bit for some caching. I'd love to pick up some EarthCaches and see a bit of the Rockies.

 

What are the street conditions like during that part of the year? Is it possible to drive through the Rockies and also log this EarthCache Burgess Shale - GC16D7W? What is an absolute must do in the area?

 

Cheers,

Mrs. terratin

[+CanadianRockies]

Winter is a great time to explore the Canadian Rockies. Just be sure to bring warm clothes.

 

The TransCanada Highway (Highway 1) is always kept plowed during winter, as is the road to Emerald Lake (where the Burgess Shale EarthCache is located). The road to nearby Takakkaw Falls is closed during the winter.

 

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 between the village of Lake Louise and the town of Jasper) can take longer to plow (up to 3 days). The road to Lake Louise (the actual lake) is kept clear, but you won't be able to visit neighbouring Morraine Lake. Near the town of Banff, you can drive to Lake Minnewanka.

 

Once the geocaching.com website is up again, I can provide links to some nice caches in the parks. Are you thinking of a day trip from Calgary or an overnight stay?

[+terratin]

Thanks for your answer. At this moment I still have to convince my manager to sent me to Calgary but if that goes through then I could imagine that we chose a mountain lodge if we stay a bit longer, or return to Calgary every night if it's just 2-3 days extra. Really, I don't know yet what's the best. The whole trip should not be too tiresome otherwise I need a vacation after this, and 11 hours of air travel

 

When does the snow usually start falling in the area and how much? I read that it might be snow-free in Calgary until January, but what can we expect from the mountains?

 

It's such a shame this trip is only possible in winter. I would give my FTFs for visiting the actual Burgess Shale mine

 

Mrs. terratin

[+CanadianRockies]

Calgary normally will have snow on the ground in mid-December. But the occasional warm winds (Chinooks) often melt most or all of it, so the snow tends not to accumulate very high.

 

The mountains, however, are another story. The ski resorts generally open in mid-November. Expect at least two feet (maybe more) of snow on the ground in mid-December.

 

If you want a relaxing vacation, then don't worry about heading up to Jasper. The Icefields Parkway is spectacular in the summer, but in the winter you can't really distinguish the glaciers from the rest of the snow cover.

 

We did the vigorous hike up to the Burgess Shale quarry one summer. Only guided hikes are allowed. Well worth the climb.

 

On the way to the Burgess Shale EarthCache, you can also visit the Natural Bridge EarthCache.

 

Near the Lake Louise parking area, there is the Lake of Little Fishes virtual cache with a nice view. There's a 1.5-km (one-way) trail around one side of the lake that is level and usually well packed in winter from lots of hikers. Near the beginning, a short side trail will take you to Lake Louise Mini Cache, which should be winter friendly. At the end of the trail is a second virtual, Tip of the Lake. If the snow isn't too deep, you might be able to walk to the middle of the lake for the third virtual, A Watery End.

 

Have to run. Can provide more info about caches later, if it looks like you'll be coming this way.

[+terratin]

Thanks a lot! There seems to be a lot to do even in winter. I hope this goes through; I will talk to my manager next week. Hmm.. I can also imagine staying in a lodge in the mountains for a few days and really go and enjoy the snow. I never tried downhill skiing, but maybe I can lend cross country skies somewhere

[+Red90]

For caching, in December, the front ranges normally have very little snow and you can walk to most caches. In the "real" mountains or if the snow fall has been heavy, snowshoes are usually the best item for caching. They are easy to use, with no experience and you can rent them cheaply. You can also easily rent cross country gear and the trails are pretty much endless.

 

Stop by the local forums if you want more info or want to hook up with local cachers, http://forums.calgarycachers.net/

[+terratin]

For caching, in December, the front ranges normally have very little snow and you can walk to most caches. In the "real" mountains or if the snow fall has been heavy, snowshoes are usually the best item for caching. They are easy to use, with no experience and you can rent them cheaply. You can also easily rent cross country gear and the trails are pretty much endless.

 

Stop by the local forums if you want more info or want to hook up with local cachers, http://forums.calgarycachers.net/

 

Cheers Red. I haven't done cross country skiing in ages but would really love to try it again. Never tried snow shoes though and haven't done much snow caching. Oh, we found one in Norway and crossed a small, surprisingly deep snow field. That was good fun (apart from the wet trousers). Lets hope this works out.