Backcountry skiing from Highway 3 at the eastern boundary of Manning Park.

I will be in Manning Park on weekend so I won't be able to organize the carpooling. For those in Vancouver, the meeting time for carpooling is suggested for 0530 on Sunday. We'll meet at East Gate Canoco (service station) on Highway 3 about 15 km east of Manning Park Resort at 0830. The service station is not open until 9 AM so if you need a bathroom break, there are facilities at the lodge or at either of Monument 83 or Blowdown, which are park stops a few kilometers east of the lodge.

From East Gate we head up the Pasayten River logging road to Spruce Bowl. The road is currently plowed for winter logging. It requires 4WD and good snow tires. Chains might be handy as a backup. There are some steep grades.

We'll be approaching Chuwanten N1 from the east via a cutblock and a burned forest. It is only about 5 kilometers to the summit with approximately 500 meters elevation gain. Considering how short the trip is, we may be able to ski some burned slopes on the west side of Chuwanten N1 and then climb back up. So, total elevation gain could be double, if we do that.

Suitable trip for intermediate or better skiers. Fitness level must be reasonable but you don't need to be an ultra runner.

Headlamp required and spare batteries. Avalanche beacons, shovels required. Bring warm clothes.

I suggest a driver premium for this trip. There is a lot of mileage to cover and about 14 km of wilderness road to travel. Cost range per person $30 to $50 but discretionary to the driver. We require 4WD vehicles for this trip. Participation is dependent upon the availability of suitable vehicles for wilderness road travel. Approximately 3 hours driving each way.

To make it easy for Vancouver participants, I suggest a carpooling meeting spot in Vancouver at the intersection of North Grandview and Penticton Street in East Van at 5:30 AM. Note that North Grandview is north of Grandview Highway across the railway and Skytrain tracks. It's too complicated for me to organize anything beyond suggesting a time and meeting spot in Vancouver. I'll let participants self-organize the carpooling using the Topics in this post.