At an elevation of 2206 metres, Highwood Pass is the highest point in Canada which may be reached by paved highway. There are a number of good reasons to pause at the top of the pass, one of which is to enjoy the view to the north that, although somewhat restricted, features the distant peaks of the Kananaskis Range  and some very interesting and instructive geology.

Highway 40 follows the valley of Pocaterra Creek as it descends towards Kananaskis Lakes. To the left of this valley is Pocaterra Ridge, brilliantly green in early summer and featuring some classic avalanche slopes.

Highway 40 closes to traffic at the beginning of December and re-opens in May allowing the animals some R + R away from humans and at the same time protecting humans from the avalanche threats that exist in the steep sided neve basins (snow bowls).

This was Zofia’s first time at Highwood Pass as Bill has visited on a number of occasions to hike, with our hiking group, and also to take part in photo shoots.  In summer moose and bears frequent the area; so they take priority when raising young.  This is truly a beautiful spot in winter as you can snow shoe into the meadows and watch back country skiers glide down steep snow covered slopes.  On the other side of the road is a short snowshoe up to Ptarmigan Cirque.

Snow was abundant and the car park full, everyone taking advantage of a little sunshine and a snow pack deep enough to enjoy winter sports.  The wind however was biting and it was a pleasure to dip out of it in the forestry.  Up high there was not that much wind but it was chilly once you stopped to take in the views or have a refreshment break; our hot chocolate went down a treat.

Our first snowshoe of the season up to the meadows beneath Pocaterra Ridge provided us with magical snow covered vistas ….. as the advert for Alberta says “remember to breath”.