01

Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

Sulphur Mountain Sub Peak
  • Location: Banff National Park (Townsite)
  • Activity: Scrambling
  • Height: 2,396 m (7,861 ft)
  • Elevation Gain: 1,050 m (3,445 ft)
  • Distance: 10.9 km / Round Trip (6.8 mi)
  • Avg Steepness: 10.9°
  • Estimated Time: 4-7 hrs
  • Technicality: Intermediate

Above stats does not include descent from the gondola station to parking lot since I made an 800m-high jump. If you decide to walk the way down, then add 5.1 km.

I joined Scrambler’s event which was coordinated by buddy Wil. Trailhead for this starts entrance of upper parking lot for Banff Gondola. The trail is pretty much switchbacks from hell but that made the trail very flat and easy to go up. After 90 minutes we arrived at the gondola station. There was more snow than I expected especially section where ridge was still protected by trees. Once out of the tree, snow became more manageable amount without snowshoes. We stopped at the first major peak at GR004654. Most of the way there is mainly hiking except one moderate scramble right after getting out of tree and a steep hill close to GR004654. Maybe small exposure at the moderate scramble part but other than that, there is no exposure or narrow section. If you wish you can keep going beyond to the highest point of this ridge, however to get there from GR004654, you need to overcome 2 ups and downs. You can visit my trip report from 2009 for more info.

02

Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

Part of the reason why I joined was because I wanted to use Saturday for survey to checkout snow condition around Banff.

03

Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

Pretty good view for Gondola users. I will remember this place in case my parents decided to come visit. Mouseover for peak pointers!

04

Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

This is Stone Meteorological Hut. Only place in Canada equipped with radio which is capable to communicate my family on Neptune.

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Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

Sulphur Mountain. What appears to be the second tallest peak in this picture is where we stopped.

06

Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

Deeeeep snow. We debated whether we should bring snowshoes or not, but we decided not to because we knew there was another group from CORA was doing whole thing starting at 4 am. So we could start at 9 am following broken trail without snowshoes. EXCELLENT PLAN!!

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Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

Continuing on the ridge.

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Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

Bit steep but not too long.

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Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

The last bit to GR004654.

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Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

180 on ridge.

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Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

Group pic at the peak. From left, Wil, me, Zofia. Also Sylvie who had to go back because of her leg problem. Team International.

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Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

On the way back, sunlight became more yellow. Pretty color.

13

Sulphur Mountain 11 | 2011-02-05

Good winter scramble day.

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