Slashy turns on Hilda and Parker Ridges

Spent three nights with the Edmonton ACC section at the Hilda Creek Hostel, and rode Hilda Ridge (Feb 3&4) and Parker Ridge (Feb 5). Went in with pretty low expectations given the overall lack of recent snowfall and warming, but the cooling Friday evening and light snowfall throughout the trip made for some pretty amazing riding (given the season). We toured up through the trees on Hilda Ridge and rode mainly the N/NE facing slopes under 30 degrees in treeline. Exited on the SE ridge towards the creek. We stuck mainly to gladed terrain where the new layer of snow over the crust made for some nice turns whereas alpine areas were still quite sparse with plenty of sharks. No signs of instability or recent avalanche activity noted. We stuck mainly to the summer trail tree triangle on Parker's Ridge. Crust under the new snow was more noticeable in the gladed areas, but had some great powder turns on more open slopes. The new snow layer is especially deceptive at Parker's: when we arrived Thursday evening much of the mountain was bare only to be covered by a thin layer of snow by the time we left. Had to be careful to stay off sensitive vegetation on the uptrack at the top of treeline. Again, no signs of instability or avalanche activity noted, and overall some of the best riding of the season!