Cory Scramble

Page Type Page Type: Route
Location Lat/Lon: 51.20140°N / 115.6889°W
Additional Information Route Type: Scrambling
Seasons Season: Summer
Additional Information Time Required: Most of a day
Additional Information Difficulty: Moderate
Sign the Climber's Log

Approach

This is a 4900’+/- ascent day. There are several large ribs coming down from Mount Cory. You want the eastern most rib which is identified as light-colored shaley cliffs with a deep ravine to its right. In the winter, there is no trail to follow, but basically start ascending due north. This rib will meander somewhat westerly in and out of trees. I used snowshoes intermittently. A 3000' gain takes you to a lovely spot to enjoy lunch, a small col of sorts between a bump on the left (actually directly over “Hole in the Wall”) and the start of your objective to the right.

Route Description

Attempt, depending on conditions, to traverse the left hand side of the route to avoid a gain that you will immediately have to lose. There will be several up and down segments on the ridge, but none as wasteful as this first one. This was a pleasant climb mixing some hands on scrambling and post holing, sporting a fantastic view during this section of the route. I met up with 5 ewes (mountain sheep) about half way along during the summit trip. This is very active sheep habitat. Part of the ridge remains windblown most of the winter offering up some remnants of nutrition.

Eventually, you will be upon the final summit ridge. Finishing this route in the winter can be a dangerous solo. I chose to up climb and then down climb a buttress on the right to avoid having to traverse an angled icy snow slope straight away. At that point there was snow-ice that I climbed with axe and crampons to gain the partially snow covered summit ridge. Weaving in and out, I took the ridge to the summit cornice. Beware of the cornice, it could go either direction. If going in pairs, I advise taking a rope for added comfort on the summit itself. Return is the same.

You have great views of Assiniboine, Bourgeau, Copper, Castle, Edith Summits and many others. The summit was free of wind and the ridge full of it. The descent went fast and furious. Neighboring mountains Edith and Louis are more fun and challenging, but this is a more scenic day.
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Essential Gear

Helmet and if Winter Travel- Alpine Ax, Crampons, Snowshoes
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Parents 

Parents

Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports.