|
Access and
parking: Upper trailhead - public parking lots near
the Chateau Lake Louise; lower trailhead - park at the
Fairview picnic area.
Length
and classification: Fairview (Trail 1) - 4.3 km,
one-way, Easy. Moraine Lake Road (Trail 2) - 8 km,
one-way, Easy.
Description: Fairview (Trail 1)
- This recently developed trail starts on the Tramline
Trail (see description 15) at the edge of the parking lot
farthest from the Chateau. A very short distance down the
Tramline, it branches off to the right, scoots under a
power line, and disappears among the trees. From here it
travels across the lower slopes of Fairview and Saddle
mountains, parallel to the summer hiking trail but at a
much lower elevation to avoid avalanche chutes. Forest
alternates with clearings that offer excellent views.
Moose, snowshoe hare and lynx tracks may be seen. More
than half way along there is an exhilarating, winding
downhill run that even beginners will want to do again;
it ends in a large clearing. Not far from this clearing,
and not far from an intersection with the Paradise Creek
touring trail, the trail turns on itself and runs
downhill to end at the Moraine Lake Road. To get back to
the parking lot at the upper trailhead from here, turn
left and ski down the road. At a metal gate across the
road not far from the lower trailhead, turn left on to
the Tramline and follow it uphill to the parking lot.
Moraine Lake Road (Trail 2) - from the
lower parking lot, the ski trail follows the road for
almost 8 km. Just over 1. 5 km from the parking lot the
Fairview Trail joins the road. Another I km farther on
the road crosses Paradise Creek and shortly afterwards
becomes noticeably steeper for a short section. Otherwise
the trail climbs gradually uphill with some flat and some
gently rolling stretches. It ends at a viewpoint where
the road curves and begins to make its way up to the
Valley of the Ten Peaks. What this trail lacks in
excitement it makes up for in dependability. It is easy
to ski; it is difficult to get lost on; it can be skied
early or late in the season - and it is downhill most of
the way back.
Hazards: Beyond the end of the
ski trail avalanche slopes cross the Moraine Lake road.
|
IN ESPAÑOL!
IN DEUTSCH!
IN ENGLISH!
