Sanson Peak

Elevation: 2310 m
Elevation Gain: 800 m
Sanson Peak is the official name of a high point on the northern end of Sulphur Mountain. The Peak was named for Norman Bethune Sanson in 1948. Sanson served as meteorologist, zookeeper and museum curator for Banff National Park. In 1903, he proposed that a weather station be built atop the (then nameless) northern summit of Sulphur Mountain. In his capacity as Park Meteorologist, Sanson ascended his namesake peak over 1,000 times publishing weather reports under the pseudonym “Seer Altudinus.” In addition to Sanson’s weather station, the peak was also home to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station which operated from 1957 until 1978 and was disassembled in 1981. Thanks to the popular “Sulphur Mountain” hike and gondola which provide access to it, Sanson Peak is often (and incorrectly) claimed as the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Indeed, the true summit of Sulphur Mountain is 140 m higher, located about 4 km to the south and sees far fewer visitors.
My Ascents:
April 19 2019, May 29 2011
Trailhead: Banff Gondola Parking
GPS Track: Sanson Peak

With her birthday fast approaching, I received the unexpected news that my lovely wife wanted to spend her special day hiking near and then soaking in Banff’s Upper Hot Springs. Since neither of those plans struck me as objectionable, we secured babysitting and started to discuss potential objectives. After initially proposing an unrealistic mountaineering ascent, I successfully talked my “Breezy Goat” down to a pleasant hike up Sanson’s Peak. As the big day approached, the forecast looked foul but cold weather only makes for better hot-springing so we stuck to our plan (which included hiking in the cold to ‘earn’ our hot spring time).

After a slightly later-than-expected departure (how were we late when we didn’t even have to get our kids ready?!), we reached the trailhead parking lot and set off under overcast skies. Having recently gotten herself into spectacular shape, Brianne launched herself up the popular "Sulphur Mountain" trail, setting a torrid pace in search of some birthday cardio.

The trail is forested and largely viewless save for occasional cut lines that accommodate the nearby tourist tram. Fortunately, this allowed us to minimize tiresome photo/rest stops and maximize our cardio workout (hooray!).

As our altitude increased, so too did the amount of snow/ice on the trail. After launching her microspikes into the woods of couple times (seriously Dear, WTH?), we eventually succeeded in outfitting her “hooves” for improved traction and resumed our workout.

Rare views as the trail approaches (but never crosses) a significant avalanche gully.

The birthday “Goat” was certainly in a “Breezy” mood today! Seriously Love, can I please catch my breath?!

A confluence of (gondola) cars appears over the Bow River as we near the upper gondola terminal.

Happy birthday Brianne! From the upper gondola terminal, we were just able to make out the summit of Sanson Peak half a kilometer away through a brewing blizzard. Talk about earning that soak in the hot springs!

After passing a crew of Croc-clad gondola-ascenders, we successfully reached Sanson’s 116-year-old summit-top weather station. Seer Altitudinous’ forecast for today, apparently, involved seeing remarkably little thanks to whiteout conditions…

After tackling Sanson peak in 1 hour and 55 minutes, the birthday girl finally allows herself a chance to catch her breath and admire the “view.”

“Views” down towards the town of Banff. You know things are bad when Tunnel Mountain is the most impressive peak visible.

The birthday views might have been shit but the company was lovely.

Brianne dedicated a moment or two to learning about cosmic rays before deciding that it was too damned cold and retracing our steps back towards the much-warmer gondola terminal.

Having caught a chill, we decided to avail ourselves of some hot tea and enjoyed it during our complimentary gondola ride down. We’d originally discussed hiking down to get a better work out but ultimately decided “to hell with that” when we realized how cold we were.

After hot tea didn’t do the trick, we decided to sit next to a roaring fire in the nearby Rimrock Hotel in an attempt to chase Brianne’s chill. Of course, only paying customers are allowed to enjoy the fire so we were forced to make a purchase (or 2…or 3…). Looks like someone’s officially having a “hoppy” birthday now!

And at last, the grand finale! After a bladder-busting 30-minute wait to get in, the hot springs provided a soothing end to our stormy Sanson suffer-fest and chased that chill once and for all.

Happy birthday Brianne! There’s no one I’d rather freeze atop a mountain with!