Meadowlark

Advanced tree skiing on the Front Side in the Eagle area, serviced by the Grizzly Gondola. Historically known as the “Z-run” or “Z-Run”; a patroller-developed designation embedded in the Lake Louise Ski Patrol Operations Manual. The “Z” likely refers to the zigzagging descent pattern required to navigate the steep, tree-lined topography; “ski cutting” for avalanche control involves patrollers descending in a zigzag pattern to test snow layers. Patrol designation: “Z-Run (Meadowlark)”. Sweep protocol: patrollers sweep Stampede to the top of the Z-run, meet the Eagle Meadow sweeper, continue down the Z-run to Pinecone Way, then through the Meadowlark Connector to Lowest Meadowlark. Named for the Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta); a grassland bird whose song is synonymous with the North American West. Veterans still call it “the Z-run.” See Upper Meadowlark, Lowest Meadowlark.