“Cold Smoke” in the Chilcotins

Pat Mulrooney — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 23:53:35 -0500

Rating

“Cold Smoke” in the Chilcotins

Back-Country Report by Pat Mulrooney

Location: Whitecap Alpine at McGillivray Pass in the Bendor Range, Coast Mountains, B.C.

Dates: Dec 30 to Jan 4 2007

Party: Zdenek Manhal, Mike Tigges, Jack MacDonald, Danielle Balik, Lee Lau, Sharon Bader, Louise, Charmain, Pat Mulrooney

Details: Ski Touring trip with Helicopter fly in access only.

Accommodations: McGillivray Pass Lodge

Hut Custodian: Ron Andrews (Owner and Caretaker)

There are a lot of great ways to kick off the New Year but I can’t think of a better way than surfing the bottomless blower POW of McGillivray Pass.

The first time I saw McGillivray Pass Lodge was during a “mission” and failed summit attempt of Whitecap Mountain in May of 2002 with friend Jack MacDonald. This was the first of what would be 5 trips in the area with intent to climb and ski and snowboard Whitecap Mountain. For some reason I was obsessed with Whitecap. It might have been due to the rumored 4100 ft ski run from 9595ft. We finally reached the summit after a ridiculous 18 hour mission in June of 2005. Jack mentioned that he heard of a private cabin on private land somewhere in McGillivray Pass. As we reached the highest point of McGillivray ridge where we had to drop down to Connel Creek it was obvious from the January like Blizzard we wouldn’t achieve our day’s objective. We decided to investigate the Pass and find the cabin. After a half hour or so there was a window in the storm and I caught a glimpse of a Canadian flag perched high on a pole next to what looked like a cabin of some sort. We took our skins off and descended a 1500 ft run down to the Pass. I couldn’t believe my eyes when we reached the cabin. McGillivray Pass Lodge. Photo: Pat Mulrooney

This was no ordinary mountain hut. It more closely resembled a fine log home with all the comforts and amenities you would find in a closer to sea level homestead. This combined with the unbelievable ski able terrain in the area made this a destination I had to visit in the winter!

Our crew for the trip was Danielle, Zdenek, Mike, Charmain, Jack, Louise, Lee and Sharon. This was a highly motivated group looking for as much vertical as our legs would allow. Perfect! Our start was early at the Pemberton airport on Dec 30. After boarding the A-Star we quickly emerged out of the Pemberton valley fog and 20 minutes later landed in the sunny, clear and cold McGillivray Pass. Approaching McGillivray Pass. Photo: Pat Mulrooney

Ron Andrews greeted us there as he had flown in early over Christmas to prepare the cabin for the season and dig it out from the epic early storms of 2006. His family finally convinced him to buy a snow blower and save his back from what would seem a never ending shoveling fest from the daily winter assaults. After a quick orientation of the hut and it’s amenities we were setting a skin track up the North facing slopes south of the lodge. Sharon, Mike and Jack above Connel creek. Photo: Pat Mulrooney

As we approached the alpine we decided it would be a good idea to have a closer look at the snow and collect our own data from this years snow pack. The 3.5 meter base at an elevation of 2200m provided positive results and it was game on. What next? A green flag! We spend the rest of the day hitting runs on both sides of the valley hunting for the best snow to better prepare us for the more epic days ahead. Danielle railing "Ronnies". Photo: Pat Mulrooney

When we reached the hut, Ron was quick to come to the door and greet us. At this point my expectations were far exceeded. I expected that the boarding and skiing would be nothing short of spectacular based on my knowledge of the terrain. Our first day’s turns were nothing short of amazing. Pat dropping in from Ronnies Col. Photo: Lee Lau

The heart and sole of McGillivray Pass lodge was what I didn’t expect. Once inside the lodge, one easily forgets that you’re in fact sitting at 1860m, high in the coast mountains of B.C. When you start to make your way around the lodge you immediately get a feel for the history and heritage of the Pass and the Andrews family. Their passion for the mountains and skiing is what makes this place so incredible! Jack tearing the slope a new one! Photo: Pat Mulrooney

The history of McGillivray Pass and its Lodge dates back to the late 1950’s when an adventuresome Austrian couple Helmet and Christa Weinhold discovered the area and it’s exceptional back-country skiing opportunities. Tragically in 1965 the couple was struck and killed by an avalanche in the area. Additional explorations led another group of enthusiasts to apply for land use and erect a building. Once approved by the Government of Canada in 1972 the log cabin was built in the remote location of McGillivray Pass and appropriately entitled the ‘McGillivray Pass Lodge’. Ron Andrews heard rumors about this fabulous place in the late 1970’s and decided to buy shares in the property. Today, and for the past 20 years, the Andrews family has called the McGillivray Pass Lodge and WhiteCap Alpine their “winter home”. Touring and hiking together, their family has built a rich history in these mountains. Lars Andrews, Ron’s son is the head guide for Whitecap Alpine. In fact he grew up Skiing in McGillivray Pass and as a result, progressed to becoming one of Canada’s most well known and respected all mountain guides with full ACMG and UIAGM certification. Lee Lau in "Tombstone Gully" with 50 fresh! Photo: Pat Mulrooney

The next 4 days were filled with incredible mountain adventures and deep POW. We skied every aspect possible deep in the trees and down steep alpine bowls from high cols. We encountered a family of 4 mountain goats perched high on an un-named peak and even saw a Wolverine following a rabbit trail. We awoke one day with 40cms of fresh snow and 30 more during the day. Mike getting Puked on! Photo: Pat Mulrooney

The evenings were spent with company of great friends and endless conversations with Ron about the mountains and all the different things to do in them. Be warned that if you mention a route up any mountain anywhere in the world there’s a good chance Ron Andrews has seen it. Ron Andrews is an authentic and genuine “Mountain man”. His love and passion for both the mountains and skiing is unparalleled. We ate elaborate meals cooked up in hopes of trying to out-do the meal from the night before. I should also mention that Guinness tastes better at 1860m than anywhere else. Danielle choking in the "smoke"! Photo: Pat Mulrooney

I recommend this place for any powder hungry skier or boarder. With over 8500 hectares of Alpine peaks, Glaciers, Glades and Trees there isn’t enough time in a winter season to hit all the lines. They refer to the snow on the website as “COLD SMOKE” as it falls on drier east side of the Coast Mountains. Custom trips and arrangements can be made by contacting Lars Andrews at info@whitecapalpine.ca or 1-888-863-9757 or (604) 862-9757. All the info is available at www.whitecapalpine.ca.

Check out all the photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patmulrooney/sets/72157594465621191/

Pat Mulrooney, Jan 2007

Rogers Pass Sweet Nectar!

Pat Mulrooney — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 01:43:58 -0500

Rating

Danielle in the goods! Photo: Pat Mulrooney

Some might ask, "Why leave the coast when the Whistler area just got pounded with heaps of fresh powder?" I can't help my self when it comes to Roger's Pass! If it's good here it's almost always better there. Danielle and I were even headed for the Duffy early that morning when we just decided to do a 180 for the Selkirks. There's something so pure about that place and it never let's you down if you know where to get the goods. The routine starts with a 7:00am visit to the Roger's Pass Center to check the Weather, Avy conditions, apply for a permit to ski the best slopes and ask Chris Fuoco's advice on where he would ski? This trip did not let us down in the least bit. The temps were at -16 deg C, the snow base at treeline was over 300cms and 70cms of fresh were on the slopes. Over the past 10 years I've found a few spots that we always have to ourselves. 1100m pillow lines right down to the highway! The price is knee deep trail breaking but well worth it! Watching Danielle rip through the chest deep blower you would never know she had knee surgery this year! Pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/patmulrooney/sets/72157594431030012/

Danielle chest deep on Cheops. Photo: Pat Mulrooney

Danielle in the spot! Photo: Pat Mulrooney

Danielle catching a quick breath! Photo: Pat Mulrooney

Uptrack Rogers Pass Style. Photo: Pat Mulrooney

Danielle charging the zone! Photo: Pat Mulrooney

Chilcotin Float Plane Ride

Pat Mulrooney — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 23:57:08 -0400

Rating

Rider: Danielle Balik Photo: Pat Mulrooney

Dale from Tyax Air called me to offer a flight on his last day of the year. It was the perfect opportunity to get one last ride in before the snow hit. The plan was to ride out from Warner lake but with the super cold temps Dale couldnt get the ice off the wings until the air temperature rose to at least -1 deg C. We ended up flying out at 10:00am so we got put down on Spruce lake. The entire day the was super cold and didnt rise above -5 deg C. The ride took us up and over Windy Pass and through Eldorado Basin with a decent down "The Extra Pleasure Zone".

Check out the pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patmulrooney/sets/72157594324443468/

Mt. Gaibaldi Alpine Ride

Pat Mulrooney — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 00:03:13 -0400

Rating

Rider: Pat Mulrooney Photo: Danielle Balik

The clear skies and warm temps melted the snow and allowed for one more high mountain ride for the season. I hadn't ridden Brohm Ridge in over 10 years and forgot how much climbing there was to the Warren Glacier. It is by far one of the quickest ways into the high alpine of Garibaldi Park. Unreal views of Squamish and all the peaks surrounding Garibadi Lake. Once your at the roads end there are perfect singletracks through-out the meadows. I'll be back with the winter equipment in a few months. Check out the pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patmulrooney/sets/72157594296973756/

Doglotion.com - Freeskiing Community - Danielle Balik

“Cold Smoke” in the Chilcotins

Rogers Pass Sweet Nectar!

Chilcotin Float Plane Ride

Mt. Gaibaldi Alpine Ride