paul ridge, BC

supafly · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Posts: 72 Location: north vancouver, BC

Just looking for a bit of guidance relating to the terrain around Paul Ridge and Round mountain near Squamish.

I have just completed my AST1 and am looking for some easier terrain to transition into, I have toured up to Paul Ridge once already and ended up skiing on terrain features near the ridge as opposed to south facing terrain off the ridge itself.

Where is the easiest terrain to ski off the ridge itself, east of round mountain towards the elfin lake shelter? Can I have a beginner day skiing mellowish slopes off the south facing ridge itself?

Thanks for your help Smile

SteveK · Joined: 19 Jan 2005 Posts: 3356 Location: The bull's eye

Sorry, did most of my limited skiing off the north side of Paul Ridge, just past Red Heather area. Some avvy exposure where we were. I thought there was mellow west-facing stuff below the Gargoyles/Columnar. Didn't like what I saw off south side of Paul Ridge.

Frank did an article in 2008 on Bivouac.com re avvy issues to Elfin Lakes. The site is worth the membership fee. Site search "Paul Ridge" and it should show up.
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mekon · Joined: 25 Feb 2007 Posts: 1155 Location: vancouver, b.c.

People mostly ski the slopes that fall off the north side of the ridge after you gain the ridge just past round mt when following the winter trail. these slopes continue as you follow that trail out to the shelter. on a clear day the lines are all pretty obvious from above. you can also ski the area on the north/west flank of round mt, where there are very mellow slopes. there are also the very mellow slopes above red heather shelter.

i've been told there is some tree skiing on the south side of the ridge, but have not done it.

PaulB · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 12:05 am Post subject:

As noted above, the lines are pretty obvious, but it is worth remembering that the marked trail is on the south side of the ridge because the north side slopes are avy prone. Dig a pit, do some tests, and see what you find. It's a great area to spend a day practising all that stuff from the AST course and getting in some turns as well.

One problem with Paul Ridge is that if there is too much new snow, a lot of the terrain isn't steep enough to ski because you can't get any momentum built up.