In anticipation of the ski mountaineering season, Jasper Visitor Safety made a trip up the Athabasca Glacier to the Columbia Icefield on April 1, reaching a high point of 2,700 m.

With the above-average snowfall this season, the Athabasca Ramp is in better condition than has been observed in recent years. Probed snow depths along the ascent route were predominantly greater than 3 meters, with 1.5 meters measured in a thinner area at the top of the second icefall.

The Snowdome seracs have been active, with snow and ice debris observed on climber’s right, as well as debris from a number of large avalanches off Snowdome. A three-meter crown is still visible, with debris extending across the top of the first icefall.

At this time, the route heading climber’s right around the first icefall, then left through the second before gaining the final ramp, is the recommended line of travel (see photos).

For the descent, we chose to retrace the route, gliding out along both icefall benches and minimizing our exposure to the Snowdome seracs.

Reminder: Travel on the Athabasca Ramp route involves numerous mountain hazards, including avalanches, crevasses, and seracs, and should be attempted only by teams with sufficient experience, training and equipment or in the company of an ACMG guide.

Happy trails,

Jasper Visitor Safety