Snowy trip to Manning Park larch groves

Was just on a trip recently and we were wondering why some of the conifers were yellowing, thought maybe they were dying off.  Now I know they were larches, good post!

Frosty is easily skiied from the Lightning Lakes shelter on the way to the downhill area. It's safe going except for the last little bit.

Frosty east or west peak?

Stoked, what time of year was this, and how was the approach. Any problem with multi-day parking?

Stoked, what time of year was this, and how was the approach.  Any problem with multi-day parking?

Hey Tim, there's no problem with overnight parking in winter and also it's free. For the east peak park at the Lightning Lake day-use picnic area and take the Frosty Trail. The recommended descent is Frosty Creek but you'll need about a 2 meter snowpack to negotiate the lower creek but I've done it with less. The trail is also a decent ski out.

For the west peak you can also park at the picnic area or drive about 1 or 2 km further on Gibsons Pass road to the Lone Duck winter campground. There's no trail to the west peak just ski up Lightning Lake to its west end. Ski up the north shoulder of the west peak (just west of Frosty Creek). For the descent, there's an avy path from about 2100 m down 900 m back to the lake. You can't miss it. Only the last 100 m or so is back in the trees.

I wouldn't leave it much past Easter because the lake starts to melt and the snowpack thins. Usually there's enough snow to ski the trail by Christmas. Best January to March.