Panorama from Rummel Ridge snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore
Panorama from Rummel Ridge snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

Rummel Ridge Snowshoe Trail

Kananaskis Country
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Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreWinter views from Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreTracks of Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreRummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis has amazing panoramic viewsMount Galatea from Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreTower view from Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreSpray River Valley on Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreMount Fortune above Spray River Valley on Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreTent Ridge on Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreScenery from Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreValley views on Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreMount Galatea on Rummel Ridge snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

Rummel Ridge Snowshoe Trail

Distance: 4.3mi
Elevation: 2,231ft
Time: 4-6h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.8 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

The Snowshoe trip to Rummel Ridge is a relatively safe and easy ascent to an incredible viewpoint above Rummel Lake. The in-your-face view of Mount Galatea and those of massive peaks across the valley compete for your attention.

Rummel Ridge Snowshoe Trail Map

Getting there

From the Canmore Nordic Centre, continue west on the Smith-Dorrien (Highway 742) as it winds up into the Spray Valley for 21.1mi, and find a pull out on the side of the road, just north of Rummel Creek. If you reach Mount Engadine Lodge you have gone too far.

I’ve done this 18 people have done this
I want to do this 61 want to do this route

About

When to do

December - April

Mountain Huts

None

Toilets

Several day use areas along Highway 742

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Avalanche Risk

Simple

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Rummel Ridge
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Rummel Ridge

Anyone on a snowshoe trip should have Avalanche training, we recommend AST 2 for all backcountry travellers, and AST 1 is the minimum. It is important to note that when travelling through avalanche terrain it is extremely valuable to always have a companion.

Snowshoeing up Rummel Ridge is one of those trips where we seem to have to break trail. This makes the ascent a lot tougher, not only for route-finding but also physically. If you’re breaking trail, make sure you know where you’re going and have the fitness to complete this trip.

The Rummel Ridge snowshoe is described in Andrew Nugara’s Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies book, but his route up the steep west slope comes with some degree of avalanche risk. The route we use ascends the ridge via its northwest arm, essentially avoiding all avalanche risk.

This is a common route for skiers and the first 1.2mi are a relatively easy 984ft ascent on already packed trail. At this point the steep banks of the creek flatten out and you will cross to the south bank.

The route travels through trees, and you will find you end up following others tracks. Be wary that ski tracks likely are heading to a different destination, so don’t follow them blindly. In addition, you should be aware of your surroundings on this trip, it’s possible to get off the trail and into avalanche terrain pretty easily.

Finally, you make it up the easy grade to Rummel Ridge. From Rummel Ridge, the views are spectacular and make the trip well worthwhile. The rewarding views alongside the easy grade of the ridge when the trail is packed makes this an excellent choice to spend a day outside.

It is possible to ascend a portion of The Tower via Rummel Ridge, but we don’t recommend it. This addition is subject to potentially dangerous avalanche conditions and is not recommended unless conditions are stable, and your group has plenty of experience navigating avalanche terrain. There was a fatal avalanche on the ascent route up The Tower from Rummel Ridge.

Insider Hints

  • Consider stopping in at the delightful Mount Engadine Lodge for a snack on the way back. They have a variety of options for hikers, and their Sunday Brunch is great.

  • Snowshoeing in the Kananaskis is a remote activity. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with warm clothes, extra food, matches and ideally a satellite transceiver, like a Garmin InReach. Cell phones do not work until you get to Canmore.

  • Always check the avalanche forecast for Kananaskis before heading out.

Comments

KevinMiller 5 years ago

Our group of 9 ranged from semi-fit to ultra-fit and 50 to 75-years-old. (The two 70+ guys are ultra-fit.) My wife & I are early 60s and have very good cardio fitness, and we found this route to be a VG cardio workout; hence my Physical Difficulty rating. The trail was well-packed and very easy to follow. We marveled at the telemark skier's tracks, and were trilled to see them descending from just below the ridge. (We'd never previously seen telemark skiing.) We spent 15 minutes just below the ridge for lunch, and almost half an hour on the ridge enjoying the eye candy and taking photos.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
4h 15m Time Taken
Christopher Trujillo 5 years ago

This classic hike is worth doing. The view of the lake is spectacular. My girlfriend enjoyed taking lots of pictures. So cool!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Gregory F 5 years ago

Great snowshoe experience!

10.0 Overall Rating
Lisa B 6 years ago

I love to snowshoe Rummel Ridge, its a great day out in the winter and the views are stunning!

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
4 Comments

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