Twin Cairns

BOU AVENUE
Twin Cairns

On 20 April 2024, Joad Clément, Zosia Zgolak and I skied up Twin Cairns in Alberta's Banff National Park. I had made it to the top of Twin Cairns before, but this would be Zosia's first successful ascent after a couple of failed attempts. Though he had skied off Twin Cairns before, this would also be Joad's first time reaching the true summit. As usual, we started from the Sunshine ski resort parking lot and climbed the long but straightforward ski-out to the village before making our way to the top of Wawa chairlift and the resort boundary. As we approached Twin Cairns we skied across its north end to gain the northwest slope. There is one short but steep section on the northwest slope which can be a little challenging to skin up, but we all managed to do so with varying degrees of difficulty. After reaching the cairn at the north end of the summit ridge, we traversed to the second cairn at the higher south end. Skiing this traverse was not without some challenges since we had to contend with both snow cornices as well as exposed rocks, but fortunately, we made it to the second cairn without incident. We took a break here while watching some other people come up via the east slope.

For something different, Zosia suggested completing a traverse of Twin Cairns by descending the east slope where everyone else was coming up (they would traverse Twin Cairns in the opposite direction). We first boot-packed a short distance down the south ridge before strapping on our skis and dropping off the east side of the ridge. Other than a brief rocky section which required some careful maneuvering, we all enjoyed some excellent skiing here on surprisingly nice powder. All too soon, we were back at the ski resort and making our way down the runs back to the village. We made a brief stop to listen to a live band at the village before continuing down the ski-out and back to the parking lot to wrap up a most enjoyable day of skiing.

	Joad and Zosia begin climbing up the ski-out under the resort's gondola lift.
	Joad and Zosia arrive at Sunshine Village two hours after leaving the parking lot.
	After leaving the ski resort, Joad and Zosia head toward Twin Cairns.
	Joad and Zosia follow ski tracks across the north end of Twin Cairns.
	Far-reaching views open up as Zosia and Joad gain the northwest slope.
	The northwest slope looks tame at first but gets steeper higher up (to the left).
	Joad and Zosia head for the higher south end of Twin Cairns.
	Sonny sticks to the ridge crest during the traverse to the south end of Twin Cairns. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	The summit ridge has a few minor undulations.

Surprisingly, we're the first ones up here today!

Zosia and Joad climb up the last rise on the summit ridge.

Sonny, Zosia and Joad stand on the summit of Twin Cairns (2547 metres).

Can you spot Eohippus Lake?

The Monarch dominates the view to the southwest.

This is the clearest day I've ever had on Twin Cairns!

A plethora of peaks stretch away to the northwest with the most prominent being Mount Ball (right of centre).

	Towering above the nearby ski resort are Eagle Mountain (Goat's Eye) and Mount Howard Douglas.
	Zosia and Joad carefully descend the south ridge of Twin Cairns.
	Sonny and Joad drop down the east side of Twin Cairns. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak

Cue the theme from "Jaws"!

Zosia tries to find a viable ski route past some rocky bits.

	Clear of the rocks, Sonny and Joad enjoy the best skiing of the day. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Zosia descends the lower east slope of Twin Cairns.
	Sonny rocks his air guitar next to a live band at Sunshine Village. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Total Distance: 15.9 kilometres Round-Trip Time: 5 hours 56 minutes Net Elevation Gain: 890 metres GPX Data