Cascade Fire Road Cross-country ski

Cascade Fire Road is located in Banff National Park and is accessed from the Lake Minnewanka parking lot. As the name suggests, the trail is an old fire road, and it is quite wide. It is normally trackset on one side while the middle is left open for skate skiing. This trail is quite scenic and has beautiful views of Cascade Mountain, as well as the Cascade River. You can ski as far as the bridge, which is 6.3. km each way, or continue on to Stoney Creek, which is 15.1 km one way. We will ski to the Cascade River Bridge, having lunch there, and then ski back. The trail has a few hills, and so you must be comfortable descending a fairly steep hill on the way back. This is an intermediate ski trip suitable for people who are comfortable skiing about 12 km and descending steep hills.
Distance: 12.6 km return
Elevation: 135m elevation gain
Trail: out and back
Difficulty: Trail 2; intermediate skiers; please, no beginners
Pace: Slow and steady to moderate
Time: It usually takes about four to five hours round trip, depending on our pace. Consider that we are out for the day. Please do not sign up if you have to get back to Calgary by a certain time, as I cannot guarantee when we will get back to the parking lot.
Number of skiers: 8
Waitlist: A waitlist has been set for this event to ensure that this trip is right for you. Have you done this trip before? What similar trips have you done?
Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot. Meet at the parking lot at 10:30 a.m. Be ready to ski at 10:45. Look for a black Dodge Grand Caravan.
Directions to trailhead: From Calgary, take the TransCanada towards Banff. Shortly before Banff, turn right (north) on Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive and follow it to the parking lot.
Passes: Banff National Park has waived the park pass from Dec 12 to Jan 15
Carpooling: I won't arrange carpooling as I don't live in Calgary, but you can use the comments section to arrange carpooling if you like. If anyone wants to carpool with me, we could meet at the intersection of 22/TransCanada (the Cochrane turn-off).
Suggested carpooling fee: Zone 2, $15
Weather: The current forecast is for -10 in the afternoon (feels like -13). I’m choosing to ski late morning/early afternoon because it will be quite cool in the early morning (-16, feels like -20)
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/city/ca/alberta/banff/7-days
Trail conditions: The trail is listed as being in good condition, with two double track set lanes and a skate ski lane
Trail conditions - Banff National Park
References:
https://hikebiketravel.com/cascade-fire-road-skiing-in-banff-national-park/
Cascade Fire Road Cross-country Ski | Alisen Dopf
Suggested gear: cross-country skis, boots, and poles. A pack containing layers of clothing including a wind layer; lunch, water or hot tea; personal first aid kit
Waiver and Code of Conduct
I will bring a waiver to the trailhead which you must sign before going on the trip. Please provide the name and phone number of your emergency contact.
Your participation in this event means you have read the waiver and by signing up for this event you have accepted the waiver. You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides, and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear, and you are physically fit to do this hike with the group. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being.
All participants are responsible for assessing current road, weather, trail and avalanche conditions for the trip.