Snow Peak

Overview

This small mountain is a good easy scramble at the end of a hike to Burstall Pass. Standing facing east towards the trail that you have just taken to achieve the pass from the Spray Lakes Road, this would be the small mountain to your left. If you faced west you would be looking into BC. At the pass you are on the border of the two provinces. From the summit you have an excellent view of the west side of Mount Birdwood and the route on Mount Smuts. Mount Assinaboine is to the north-west. To the east is a fine view of Mount Sir Douglas

Getting There

Summit view from Snow Peak, left to right, Mount Assinaboine in the distance, Mount Smuts (in the cloud shadows), Mount Birdwood, Mount Robertson, the Burstall slabs and Mount Sir Douglas among many others.

Two ways to get to the trailhead depending on your point of departure. From Calgary take the trans-Canada highway. Then take the 40 south towards Fortress Junction. Just past here turn right on the Kananaskis trail and then right onto the Spray lakes road. Follow this road till you see signs for the Chester Lakes day parking. Here turn left into the parking across the road next to the trail to Burstall pass. About 1 hour 20 minutes drive.

If you are coming from Canmore, head out on the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes road past the Grassi Lakes and the Goat Creek day use parking. Continue on the unpaved Spray lakes road for about 45km. Turn right at the Burstall pass parking just opposite the large Chester lake parking, this is about 3 kms from the Engadine Lodge road. Park here in this large parking lot. Don't leave items visible in the back of your car. This area can see a lot of traffic why tempt anyone including bears. Follow the Burstall trail west along a dirt road as it gradually becomes a trail. Follow the easy trail to the pass. The once you have grabbed a rest or snack. Follow the ridge up along the least line of resistance to the obvious summit. Here there is a register to sign. Due to its height there can be snow on this peak in the early or late summer season so dress and choose footwear accordingly.

Red Tape

No red tape. This is a day trip. 4-6 hours

Spray Lake Ranger Station. (403) 678-5533
Alberta Tourist Visitor Centre (403) 678-5277
The Alpine Club of Canada (403) 678-3200, ext 1
weather office or (403) 762-2088 for weather conditions

Camping

Due to the fragility of the area there is no camping on the mountain and surrounding area.

There are other campgrounds in the area if desired.
Spray Lakes West Shore Campground has 50 sites (403) 591-7226
There is also the Alpine Club of Canada lodge with rooms and excellent facilities of 21$ CDN a night. The Alpine Club of Canada (403) 678-3200, ext 1

Engadine Lodge is a good base camp if you want some comfort at the end of the day.

Engadine Lodge
Box 40025 Canmore, Alberta T1W 3H9
Tel.: (403) 678-4080
Fax: 678-4020
E mail: lodge@mountengadine.com
Web address www.mountengadine.com

Alpine Club of Canada

Joining a club such as The Alpine Club of Canada is recommended when climbing in Canada. While it is not obligatory, useful information can be had at any of their Clubhouse in Canmore, or at their website which is open to everyone.

http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/

Staying at the club in Canmore is 21$ Canadian for members and a little more for non-members. It can get quite crowded in the summer so a reservation is recommended.

Images

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