Hiking is one of those hobbies that I used to do often, but in the last two years have seriously reduced my outings. It is also the hobby I miss the most. There is just so much to enjoy about it: The outdoors, the exercise and the chance for some amazing landscape photography.
For my first hike of the shoulder/winter season and my first in months we went to West Winds Pass, just south of Canmore, Alberta. The hike was short, but well worth the accent to the pass which is aptly named “West Winds”. I have never been blown over by wind before, nor have I have gotten windburn on my face while standing still.
West Wind Pass -
Distance – 5.5KM
Elevation Gain – 380M
Time – 45 Minutes Up, 25 Minutes down.
Difficulty – 2/5
Opinion – This was a good hike to break in my new hikers and warm up my legs for more difficult trails. The view of the lakes is very nice and the pass gives you a great shot of the valley Canmore sits in. Be prepared if you go during the Fall or Winter as the top (the pass) has incredibly powerful and cold winds, so powerful they can knock you over. Bring a very warm coat that is wind proof, warm gloves and a balaclava if you got one to prevent windburn.
