Spearhead Traverse
As low as:
$595.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)Get in touch and we will schedule a trip for you!
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Add-ons
Avi Kit rental $45.00
Avalanche kit rental includes transceiver, shovel and probe. If you are bringing your own avi kit, this must include a modern, digital, 3-antenna transceiver, and a solid shovel and probe. If you do not have all three of these things then you must rent a kit from us to take part. Avi Kits once rented are non-refundable.
About
This classic coast mountain Haute Route starts on Whistler Mountain and works its way around the spectacular Spearhead Range. Over three days, we’ll traverse through awesome terrain, bagging peaks and making ski descents along the way. This can also be combined with the Mystery Creek trip to make an amazing and committed seven-day mountain ski traverse. Best completed February to May.
Included in the price:
- 3 days with an ACMG Guide
- Group technical gear
Not included in the price:
- Transportation to and from meeting point
- Backcountry lift access pass
- Food
- Personal gear (avi kit, mountaineering kit and camping gear available to rent)
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.
Logistics
Please get in touch to discuss the logistics of this trip. Itinerary, route objectives and the number of days will vary depending on the group desires and abilities as well as time of year.
We will discuss logistics upon booking and note specifics in the booking tab. Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your trip.
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email.
Requirements
The Spearhead Traverse is a demanding route. To join this trip, we require that you:
- Feel comfortable traveling for extended days in a backcountry winter environment including winter camping and movement in adverse winter conditions
- Are an advanced level skiers or boarders (in this case, it means that you should be able to easily ride the equivalent of black diamond runs in natural and variable conditions at a minimum)
- Have a high level of fitness (able to cover 5-15 km a day and 1500m elevation, or move for 8 hrs a day (with a heavy pack if on an expedition, or a day pack if the trip uses roofed accommodation)
Preparation
To prepare for this trip you should be doing ski touring days with 1000-2000m elevation gain per day. We also recommend some overnight ski touring trips.
Questions about the suitability of this trip? Send us an email. We’re happy to help you find or customize trips to suit your needs.
Gear List
Please be sure that all clothing and equipment is in good repair and functioning properly with boots fitted properly to bindings.
Hardware
- Touring ski/board, boots, skins, poles
- 60+ litre backpack (or something large enough to fit personal gear, group gear, and food)
- Avalanche transceiver (modern, digital, 3-antenna), probe, shovel (available for rent as “avi kit”)
Technical Gear
The following can be provided by IAG as a “Mountaineering Kit” add-on for $15/day when you book.
- Helmet (UIAA approved and adjustable)
- Ice axe* (50-80cm, general mountaineering tool)
- 3 locking carabiners (one “pear” shaped)
- 3 non-locking carabiners (two should be matching flat stock)
- Harness
- 7mm accessory cord (2 x five-meter lengths)
- Double shoulder length sewn sling (120cm length, rated to 22kn)
- Boot and ski crampons if a spring trip
Clothing
- Warm socks, 2 pairs
- Base layers (top and bottom)
- Mid-insulation layers
- Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable material)
- Warm outer jacket (down or synthetic)
- Warm toque
- Face warmer (scarf, neck tube, face mask, buff)
- Light gloves, 2 pairs
- Insulated gloves or mitts, 2 pairs
Camping gear
Some of these items can be shared between contiguous groups
- 4-season tent
- Winter sleeping bag (warm to -15 depending on time of year and forecast)
- Sleeping pad (something that gets you off the ground and is rated for winter)
- Lighters/matches
- Pot, stove and fuel (available as a “cook kit” add-on)
- Food (please note that all lunches should be ready-to-eat, and will likely be consumed on the go). For tasty, nutritous and locally pre-made dinners check out https://wildedgeketo.com/
Other
- Sun protection (sunscreen, glasses, and hat)
- Goggles
- Camp booties or shoes
- Small general repair kit (e.g. for sleeping pad, stove, tent, any parts specific to your bindings/equipment)
- Small personal first aid (medication, blister kit, etc.)
- Personal toiletries (keep to minimum)
- Bowl, cutlery, thermos
- Water bottles (minimum 2L capacity)
- Camera or phone
- Headlamp
- Water purification
- Hand sanitizer
- Map and compass (compass available as a rental add-on, bring your own map for the trip location)
- Altimetre (optional)
- Notebook (Rite in the Rain recommended) and pencil
Group Gear Logistics
Your guide will bring along group emergency (first aid, communications device) and group technical gear. You are only required to bring the items on this list.
Rentals
- Touring Gear: Ski Tak Hut offers 25% off backcountry rentals (skins, boots, and skis, split board or snowshoes) for clients on IAG trips and courses. These can be ordered online using a discount code. Contact us after you have booked to receive your unique code. Note you will be asked to show the booking confirmation you received from us when you pick up your gear.
- Avalanche Kit: We offer transceivers, shovels and probes for $45 as an add on kit when you book. If you do not have your own gear, please request prior to your trip.
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Technical Gear: Our Mountaineering Kit rental includes all the items on the technical gear list, and is available for $45 ($15/day). These can be purchased when you book or requested later as an add on.
If you require other items from the personal gear list such as mountaineering boots, you can check out Sports Rent based out of Victoria.
Testimonials
There are currently no testimonials for this trip yet.
