November 19, 2005, Paul Ridge, Garibaldi Prov.Park

  For those of you south of the border,the Paul Ridge/Elfin Lakes area is located on the way to Whistler. It is one of the most popular backcountry ski areas near Vancouver. Look for the Diamond Head provincial park sign as you pass through Squamish. Besides day trips, the area offers opportunities for multiday outings with the use of a park cabin (sleeps around 35) or camping. It is the southern terminus for the world famous Garibaldi Neve crossing.
   The heavy snow fall of early November has almost disappeared off the access road, so there wasn't any problems driving up the 3,200' parking lot. As in the best of all worlds, we (Lorne O.,Paul P and myself) were able to then start skinning from the car.The first 1,400vf is up the forest road that extends all the way to the Elfin Lakes (about 7 miles).We climbed with hikers, snowshoers and fellow-skiers, so the narrow trail was pocked and compressed by the several dozen outdoor enthusiasts using it yesterday.
   Everything changes when you reach the Red Heather Meadow.For us, the sun burnt through the morning clouds, the views open up on all sides and we were now able to decide our own route through heavy but soft snow.Our high point for the day was an unnamed knob on the western end of Paul Ridge (elevation 5,400'). The photo was taken there. With several bowls to play in, we were able to find lots of untouched acreage.
  The snow, though somewhat heavy, was very turnable in the sun-exposed slopes. However, a thin crust formed immediately when a cloud formation passed over or shade appeared.We played in this spectacular setting until late afternoon and then returned down the slippery slide of a trail to our vehicule.