The Spearhead Traverse is one of Canada’s (and the world’s) most well-known and spectacular ski touring routes. With 13 glaciers, 9 passes, and hundreds of runs spread across 20+ miles (32+ kilometers) of world-class terrain, Spearhead is a ski touring monolith. Due to its excellent quality, this U-shaped traverse is often compared to the world-famous Haute Route. Those are big boots to fill, but Spearhead Traverse doesn’t disappoint—the blend of passes, peaks, and glaciers is extremely engaging. The slopes are steep, challenging, and covered with deep and pristine powder. The views are jaw-dropping and the route maintains a remote and liberating atmosphere throughout. And the best part—the trailhead is basically in Whistler’s backyard, so it’s one of the most accessible ski touring routes out there. Whether you’re looking to up your touring game or just aching for an epic backcountry adventure, you can’t go wrong with the Spearhead Traverse.
Experience spectacular scenery and even better skiing with this ski tour of the famous Spearhead Traverse. Get ready for three days of pushing your ski touring skills to the next level with an experienced local guide. Spend your days in your touring boots shredding Spearhead and Fitzsimmons Range, and your nights camping in British Columbia’s serene wilderness.
Meet your guides at 8:15 am. After a conditions and weather briefing and a gear check, load the Whistler Blackcomb gondola and head for the backcountry. Kick off the traverse with options to ski Mt. Trorey and Trory Glacier (26,250 ft/ 8000 m) or Mt Pattison (26,900 ft/ 8200 m), which offers an 8,200 ft (2500 m) ski run. Spend your evening camping on Trorey, Tremor, or Platform Glacier—the location depends on the conditions and pace throughout the day.
After a hearty breakfast, meet your guide and discuss the plans for the day. Continue your traverse with penty of different options for descents. When the sun sets, camp at a location depending on your touring route throughout the day.
Meet your guides after breakfast. Today’s task is to ski up to Fissile and out the Singing Pass trail through to the village. Alternatively, you enter over the Musical Bumps back to the Whistler Ski Resort over Whistler Mountain.
Take your friends and family to the legendary Spearhead Traverse for a three-day ski tour to remember! Travel and camp across 13 6,500+ ft (2,000+ m) glaciers and ride some of Spearhead and Fitzsimmons Range’s finest backcountry slopes. Hone your winter skills in a challenging and engaging environment with an ACMG-certified local guide making sure you’re safe and satisfied.
Meet your guides at 8:15 am. After a conditions and weather briefing and a gear check, load the Whistler Blackcomb gondola and head for the backcountry. Kick off the traverse with options to ski Mt. Trorey and Trory Glacier (26,250 ft/ 8000 m) or Mt Pattison (26,900 ft/ 8200 m), which offers an 8,200 ft (2500 m) ski run. Spend your evening camping on Trorey, Tremor, or Platform Glacier—the location depends on the conditions and pace throughout the day.
After a hearty breakfast, meet your guide and discuss the plans for the day. Continue your traverse with penty of different options for descents. When the sun sets, camp at a location depending on your touring route throughout the day.
Meet your guides after breakfast. Today’s task is to ski up to Fissile and out the Singing Pass trail through to the village. Alternatively, you enter over the Musical Bumps back to the Whistler Ski Resort over Whistler Mountain.
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to have very good fitness levels and some touring experience. The terrain in the Spearhead range is quite steep, ungroomed, and demanding. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while hiking uphill for 4000-6000 vertical feet every day.
This adventure is suited for strong intermediate or above skiers with previous ski touring experience and good physical condition. To keep up with your guide’s pace, you should be comfortable hiking uphill for 4000-6000 vertical feet every day and navigating steep, ungroomed, and treed terrain. If you are an advanced skier but you have no experience in the backcountry, we recommend joining a guide for a day of beginner-friendly backcountry skiing in Whistler, BC.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
If you aren’t familiar with using the crevasse rescue kit, your guide urges you to bring two locking carabiners instead.
Ski rentals should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes:
Ski touring in the Spearhead range can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has ski tourers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Spearhead Traverse, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport 1.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Whistler, BC.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
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Heaps of info on Avi awareness, search and rescue techniques, and above all else, awesome skiing! Our guide’s ability to put us in just the right level of terrain was spot on the mark. Very friendly staff, good gear, and very professional. 100% the best days I have spent in Whistler. Will be back for more…