Summits and Icefields: Canadian Rockies Alpine Ski Tours

Liz L’Heureux is a public service librarian in the Science and
Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

Chic Scott’s alpine ski touring guidebooks highlight the classic tours
of the Canadian Rockies and the Columbia Mountains. The books are
written for “those who know something about back country skiing,” As
such, the introductions include basic information on avalanche dangers,
emergency procedures, equipment, and trip planning (an avalanche safety
course and wilderness survival knowledge is essential before embarking
on these tours).

The tours range in dimension from a few hours of fun in Kananaskis to
the epic Great Divide Ski Traverse that takes three weeks and has been
successfully completed only a handful of times. Each entry includes
directions on getting to the start site, an approximate route map,
information on hazards, and the level of avalanche danger. For more
difficult routes, the author indicates when extra equipment such as
ropes, crevasse rescue gear, or crampons may be needed.

Difficulty ratings are not assigned to the tours (though some entries
are marked, “For experts only”), and there is no rating system to
indicate which tours Scott recommends the most. However, information on
the depth of the powder, the steepness, and whether the area is open or
if there are trees will help readers to decide which tours suit them the
best. Photos depict many of the routes, which may inspire or intimidate
depending on the route and the reader’s desire for adventure. An
appendix lists the area’s lodges and huts and provides information on
cost, facilities, and how to get there, among other things.

These well-written and informative books are essential reading for
anyone wanting to ski tour in these mountains. Also recommended for
public library collections located in the Rocky and Columbia Mountain
ranges.