Vatican Peak (S5/S6)

Also referred to as Little Pope, this peak follows the uptrack to Narao Shoulder, heads up the hanging valley, involves navigating a weakness in the rockband, and finishes with a steep ascent up a glaciated slope to the col of Popes Peak where we gain access to the outlier. This is a strenuous and DIFFICULT snowshoeing ascent of big terrain that requires crampons for the small glaciated portion to reach the col. The views of Popes Peak, Narao Peak, Mount Whyte, Lefroy, and other peaks in the Lake Louise group will be outstanding. The weather window for this objective is great, so we want to take advantage of it to finally get this one done. Expect a long day (at least 10 hours on the trail), so you must have the endurance, fitness, pace, and prior experience with similar winter terrain to join this one. Crampons, ice axe, helmet, and headlamps are mandatory.

🌲 Distance: 17km
🌲 Elevation gain: 1200m
🌲 Time: 10-11 hours
🌲 Max Group Size: 6 (No children, No Pets, No guests)
🌲 Difficulty: S5/S6 route
🌲 Meeting Location: Valley Ridge street parking past the gas station

🌲 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
- crampons
- ice axe
- helmet
- 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.