March 13-20, 2004, Battle Abbey, Selkirks

Our first time to the Battle Abbey hut in the Selkirks with a group of 7 from Seattle joined by 7 others from Anchorage.  Had between 60-90 cm of new snow during the week with occasionally strong winds and somewhat limited visibility until Saturday's clearing.  Still able to ski over 42K vertical for the week with relatively stable conditions except during Thursday's stronger storm.  Had mostly great powder with some wind affected slopes in the alpine and variable conditions below 6000'.  Skied Blue Danube, King's Landing and N Omoo gl, S Omoo basin, S Schooner basin (including a new run dubbed "Your Mother and Me"), Burnt Offerings, various runs through the Woodlot and Backyard, and Steepness which was the highlight on our last day with blue skies and great powder that settled after Thursday's dump.  Had sights on many additional runs for future trips, especially Typhee, Little Ahab and Butters.  The guides, Robson Gmoser and Derrick, were excellent -- especially Robson who is incredibly knowledgable of the area.  Jane, our cook, was awesome.  Overall, a great trip and felt fortunate to ski what we did with some sketchy conditions.  Seems that BA will be changing hands for next year and hopefully will still be available to the public for hut trips, perhaps on an expanded schedule if managed by Robson.  Uncertain at this time.  

Some photos to follow.

http://community.webshots.com/album/128512315QRFIKE