Liquid Swords is New Two-Pitch Rockies Mixed
It's one of several routes found above Lake Minnewanka near the town of Banff
Kevin Sevalrud and Merrick Montemurro have climbed a new route in above Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. “We think the route is very high quality and well worth repeating,” said Montemurro in his route description.
Liquid Swords is a two-pitch M5+ WI5 on the north-facing buttress of Mount Inglismaldie. To approach, hike or skate around 3.5 km across the lake to a large boulder before heading straight up to the base of the wall.
Montemurro noted that the ice on the steepest portion was delaminated and hollow. They placed a few bolts, but you need a rack to safely protect it. The traverse to the ice on the second pitch looks classic. They were hoping to climb to the top, but the natural line ended at the top of the second pitch.
Several other routes have been climbed above the lake, including the seven-pitch Odyssey WI4, the Meanderthal WI3+ and four-pitch Lake Monster WI4. Mountain Project has more info on the area here.
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