Herdman’s Couloir

On Monday, 23rd April 2018, Jaime and myself sort out a quick half-day mission that would be cool to do in Rogers Pass as we made our way east towards Banff National Park. We settled on skiing Herdman’s Couloir. Straight up from the road in the Macdonald Restricted Area of Rogers Pass, this north facing couloir is a 1200 vertical metre climb with one of the easiest access routes in the park.

Herdman’s Couloir

We climbed up the lookers right middle-section and skied back down the lookers left side. We had read that there was a small waterfall in one of these, but both sides were filled. There was some boot pack wallowing in cold powder climbing up the couloir which was shaded all day by the rock walls.

Jaime below Herdman’s Couloir
Jaime at the top of Herdman’s Couloir

On the descent, we had good powder skiing until the last 200 vertical metres to the river, which had transformed into really enjoyable spring skiing.

Jaime dropping a ski on the first turn with din to minimum for summer – oops
Jaime skiing Herdman's Couloir
Jaime skiing Herdman's Couloir
Jaime skiing Herdman's Couloir
Jaime skiing Herdman's Couloir

A good powder descent down enjoyable terrain with not a lot of effort, a good way to spend an afternoon in Rogers Pass before continuing to drive east.

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