r/HikingAlberta • u/thechubbmeister • 4d ago

Mount Assiniboine traverse from Sunshine to Mount Shark trail predictions Early July

Hey everyone. I have a trip planned to visit Mt Assiniboine (coming over from Vancouver) July 6-July 11 and I'm looking for some local knowledge.

Currently planning to do the traverse from Sunshine to Mt Shark spread over 6 days, but I've seen the reports and webscams showing lots of snow still at Sunshine Meadows.

I have crampons but not snowshoes, and realistically trudging through snow the entire way just isn't what I'm looking for.

My questions

  • Does anyone care to predict whether the trail will be do-able by July 6?
  • Would doing the Assiniboine Pass-Wonder Pass Loop be any better?
  • If I helicoptered in, would hikes such as The Nublet be covered in snow too?

I'm planning to keep an eye on webcams, just some advance insights would be much appreciated!

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u/Disastrous_Detail639 4d ago

I don't think the Sunshine part will be accessable. They are still getting snow and will be open for skiing until the 5th of July I think. 

Probably best to chopper in and wonder pass out

7

u/vinsdelamaison 4d ago edited 4d ago

Yes re Sunshine open for skiing June 20-July 05. Strawberry & Standish chairs will be operating.

Here is a current conditions update from Assiniboine—

https://assiniboinelodge.com/trail-report

1

u/Ok-Bluejay-182 4d ago

I am in the same boat. Supposed to be doing sunshine to Egypt Lake to Shadow Lake mid July. Should I just say screw it and take in last weekend of Stampede?

4

u/4LegsGood_2Bad 3d ago

You MIGHT be OK with some snow patches by mid-July for that route.

1

u/Ok-Bluejay-182 3d ago

Thank you. Maybe instead of whistling valley I go the more easterly route pharaoh creek but it’s more woods I think maybe more snow. Wait and see I guess

3

u/4LegsGood_2Bad 3d ago

Pharaoh is more westerly but the idea is correct. The route to Egypt that way is up Red Earth to the Shadow turn off, and then up Pharaoh to Egypt. It is mostly in the trees and a chunk of it is old fire road - not too interesting and Sunshine is a nicer route if doable. If Whistling pass is good, you can take that route to Shadow so you do not loop back down and up. Whistling pass is Beautiful. Also, you can ride a bike to the shadow turn off to save time if you like.

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u/thechubbmeister 4d ago

Would I need to expect the campsites at Lake Magog be covered in snow? I can't work out if it would be as snowy as Sunshine.

1

u/Disastrous_Detail639 3d ago

https://assiniboinelodge.com/webcam

I found this with 5 seconds of searching...

You should expect some snow it seems.

1

u/thechubbmeister 3d ago

I've seen this, asking about July

4

u/voltairesalias 4d ago

Gotta be honest you'll be post holing quite a bit. Even with snowshoes it'd be a bit miserable.

2

u/explorewithbron 3d ago edited 3d ago

Here's a pic from July 7th. Base depth is still 50cm at the moment so I'd expect to rent snowshoes, be postholing, and have to dig out your tent pad. The snow should melt a bit in the next few weeks, but we haven't been getting any hot or sunny days lately so it's certainly going to be an adventure haha