Mount Lawrence Grassi

Description

Mount Lawrence Grassi is the name of the highpoint of the small massif located directly west of the town of Canmore and south of Whiteman Gap. It has at least 4 distinct small summits and the east side above the Bow Valley is comprised of steep walls. Ha Ling Peak forms the north end and Ships Prow forms the south end, with the highest point directly behind Canmore Wall being the official Lawrence Grassi. There is a moderate scrambling route up the back (west) side of the mountain.

Lawrence Grassi emigrated from Italy in 1912 and lived below the Three Sisters near Canmore, spending his life as a miner, park warden, and remarkable mountain guide. He was also a master trail builder and built many of the trials in the area still enjoyed to this day.

He was small in stature though incredibly strong and some of his accomplishments were to climb nearby Mount Louis 32 times, the first solo ascent of Mount Assiniboine, and carrying Dr. R.D. Williams down a steep mountain and across a glacier to a waiting rescue party after he broke his leg on a climb.

Lawrence Grassi loved the mountains, and it is rumored that one time he attempted to go to Calgary to have his eyes checked, but only made it near the Ghost Dam and had to turn back because he did not like being away from the mountains.

Thanks to Kevin Altheim for this description.