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Rockies :: Icefields :: Dolomite Shoulder

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Icefields Corridor from upper slopes of Dolomite Shoulder. Noseeum Peak left, Andromache and Hector behind

February 18, 2021

"Dolomite Shoulder" is unofficial name for first highpoint of long ridge extending over several Dolomite Towers,  normally scrambled from west side via Kane route.  It is visible as one drives past Mosquito Creek ~20min north of Lake Louise.  It has largely stayed off radar; I learned of it from pretty good "Confessions of a Ski Bum" ski site.   Judging by tracks it is frequently done on skis in winter, but it is also feasible as moderate snowshoe.  Approach utilizes popular Dolomite Highline route.  Snow conditions must be stable as steep subalpine slope can be dangerous if avalanche rating is high.  Views are nothing short of fabulous, including bird eye view of rugged alpine basin between Dolomite Towers and unofficially named "Oxo" peak.  Final bit is steep with brief exposed traverse and should be booted up.  Trip is likely completely ignored in summer, probably because of many better known nearby objectives, but it might be well worth the effort.

Parking is few minutes north of Mosquito creek trailhead.  There is no official parking lot, but there will usually be several cars at west shoulder of Icefields Parkway, even on a weekday.   Carrying gear and crossing steep snow bank on west side of the road might as well be crux of the trip.  Follow ski highway moderately rising through forest for ~40 minutes then look for tracks branching left (west) as grade levels off.  Wooded slope climbs to subalpine and this is the tricky bit;  use caution as grade is steep and presents considerable avalanche danger.  Clearing at top is logical spot for first break;  everything that follows is pure joy.  Moderately angled slopes that follow can be tackled anywhere.  Upon reaching final summit block take snowshoes or skis off, then scramble up steep snow on foot.   Rounded "summit" area is wide enough for comfortable break and if not windy it will be hard to peel yourself off!  In summer it might be possible to follow rotten ridge to base of south Dolomite Tower. Return the same way, again taking care descending that steep subalpine slope down to Dolomite Ski Highway.

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