When the predicted high temperature for the day is minus 29 degrees Celsius, the primary objective of any hike becomes returning with all 20 of your digits intact. At the risk of sounding like a TV commercial, "Hats off to the designers of the Baffin Technology boots" (rated to minus 100 degrees Celsius). If you are into low temperature, winter trips, get to MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) and pick up a pair - the best $125 I've spent all year!

The hike to Agnes Lake and the surrounding area makes for a great winter excursion, but beware - last year a person lost his life when he was caught in an avalanche around the lake. If you don't know how to assess avalanche danger and have no training in avalanche rescue, I strongly suggest you avoid this area.

Although snow covered, the Lake Agnes hiking trail was packed down and presented no problems. At the lake, snowy Mounts Whyte and Niblock were particularly impressive. Of course the lake was frozen and covered in snow, allowing us to shortcut across it to get to the Big Beehive ascent trail. The ascent slope was fairly steep and the snow was very deep. The frost covered trees at the top, with the sun on them were very eye-catching.

The snow on the ridge was even deeper and required the use of snowshoes. The ridge rises to a high point and then drops a little to a sheltered viewpoint. The views of Mounts Whyte, Niblock and Lefroy were fantastic throughout.