March Winds and April Ice Bring Forth May Sn’ice?

In the Rockies, the ice is growing. Don’t put the ice tools away yet, there is an extended forecast of below-zero temps and more snow. 

The long winter is affecting early season rock climbing across Canada. Ontario has one of its longest ice seasons on record with conditions at Papineau reported to be excellent. The current snow storm on the east coast will postpone rock climbing adventures until mid to late April. B.C.’s Skaha is chilly, but seems to be the only place in Canada where you are guaranteed snow-free rock.

The Canadian Rockies seem to be the extreme of this long ice season, many climbs are growing fatter by the day. As Yamnuska Mountain Adventures report, “Lower elevation ice climbing normally ends for us early April. All reports coming back from the field this week say the ice is actually growing right now! Its looking like very good ice climbing until mid to late April….in case you haven’t had your fill yet! Higher elevation and north facing climbs will still be good well into spring.”

The pillars on Louise Falls have grown into a curtain, the fattest it has been in recent years. Other routes that are growing are Professor Falls, Polar Circus, Rainbow Serpent and Curtain Call. If you are feeling the need for less crimps and more swings, plan a trip to the Rockies, it is going to be an extended ice season.