I'm planning to go to Joffre Lakes next week for a day of snowshoeing, and I was hoping to pick someone's brain about the conditions. I've gone up in summer, but I'm not sure what the trail is like during the winter months. 

Two members of this group are avid hikers, but this will be their first time snowshoeing; I was wondering if this is an appropriate trail to start with? How tracked out does the trail get over winter, and how clearly marked is it? Is the hike very busy during winter? 

Thanks!

Sarah

Hi Sarah,

I can't speak to the current conditions since I haven't been up there lately. May be best to check some of the local ski touring groups/reports for info on where the snow lines are and all that. I bet it would be snowshoes on right from the parking lot, since the snow line is below 1200m in other areas in the Sea to Sky. 

This trail isn't too bad for first time snowshoers. If they're avid hikers then can I assume that they are reasonably fit? There is some elevation gain, as you know, which tend to seem more exhausting when snowshoeing than hiking. Or, at least, that's what I've noticed when taking people up there in winter vs. summer (I'm a guide). In general, though, it's non-technical and should be fine for a fit beginner.

The trail is clearly marked and in general gets quite tracked out since it's a really popular spot. HOWEVER, if there has been a recent snowfall and you happen to be the first one on the trail that day, then really pay attention to the trail markers on trees to make sure you're going the right way. The markers are close enough together that you should be able to follow, but do pay attention. 

A few safety notes:

(1) if the first lake is frozen, you'll probably see tracks across it, particular from the ski touring folks. I recommend staying on the summer (marked) trail rather than crossing the lake for two reasons - so you can follow the trail markers and know where to go, and also because on snowshoes your weight is a little less distributed than on skis and you are more likely to break the ice and fall through. 

(2) there are a few avalanche paths that you will cross. In general, I'd recommend that everyone in your party have at least AST1, avalanche gear, and the skills to use it. However, these avalanche paths are fairly isolated, and in stable conditions it shouldn't be too much of an issue (famous last words, right?). They're the wide-open areas that you cross between the first and second lake, and are fairly easy to distinguish from the other treed areas. If you are going to go, be sure to check the avalanche forecast at avalanche.ca (try to pick a day no higher than moderate at treeline) before you go, spread out when crossing these slopes, and turn back if there are any signs of instability.

Hope that helps!

Marlaina

Couple other thoughts - why not post this trip on the BCMC schedule? It's always nice to have fun trips like this. In fact, it was the first trip I ever led with the BCMC! 

Also, about avalanche training, there will be another snowshoe AST1 going up on the schedule this week, so stay tuned for that if you (or anyone in your party) doesn't have it and wants to take it. 

Cheers!

Thanks for the great info! 

Yeah, I'm a little worried about the avalanche risk. I've done a one-day avalanche course, but the other two haven't. I'll keep an eye on avalanche.ca and cancel if it looks in any way sketchy. I'm also signing up to do the AST1 in Feb which I think you're teaching :) 

I have only just joined the BCMC, so I'm not confident about organising or leading a trip yet - especially somewhere I've only hiked once, and in summer! I'll hopefully post something later on in the season, when I'm a little more familiar with the BCMC ways :)

thanks for all your help!

On the topic of Joffre lakes, I posted this trip for this saturday.   there appears to be a weather window. 

Check out the trip list for details. 

On the topic of snowshoeing at Joffre Lakes, I led a BCMC trip to the middle lake and water fall on Saturday Dec. 16th.    The trail was compacted and I cached my snow shoes because there were merely dead weight.  The trail was very slippery and micro spikes would be nice.  The one member who had micro spikes had a lot more control especially on the descent.   Crampons would have been over kill.

The one caveat is that trail conditions can change rapidly and if there is heavy snowfall, snow shoes may be required to provide flotation. In addition if you are going off trail you would need snow shoes to prevent post holing.