Access for this great ridge hike is from Kootenay Pass between Salmo and Creston. At an elevation of 1775m (5823’), it is the highest point of Highway 3 and the highest road pass in Canada. Part of the 1133 hectare Stagleap Provincial Park, the pass is famous for its early and late season snow as well as being the highest-served pass in BC that is open year round (closed occasionally for avalanche danger).
This is a popular backcountry skiing/snow shoeing destination in the winter. Unlike resort based routes, these tours are all completely backcountry. There are no lifts, no lodges and no people nearby. Make sure to check out the Kootenay Boundary Avalanche Forecast n the Canadian Avalanche association website.
Location: Access from Bridal Lake in Stagleap Provincial Park on the summit of Kootenay Pass
Difficulty: B1 moderate
Elevation Gain: 493m
Key Elevations: Parking lot on highway 1775m / 5823’: High point of Ridge.
Distance: 6.2kms round trip
Time: 3 hours round trip
Season: Late June to early October
Access: very good. 2WD low clearance
Map: 82F/3
Drive: Drive up Highway 3 to the top of Kootenay Pass between Salmo and Creston. Park beside Bridal Lake at the summit. This is popular backcountry skiing area in winter, but the summer hiking is just as worthwhile. Besides Cornice Ridge, you’ll also find the trail to Ripple Ridge/Lightning Strike across the highway.
Trail. From the day-use hut beside Bridal Lake, a trail ascends to the left. Soon reach a junction, take the right fork and ascend.
0.8 km, Crest the ridge. At the junction, go left. Right circles back to Bridal Lake in a loop.. Climb along shelves of rock with Cornice Ridge coming into view. Climb to the Avalanche Control Station with the ridge curling beyond. Pass a helipad beside the station and arrive at the first high point on the ridge. This ridge has a large cornice lasting long into the summer. Descend steeply from that high point picking your way among the stunted trees and rocky ridge line. Snow often covers this north-facing descent. Avoid its edge. The trail becomes marginal and steeper for the 1 km down and up to the summit. Climb up to the ridge and the summit. The north slopes cliff out.
Surrounding Mountains. North to Wolf Peak. West down the highway to Lost Mountain (third from the right). South back across the highway, Ripple Ridge and Monk Peak. Lost Mountain is to the west and third from the right. Wolf Peak is to the north.
What to do? Cornice Ridge continues East as it descends to some interesting granite boulders interspersed with wind-sculpted trees.
References:
www.westkootenayhiking.com
www.backcountryskiingcanada.com/Kootenay_Pass#cornice