April 4, 2009, Cheops Mtn. Fan, Rogers Pass,BC

We spent the night in Golden, B.C. next to the Columbia River with a fantastic view of the surrounding peaks.  Golden is on Mountain time, so when we arrived at the Rogers Pass Park Visitor Center on Pacific time, it was the same time we departed Golden.  Fun fact.  The previous day had been somewhat sunny so a sun crust had developed.  Today was spectacular €“ clear, sunny, no wind.  WOW, what views.  We needed a north facing slope that wasn€™t a long slog in.  This was Jill€™s first time at Rogers Pass when it wasn€™t stormy and she couldn€™t stop taking photos.  It€™s also a little intimidating when you look at the surrounding terrain and old avy debris.  I decided a nice short tour up the Connaught Creek drainage would work if the north facing slopes were still holding powder.  We skinned up the trail along the creek, crossed the bridge and followed the rolling skin track up valley.  We crossed the Grizzly avy debris path and it was obvious that this route was not going to be any fun descending.  The Hourglass trees were tracked out, but the north facing fans of Mt. Cheops were looking pretty good as we approached.  The first Fan or Cone now has some significant alder growth and had a crust on the open terrain.  We continued west up the drainage towards Balu Pass and found another north facing Fan of Cheops that only had 2 snowboard tracks.  The powder was about 6€ deep on a consolidated base. The descent was short but the turns were enjoyable on the north facing slope.  After the powder turns, the remaining descent was rather challenging in places where we had to cross sun crusted areas which never softened.  We stayed on skiers€™ right of the creek because it was protected by the trees and provided a manageable descent.  In fact, the next time I€™m in this drainage I€™ll probably skin up the left side of the creek.  It was a wonderful first-time experience for Jill skiing at Rogers Pass.  I€™m glad I don€™t have to sort through the 100 plus photos that she took.

We drove down to Revelstoke and stopped into the Aquatic Center for a soak in the hot pools.  The facility is beautiful and for $3.50(senior rate) we could use the hot tub, Lazy River (unique) and pool.  Such a deal.  During most of our ski trips, we€™re able to find a local Aquatic or Rec Center for a soak and shower.  We€™re spending the night in the camper parked at the Revelstoke Ski Resort with the several other ski bums in their rigs, enjoying a sunset over the surrounding peaks and sipping on a cold one.  More sunshine forecast on Sunday.