This might be the worst idea I've had, but I'm committing to it! This is the last of my blitz postings before I head to South America. Instead of heading down south for a two-day trip this weekend as I had originally planned, I decided to do something closer to home and turn it into a super long day. Doing an overnight trip requires more money, time, and preparation, so why not do something closer to home but make it ten times more challenging?! Unlike neighbouring Mount Inglismaldie where snow makes a bid for the summit nearly impossible, Mount Girouard has more forgiving terrain and I suspect that snow will actually make the ascent up the final gully easier and quicker. Nevertheless, be prepared for a LONG SLOG. This one will require endurance and a great deal of physical and mental fortitude. I have no interest in this peak in dry conditions, but I am very much looking forward to the snow covered slopes at this time of year. This peak is almost 3000m and is the highest in the Fairholme Range, so it is sure to impress as we get higher and take in the snow-covered scenery. It will be steep and I will monitor for avi conditions leading up to the trip. Ice axe and crampons are highly recommended. You don't want to do that gruelling approach only to find out you can't continue because you don't have crampons if we find that the snow is hard-packed. I may change the date of this hike to Sunday, May 11th if the weather is better that day. Mother's Day is a commercial trap and I'll be celebrating it a different day, so what better way to celebrate Mother's Day than bagging an impressively high peak in Banff that we've all stared at as we're driving home from the mountains? If you like short hikes, nice trails, and seeing lots of other people along the hike and at the summit, this one is not for you! *Headlamp is mandatory for this trip. (Photo credit - Vern Dewitt)
🌲 Distance: 21km
🌲 Elevation gain: 1600m
🌲 Time: 11-12 hours
🌲 Max Group Size: 6 (No children, No Pets, No guests)
🌲 Difficulty: S5 route
🌲 Meeting Location: Shouldice Park and Ride
🌲 Descriptive Link: https://www.explor8ion.com/2014/10/05/girouard-mount/
🌲 If we have not hiked together before, please answer the question regarding your hiking experience. The waitlist for this event is not first come, first serve, but rather is based on your hiking/scrambling experience that is suitable for this hike.
🌲 I prefer to move at a moderate and steady pace with short breaks only when necessary (e.g., re/delayering, bathroom, snacks, lunch). This means that if you need to stop for frequent and/or elaborate photo shoots at every large boulder and pseudo-view point, please do not sign up. It is also a must that the GROUP STAYS TOGETHER, so don't sign up if you want to take off to do exploratory route finding through the bushes or up an uninviting gully or trying to set a personal best time. It is also not acceptable to break off into your own small group to selfishly bag a peak and then head back to the trailhead while leaving the rest of the group behind.
🌲 Required gear:
- snowshoes
- helmet
- ice axe (recommended)
- crampons (recommended)
- microspikes
- headlamp
- water
- lunch / snacks
- hiking boots
- hat / gloves
- sensible outdoor clothing (no cotton, no jeans)
- appropriate layers for changing weather (rain shell, down jacket, etc.)
- personal first aid kit, toilet kit
- trekking poles
- sunglasses
🌲 WAIVER: You must sign the club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip and you shall arrive prepared with an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. The organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the trailhead.
🌲 Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
