Christmas in Banff December 25, 2025

 

To wake to see another new accumulation of snow from overnight was a great Christmas present on its own. To wake on Christmas morning in Banff, turning a dream into reality, was a present to myself.  Although the best Christmas present came a few days early when on Monday morning, I had a six month check up with the surgeon. I told him how I felt, what my physical accomplishments were then showed him my range of motion. He told me I was doing exceptional!  He stated a small percentage of people get back to being at 100%, he told me I could be one of those if I continue to put in the work. Of course I am going to!

This morning the plan was to hike up Tunnel Mountain. I prayed the roads to the trailhead were plowed, and they were.  While I was the first vehicle in the parking lot, I was not the first on the trail.  Four others were ahead of me and to that I say Thank You for breaking trail through all the new snow. 

breakfast time 

This deer would not move off the trail.  This was the look I got when I stomped my feet, waved my arms and said get going shew move on. Finally it did trot off trail.  

 narrow path through the snow 

My pace matched that of a snail. 

I stopped to capture a bazillion beautiful seconds in time.  

view down to the Bow River and Banff Springs Golf Course

looking across at where I was yesterday 

left red mark is the Sulphur Mountain Terminal

right red mark is the Cosmic Ray Building 

male Red Crossbill 

female Red Crossbill 

As I was nearing the high point, I met the four hikers on their way back down.  I thanked them for breaking trail. This is my first destination shot!  The snow was just below my knees. That’s Banff and the Bow Valley below me.

After visiting the high point, I hiked back down to the official Tunnel Mountain summit.  

This is my second destination shot, peeking out from the Red Chairs.  

Loads of untouched snow looked so inviting!

I passed on the invitation!

 view of the mountain range to the east with Rundle on the right

on my way back down to the trailhead 

Time came to get the turkey in the oven and prepare all the fixings.  Once dinner and desert were devoured then came time to relax by the Christmas Tree and crackling fire.  I looked outside to see flurries falling once again!  What a Merry Christmas!  I hope you had a Merry Christmas!