Snowshoe Trail D6 - Upper View

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The fully serviced chalet is open during ski season and snowshoe trail passes are required for use of trails. Off season there is no fee for trail use, but donations are appreciated.

This is probably the most difficult section of trail at Birch Brook and it is potentially dangerous. That makes it fun! In the summer, it can be climbed up from the D6 main route or from E3 down, but while snow covered in the winter, it is strongly recommended that it be used as a downhill trail only. That means first having to climb up E3.

Near the wind-swept summit of E3, bare ground is exposed and it usually has a cap of ice. Tread carefully. On the summit, there are not a lot of substantial trees to hold signs, so watch for some flagging tape. There is a sign that indicates the turn to D6 Upper View, but also watch for a large erratic perched on the ledge.

Once on D6 Upper View, the slope down is twisty but quite gradual, apart from a few fun bits. Watch your footing as there could be ice on the rock outcrops that the trail passes over.

In the winter it is unusual to do the trail without seeing willow ptarmigan in their white plumage. Sometimes they wait until a foot is almost upon them before fluttering out of the snow! If the exertion didn't elevate the heart rate, those birds will do it. On the windswept rock outcrops they can easily find patches of red berries where there's some thin soil and buds on shrubs that are blown clean of snow.