High above the treeline at 2526 m, the views from Abbott Pass Hut on the Great Divide between Yoho and Banff National Parks are spellbinding, as is the hut itself - a stout stone hut built in 1922 by the hard work of Swiss guides. Its century old walls are steeped in climbing history, stories of adventure, challenge and friendship. The building materials & furnishings were brought up from the Lake Louise side by pack horse via “the death trap” glacier, then dragged by sleigh over crevasses spanned by ladders, and on the backs of the guides themselves. Hauling ourselves up there with modern gear and backpacks was challenge enough, and makes one appreciate and marvel at the hut and its builders.

I started this painting as my personal celebration of Abbott Pass Hut's 100th birthday this year, and finished at the sad news that the iconic hut will be dismantled this spring (2022), due to its “ground failure”, a.k.a the ice is melting underneath its foundation due to climate change. We had planned to return to the hut one of these days, but alas we are too late. Like anyone who visited Abbott Hut, we are grateful to be left with life-long memories, stories and images.

Read more about Abbott Pass Hut at the Alpine Club of Canada's latest "State of the Mountains Report"