Prior to the festive season Vicki and I found ourselves with a free day, but not so great weather, but that's ok. Except for winter high wind days almost any winter day in the mountains can be enjoyed with the right winter gear and common sense. We started hiking around 2:30pm, -7c at the trailhead -15c on top, but such fun. I changed my wet gear into dry at treeline, had a couple of zips of hot tea and really enjoyed the last part to the top.
Only saw one other person, that was sparse for Prairie Mtn, but kind of expected. Halfway down had to use the headlamps. Now I had room for some of those Christmas goodies.

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There is an alternative descent route for Prairie Mt, in case you wanted something different. I like it a lot. It's called Kneesaver, and goes down the west ridge a short way, then look for a cairn that leads into the trees, from there the trail should be obvious, not as steep as Prairie Mt normal route and it empties out on to Prairie Creek Trail, which can be followed back to the start. I think it's 11km, 800m for Prairie up, Kneesaver down, and Prairie Creek out.

Very nice to see this report Alan; always enjoy when you post something, too bad its too rare!

Hello Alan,

Isn't this what you used to call the Great Turkey Burn-Off? Actually, I recognize my mistake. The Great Turkey Burn-Off occurs AFTER the turkey!

In addition to PhilR's alternative route there is one that continues down the South ridge to the same trail he mentions. Can be coupled with Vent's Ridge, too, although I wouldn't recommend it at this time of year.

Étienne and I are planning on doing a late afternoon ascent of Prairie either today or tomorrow so we can use headlamps on the way down. Are you interested in burning off any more turkey?

Just let me know!

May the Lord our God continue to bless you richly throughout this coming year!

Thursday might work. I see the winds are supposed to be less. IMO trail needs microspikes. Victoria and I used microspikes all the way although the lower and past treeline trail could be navigated without I think.