Initially, we made good progress lower down, but not surprisingly, our ascent took a turn for the worse when we lost the trail in increasingly deep snow.  Unfortunately, the snow had turned isothermal and was completely unsupportive which meant that we were sinking usually up to our knees and thighs.  Soon after losing the trail, we worked our way up to the crest of a ridge on climber's left which I hoped would have less snow.  Indeed, the snow was shallower here, but the ridge was also choked with nasty deadfall which made travel doubly tedious.  At one point, we came across some flagging tied around a tree, but we could not find any obvious trail or route to follow.  Further up, we encountered less deadfall and even the odd dry patch of ground, but inevitably, we ran into deep snow again.  Our progress slowed to a crawl, quite literally at times!  Zosia did a tremendous job of breaking trail through some of the deepest and steepest sections just below tree line while Kathleen took the lead above tree line and perfected the art of crawling on all fours up the slope!

After nearly four hours of wallowing through deep snow, it was heaven to set foot on treadmill scree just below the summit ridge.  Having already gotten more than she had bargained for on this outing, Kathleen decided to wait while Zosia and I continued up the summit ridge.  Getting to the summit was not nearly as straightforward as I was expecting as we had to steer clear of cornices and negotiate a couple of snowy dips.  Thankfully, the snow here was still supportive which made travel much easier and was a huge boost for our morale.  After tagging the summit, Zosia and I returned the same way to reunite with Kathleen, and together, we retraced our steps back down the mountain.  Plowing through deep snow is much easier going downhill, and we made significantly better progress on our descent which took less than half the time as our ascent.  Other than having soaking wet boots, we emerged from the woods none the worse for wear and felt not only relief but an immense sense of accomplishment at being able to pull off this ascent despite all the advice we received to the contrary.  A celebratory beer and dinner at De'd Dog Bar & Grill later in the evening capped off a most memorable day in the mountains.

	Roche Bonhomme is clearly visible from the entrance to Bon Homme View, the group's accommodations in Jasper. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Pyramid Mountain is the last view of any sort for the next few hours.
	Sonny and Kathleen march smartly up the trail. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Snow begins to obscure the trail.
	Sonny begins to wonder if it is even worth continuing. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Zosia makes her way up the deadfall-choked ridge.
	A break in the trees allows a view of Mount Tekarra in the distance.
	Zosia continues to push upward through deeper snow.  Note Kathleen's wet pant legs.
	Kathleen hits some really deep snow at tree line. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	The summit ridge is finally in sight.
	Zosia tries Kathleen's technique of crawling on all fours to distribute her weight more evenly.
	Zosia and Kathleen march smartly up treadmill scree.
	Kathleen and Zosia contemplate the remainder of the ascent along the summit ridge.
	Zosia scrambles up the first significant obstacle along the summit ridge.
	Zosia traverses a short snow patch which is unnervingly exposed.
	The numerous cornices along the summit ridge are both beautiful and dangerous.  The summit is visible at left.
	Zosia drops down the first dip along the summit ridge.
	It appears to be smooth sailing the rest of the way to the summit for Sonny. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Zosia drops down the second dip along the summit ridge.
	Sonny and Zosia sit beside the summit cairn on the "forehead" of Roche Bonhomme (2496 metres).
	The "nose" of Roche Bonhomme sits in front of Grisette Mountain (left of centre) in this view to the east.
	To the south, a couple of peaks along the famed Skyline Trail--Excelsior Mountain and Mount Tekarra--are readily identifiable.  Also at far right on the horizon is Mount Edith Cavell.
	Zosia begins descending the summit ridge.  The town of Jasper can be seen at far left.

To the west, Pyramid Mountain is the most prominent peak of the Victoria Cross Range.

 

The view to the northwest includes Esplanade Mountain, Gargoyle Mountain, Morro Peak, Hawk Mountain and Mount Colin.

Zosia approaches the second dip on her return.

 

	Sonny retraces his steps to the second dip. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Zosia carefully works her way down the summit ridge.
	Sonny descends the last obstacle on the summit ridge. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Kathleen is less than impressed with Sonny's struggles in the snow ahead of her. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Kathleen weaves between the trees on the deadfall-choked ridge.
	Total Distance:  12.8 kilometres Round-Trip Time:  10 hours 24 minutes Net Elevation Gain:  1329 metres GPX Data