Three Lakes Valley | Ski Touring in Kananaskis Country (Highway 742)

01 Three Lakes Valley | 2011-02-26

Three Lakes Valley II

Location: Kananaskis Country (Highway 742)
Activity: Ski Touring
Height: 2,480 m (8,137 ft)
Elevation Gain: 650 m (2,133 ft)
Distance: 13.3 km / Round Trip (8.3 mi)
Avg Steepness: 5.6°
Estimated Time: 3-5 hrs
Technicality: Novice
Fitness Level: Moderate

Download GPX: [Trail] Three Lakes Valley.gpx
OpenStreetMap: See track recorded by GPS
Print: Display in printer-friendly format
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Conditions:
- Weather

Returning to Three Lakes Valley. When I came this place for the first time which was on the way to Mount Galatea in summer, I thought this valley was such a beautiful place. Since then I wanted to come back here in winter.

I think for winter only XC-ski route is now divided into 2 ways. You should see one way sign after few hundred meters in from parking lot which points to right (west) for ascent route. Simply follow trail to Chester Lake. To Elephant Rocks, go left (NE) from the lake, it should only take few minutes. From Elephant to Three Lakes Valley, again go left (NE) for few minutes, you should come out of trees and be bottom of valley.

I was wrong about one thing when I wanted to go all the way to the valley earlier this winter when avalanche was high. I thought Three Lakes Valley would be still safe enough as long as I stay away from slopes from both sides with exception of one hill that you have to go up before everything flattens. Well there was a huge old avalanche came down way more than center of the valley from Galatea side.