Rawson Ridge Attempt | Ski Touring in Kananaskis Country (Kananaskis Lakes)

01 Rawson Ridge Attempt | 2011-12-03

Rawson Lake II

Location: Kananaskis Country (Kananaskis Lakes)
Activity: Ski Touring
Height: 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
Elevation Gain: 350 m (1,148 ft)
Distance: 8.0 km / Round Trip (5.0 mi)
Avg Steepness: 5.0°
Estimated Time: 2-3 hrs
Technicality: Novice
Fitness Level: Easy

Download GPX: [Trail] Rawson Ridge Attempt.gpx
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Conditions:
- Weather
- Avalanche Bulletin

Right before leaving house I decided to change the plan from snowshoeing to skiing. I thought since Rawson Ridge wouldn’t be too long that I should take advantage of this and make sure everything works before real ski season come.

Approached:
I took the route described in Daffern’s KC Trail Guide. Trails are official and marked from Upper K Lake parking, so I don’t think I anybody would find problem getting to Rawson Lake.

Ascent:
Here I made a mistake which cost summiting the peak. By following Daffern’s route to the ridge top won’t get you to go all the way to the highest point of the ridge instead you will be looking up summit block which looked more than scrambling. I wonder why her book only has route line in middle of the ridge… I think in order to get to the highest point, either you have to take east ridge before you get to the lake or take direct route up to the peak from the lake instead of aiming col like I did.