Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies by Alan Kane

Author:Alan Kane
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-77160-098-9
Publisher: Rocky Mountain Books
Published: 2016-04-26T04:00:00+00:00

Scramble routes for Mounts Sarrail and Foch as seen from near Mount Northover. The scrambly section from the unnamed point to Foch is shown here.

Mount Foch 3180 m

Difficulty: Difficult scrambling, loose rock, exposure

Round-trip time: An extremely long day from Upper Kananaskis Lake parking lot; 7–10 hours from Aster Lake

Height gain: 1710 m

Maps: 82 J/11 Kananaskis Lakes; Gem Trek Kananaskis Lakes

Mount Foch (pronounced fawsh) and Mount Sarrail form the impressive vertical backdrop directly above Upper Kananaskis Lake. While neighbouring Mount Sarrail sees regular visits, far fewer have stood on the summit of Mount Foch. The route ascends the back side, starting near Aster Lake, and traverses a long ridge past an unnamed 3125 m peak en route to the summit. Travelling as far as the unnamed peak is easy but continuing to Mount Foch involves scrambling along a loose, narrow and exposed ridge. A one-day ascent from the parking lot can exceed 16 hours, so camping at Aster Lake is a more logical plan. Try this ascent from about mid-July on.

Leave the meadows just before (north of) Aster Lake and head left to follow the valley south-southeast past Marlborough Pond towards the col next to glaciated Mount Marlborough. The idea is to gain the easy ridge on the skyline to the left. This leads northeast to an unnamed 3125 m peak at 292032, then continues to Mount Foch. The simplest spot to gain the ridge is via rubble near the col at the far end of the valley, though you may not have to go quite that far. Once you’re on the ridge, views are truly entertaining and help keep your mind off the notable distance lying between you and Mount Foch. Real scrambling starts once you pass the unnamed 3125 m point as the ridge narrows and undulates, requiring frequent loss and regain of elevation. Allow about 3 hours from the unnamed point to Mount Foch and back. A rubbly slab leads to the summit. Return the same way.

If doing this as a day trip you probably won’t dally too long, despite exceptional views that include Mount Pétain and Pétain Glacier to the south. Otherwise, savour the spectacular scene that surrounds you, from Kananaskis Lakes to Mount King George and the gut-wrenching drop down the front.

Marshal Ferdinand Foch was supreme allied commander in France at the close of the First World War and is considered the leader most responsible for the victory.

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