Chris and Mark made the annual pilgrimage to Banff for a week in late March. Despite what was rumored to be a not-so-great year (both in terms of avalanche hazard as well as ice) they found remarkably good conditions. Temperatures stayed low enough for some sunny routes and, at least for that week, avalanche hazard was not great.

We started out at Johnston Canyon, a great place to get back our "ice-legs". Our good buddy, Mike Powers encouraged us on to some of the steeper pitches (and "got the ropes up there", as well). Here, Chris moves into a cruxy little roof problem.

Also in Johnston Canyon.

Keeping with the canyon theme, we visited Marble Canyon, across the highway from Haffner Creek. Marble is a tight little slot with not a lot of ice, but some very fun one-pitch routes. An unknown climber plays around on the base of a small pillar.

Chris on perhaps the best pitch in Marble Canyon.

Climbing out of the tight slot of the Canyon. In this fun area, there is no walkout option.

Chris leads on Elliot Left-hand, a great route on the David Thompson Highway.

The final bit of the last pitch of Elliot Left-hand.

Chris takes the sharp end on the first pitch of Louise Falls.

The super-classic Kitty Hawk. Normally, by late March this climb is a running stream. But cool conditions kept it in fine condition through the end of the month.

Also in the David Thompson the seldom visited Cline River Gallery. Pure Energy is the fat climb and a great one-pitch route.