The Canadian Rockies aren’t necessarily known for incredible ski quality. Most years it ranges from mediocre to abysmal. Facets, persistent weak layers, and long periods without any precipitation mean that the snowpack is usually not very inspiring, and often downright terrifying.
What is inspiring is the terrain. Few places in the world offer as much overwhelmingly insane vertical terrain as the Rockies do. Huge peaks, dramatic icefields and glaciers, and wild couloirs mean that when the snow is trash in most of the range, you can always rely on a bluebird day delivering maybe some of the most spectacular views in the world. The couloirs, especially the north-facing ones, always offer a little sheltered snow and are perfect targets for a quick hit. Assuming you’ve been getting your stairmaster on.
The twin Chephren Couloirs (Left and Kum Ba Jah) are certainly one of those spectacular places that offer all the very best of what the Rockies can offer skiers with the ability and will to get out there.
Chephren is a bit further out than some of the lower-hanging fruit on the Parkway, close to a 2 hour drive from Canmore. However on a bluebird day, the position and scenery, combined with a short approach and the relative accessibility of the line itself, make it one of the most compelling couloirs anywhere on the parkway.
Approach
Start by parking approximately 19km north of the Bow Summit parking turnoff. There is a small clearing in this area, and you may find a skin track established (don’t count on it though!). Follow a fairly direct line to the base of the couloir from the road via the wide open slope below the fan.
The river crossing can be a little sporty depending on the time of year. The water isn’t super deep, but enough you probably can’t wade across most of the year. You may need to explore a bit along the bank to find somewhere crossable. Either way, be prepared to possibly get wet feet if you aren’t prepared with neoprene socks or similar.
The couloir itself is not too steep compared to others in the area (The Granddaddy Couloir is must steeper, although similar in size). While steep enough to be “no fall” in the top half, overall it’s relatively tame with only a short crux near the very top. From the fan to the top, the Couloir is roughly 600m in height. Most parties can expect a few hours of bootpacking, with a very short approach to the top of the fan (give or take 1 hour).
Overall, a fantastic mission in an amazing setting with one of the most impressive topouts on the 93N. While it doesn’t summit a peak, it does attain a very spectactular knife edge ridge that is absolutely beautiful and aesthetic on a bluebird day.
