Skip to content

RMASC makes Larch Valley accessible

“It’s not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmond Hillary. It’s been three days since larches passed their prime and clutches of golden needles still cling to high branches of ancient forest above Moraine Lake.
Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sport Centre volunteers help a participant gain access to Larch Valley on Friday (Oct. 3).
Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sport Centre volunteers help a participant gain access to Larch Valley on Friday (Oct. 3).

“It’s not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmond Hillary.

It’s been three days since larches passed their prime and clutches of golden needles still cling to high branches of ancient forest above Moraine Lake.

A skiff of snow settles above the switchbacks at the top of the valley and icy tentacles creep down the trail to trip up the weary. Larch Valley is a popular hike in fall.

Cecile Buhl, Nadine Rutledge and Murray Smith wait in the Moraine Lake parking lot, which begins to fill by 10 a.m., even in -4 C weather. A CBC television crew, Parks Canada staff, an army of volunteers from the engineering firm Worley Parsons and Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre helpers have all shown up to take part in a Larch Valley hike.

Buhl, Rutledge and Smith chat freely with volunteers, conduct breezy interviews and last minute preparations are undertaken before all three are strapped into heavy duty trail riders. After a few pictures, volunteers line up like huskies on a sled dog team, ready to push and pull the three to new heights.

This is the third big trail rider adventure Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports has done with Worley Parsons. Three years ago, they helped Kuen Tang, a functional quadriplegic, summit Ha Ling. Last year, they took a more forgiving trail in the Plain of Six Glaciers, and this year, they wanted to visit one of the most picturesque sections of the park: Larch Valley.

For Buhl and Smith, who both have multiple sclerosis, and Rutledge, who has cystic fibrosis, it’s a glorious chance to get into the backcountry and the excitement is palpable on their faces.

Rutledge, 21, is a longtime volunteer and advocate for RMASC. She first started skiing at Sunshine Village with Jamie McCulloch before the creation of RMASC, and has been involved with the program from the start. She’s seen first hand how the organization’s no limits approach to outdoor adventure changes lives.

“It’s been a great experience for me. I was quite young when I started, and it shaped me into the person I am today,” Rutledge said.

This is her first trip to Larch Valley. She usually only takes the trail rider on the descents, but today she’s getting a lift up the 11 switchbacks and 540 metres of elevation gain.

“Typically, I only get the trail rider when we’re going down. It’s more difficult for me, but it’s my reward at the end of the day,” Rutledge said. “It’s a pretty good ride. Everyone is well trained.”

The program has been a revelation for Rutledge. From that first day of skiing with McCulloch, she’s improved her skills exponentially, and is now a member of the Alberta ParaAlpine Ski team. She’s seen many participants break through barriers and she’s thrilled to continue with the program, which focuses on capability, not disability.

On the day, 30 Worley Parsons volunteers split into three groups to assist Buhl, Smith and Rutledge. The trail riders have heavy duty tires and can have up to five individuals pulling at the front (the horsepower), a navigator and a captain steering the ride from the rear. The pace is steady with plenty of breaks, which keeps the volunteers fresh and happy. Switchbacks require plenty of teamwork, as trail riders don’t turn very well, but the volunteers are up to the task.

“It’s our best day of work all year,” said Worley Parsons Matthew Hamer.

The trip was Smith’s fourth in a trail rider, but first into the Larch Valley. Snacking on carrots and hummus in the middle of grizzly bear country is a relatively new experience for him, and he’s thankful for the freedom the program has given him.

“I’m always impressed with how these volunteers work as a team. It was something to see. These trail riders are marvelous, but they don’t turn on a dime,” Smith said.

He first learned about the group after a presentation to his Kiwanis group, which mostly focused on the RMASC’s youth ski program. When Smith asked if there were adult programs, he was told to come out to Sunshine that weekend to ski with them. He’s been hooked ever since.

“I used to do this before I got M.S., and thought I would never do it again. They’ve opened up a whole new world for me,” Smith said.

Parks Canada spokesperson Tania Peters said the event showcases how mountain trails can be accessible to everyone with the right equipment, and stresses how national parks are open to all Canadians. The RMASC partnership is simply one more example of that fact.

At the top of the switchbacks, Rutledge trades in the trail rider for hiking poles and makes her way across a log bridge. She gets across, surveys the natural beauty, the snow fallen in mountainous meadows, and smiles.

“There are no limits put on you.”


Rocky Mountain Outlook

About the Author: Rocky Mountain Outlook

The Rocky Mountain Outlook is Bow Valley's No. 1 source for local news and events.
Read more



Comments

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks