Hike and Ski up to Fryatt Hut (Alberta)

The Sydney Vallance (Fryatt) Hut is located high up in the mountains south of Jasper and with Jasper National Park. It can be reached in summer with 10km of biking followed by 10km of hiking for a total of around 1000m elevation gain. In the winter when the Athabasca River is frozen, it is possible to cut off 10km of the journey and ski up to the cabin.
In the year of very little snow (2023/2024 ) it involved a little of both summer and winter methods. The river was luckily frozen enough to cross without incident but then half the trail had no snow at all. This made for quite the rigorous adventure. The 'headwall' feature right before the hut was a big surprise and made us start discussing the possibilities of sleeping in the bush or helicopter rescue.

[@blueman5924]

Well, the lack of a deep snowpack is alarming, but at least you didn’t have to avoid slide conditions. A fresh air experience. 🍁🤙

[@agesadventures]

I don't think I've heard you in a video say you're running out of energy...that must have been a grueling trek in!
Yeah, what is it with the lack of snow everywhere this year. I've been seeing people in different areas of the country all showing similar things where the snow has not been near normal this year.
Glad you still found some snow to go skiing. It looked like an awesome time (once you were there).