March in the South Canadian Rockies is a season of transition. Down in the valleys, the sun can feel warm and inviting. Trails may appear dry, and the first hints of spring seem just around the corner.
But head a little higher into the mountains and it’s still very much winter.
Snow lingers at elevation, avalanche conditions begin to shift, wildlife starts to stir, and the weather can swing wildly in a matter of hours. For hikers, snowshoers, and backcountry travellers, this time of year requires thoughtful planning and a flexible mindset.
Four spring hiking tips
Here are a few key things to consider before heading out on a March adventure.
- Avalanche conditions start to shift
Earlier in the winter, avalanche concerns are often tied to persistent weak layers and large slab avalanches. In March, warming temperatures introduce a new set of dynamics. Cornices that built up over the winter can become unstable and begin to collapse. Heavy snowpacks can release wet slabs or loose wet avalanches as the snow warms and loses strength.
Even slopes that seemed stable earlier in the season can become unpredictable during periods of warming. Solar radiation, rising temperatures, and afternoon heat can all increase avalanche risk, especially later in the day.
Careful route selection, staying aware of overhead hazards, and checking daily avalanche forecasts are essential this time of year.
- There’s still plenty of snow up high
One of the biggest misconceptions about March in the South Canadian Rockies is assuming that snow disappears as soon as the valleys warm up.
While lower elevations may look dry, snow often lingers higher up. At around 1,600 metres and above, winter conditions are still very common. In some years, substantial snow can remain well into early summer, especially in shaded areas or along north-facing slopes.
That means adventurers heading into higher terrain should still be prepared for winter travel.
Packing snowshoes, even if starting out on a dry trail, can make a big difference. As the snowpack warms, it begins to go through what’s known as an isothermal stage, where the entire snowpack reaches a similar temperature throughout. Early in the day, the surface may feel firm enough to walk on. But as temperatures rise, the snow can quickly become soft and unstable.
When that happens, you can easily begin postholing, sinking deep into the snow with every step. Not only is this exhausting, it can also damage the trail and create hazards for others.
Snowshoes help distribute weight and keep travellers moving efficiently across soft spring snow.
- Bears begin to wake up
March is also the time of year when wildlife starts becoming more active again.
In the South Canadian Rockies, bears typically begin emerging from their dens around this time. While full activity ramps up later in the spring, it’s not unusual to start seeing the occasional track in the snow as bears begin moving around.
Because of this, it’s important to start shifting back into bear-aware travel habits:
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Make noise when travelling through dense vegetation or near creeks.
- Travel in groups when possible.
- Stay alert for fresh tracks or signs of wildlife activity.
Early spring can be a sensitive time for wildlife, so giving animals plenty of space and remaining aware of surroundings is key.
- The weather can change fast
If there’s one defining feature of March in the Rockies, it’s variability. It’s entirely possible to experience multiple seasons in a single day. A morning that starts sunny and calm can quickly shift to rain, snow, strong winds, or dropping temperatures by afternoon.
Because of this, trip planning becomes especially important. Our blog post shares seven tips to plan you trip effectively, from using a reliable weather forecast to finetuning your packing list. You can also learn about our top four favourite weather forecast tools.
Flexibility is often the key to enjoying this time of year in the mountains.
Spring hiking: Let’s get out there safely
March may be a transitional season, but it’s also a beautiful time to explore the South Canadian Rockies.
If you’re looking to build confidence navigating this unpredictable time of year or just don’t want to do the planning yourself, we offer guided trips and courses that share valuable insight into reading snow conditions, planning safe routes, and travelling responsibly in the backcountry.