Canadian Rockies lure local climbers for alpine adventure
LAKE LOUISE, Canada - Winter in Washington state? To date, practically non-existent, at least for ice climbing enthusiasts who have lamented mild temperatures and the absence of frozen floes and pillars that typically form around Banks Lake, Frenchman Coulee, Leavenworth, and Mazama in most years.
What to do without the common cold?
Erik Koch of Ephrata and Jaime Vega of Wenatchee opted to head north this week to seek alpine adventures in the wilds of the Canadian Rockies, an international mecca for skiers, snowboarders, and ice climbers willing to tolerate frozen toes and snotty noses in exchange for spectacular scenery.
Staging at a hostel near beautiful Lake Louise, Erik and Jaime have waded through deep snow, crossed frozen rivers, and alternately sweated and chilled themselves up steep terrain, packs laden with ropes, crampons, ice axes, and other gear to hang out with mountain goats.
Here's a few photos:
