Snowshoeing fun

Winter time is a great time to enjoy snow-related outdoor adventures. Snowshoeing is a relatively cheap and safe option for anyone. If you live in BC you have a lot of local options ranging from guided snowshoe trips on a local ski hill to multi-day trips in the back-country. Mount Seymour and Cypress Mountain both have snowshoe rentals, guided trips, and a number of trails to choose from.

December 31, 2011 a few of my friends and I decided to snowshoe/ski up to Red Heather Hut on Diamond Head mountain in Squamish, BC.

This trip is moderate in intensity, safe with no avalanche risk, and approximately 10 km round trip. It will take you around 4 hours to get there and back and you will need tire chains (and preferably a 4-wheel drive vehicle) to make it up the logging road to the parking lot though. The Red Heather Hut is equipped with two picnic benches, chopped fire wood, a wood stove heater for winter use, and an outhouse. So make sure you bring appropriate clothing, lots of water, and a snack to have an enjoyable trip.  It is a popular destination for families and back country skiers alike.

This is a view from the top of the next ridge above the Red Heather Hut.

If you are looking for a little more excitement, you can continue on this trail to Elfin Shelter (11km from parking lot) at the top of Diamond Head. It is a much larger hut capable of housing over 30 people with wooden bunk beds, gas stoves, and outhouses. There is a much higher avalanche risk and weather exposure so it is important to check the conditions before leaving home. This is typically an over-night trip, so make sure you plan accordingly.