The Gold Range Traverse

The Gold Range Traverse has become a Revelstoke classic. The southern Monashees stretch along the west side of the Columbia River and beckon the eyes of most skiers. When you stand on Mt Mackenzie, you get a great view of most of the traverse.

The gold range traverse, skiing, backcountry, splitboarding — Mt Odin in the background

We started at the Pingston Creek FSR and climbed our way up to the Frigg Glacier, south of Mt Odin. Mt Odin’s north face is a heck of a ski run. Temperatures dictated travel that day and we set up a camp at valley bottom in order to allow for a solid refreeze on the south aspect ascent that lay ahead. From there we continued north.

We embarked on this trip April 13-20, 2010. A week of high pressure made for excellent travel conditions with sold melt freezes on the solar aspects and dry snow on the norths. There were a few afternoon siestas to wait out the heat of the day.

There are plenty of great ski runs along the way. I’d recommend taking a bit of extra time to ski them.

gold range ski traverse, monashees, Revelstoke, ski touring — Cranberry’s NE face is one of them.

The Blanket Glacier Chalet was gracious enough to fly in our cache. If you read this Marty, I think I owe you another beer for that🤘

gold range traverse, camping, monashees — Taking in the sunset on Mulvehill.

We opted for a tarp and snow shelter hybrid for accommodations. It lightened the packs and is actually quite comfortable.

golde range traverse — The final climb up MacPherson.

The last day we had a great run on Mt Begbie and followed it up with a slushy run down the Womb. All in all, it was a great trip and the Gold Range Traverse is highly recommended.

If you’re interested in a guided ski traverse, we offer them. Our traverse page lists some options and trip dates, but we are always stoked to explore new terrain, so don’t hesitate to ask about a custom trip.

Here is a look at the gear I use for these trips.

If you’re looking for skis this trip, check out WNDR Alpine. This code will get you 20% off FF20-CONORH

Folkrm poles will give you 20% off with this code ARCTOS20

Raide Packs will give you $50 a pack with this code arctos-50-off

Norrona will give you 5% off with this code PROCONORH

If you’re interested in joining a trip, or would like to know more about what we offer, send us an email or check out our Backcountry Lodge Trips

Avalanche Canada’s Mountain Weather Forecast is a great resource.