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Spearhead Traverse: Ski Touring Classic

Duration
2 days
Season
March through April
Group size
Up to 6 people
Difficulty
Moderate: Great fitness & ski touring experienced required
What's included
Guide, group safety equipment, permits

The Spearhead Traverse is an ultra-classic for a reason—it’s a stunning high-elevation traverse featuring 12 glaciers, 11 high alpine passes, and some of the most spectacular mountain views around! Stretching 34 km (21 mi), it can be tackled in one or multiple days, though this 2-day option strikes the perfect balance, keeping backpacks lighter without rushing. That said, the traverse presents real challenges: tricky navigation and unpredictable weather can be overwhelming. And that’s why having ACMG/IFMGA guides on your side is invaluable—we’ll handle all the planning, avalanche assessments, and route finding, so you can relax and fully enjoy the experience.

Eric
Eric
ACMG Ski Guide, ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide, CAA Avalanche Professional

Adventure highlights

  • ACMG/IFMGA guide leads the way
    It’s a tricky traverse that demands proper planning, managing tricky weather, and glacier travelling—so trust a pro to guide you through it
  • Classic high-alpine route
    Experience the iconic horseshoe-shaped ski route linking the Spearhead range behind Blackcomb with the Fitzsimmons Range of Whistler
  • Sleep under the stars
    We’ll do the traverse in 2 days, and camp under a clear winter sky, with million-dollar views surrounding us

Itinerary

Ski tour the iconic Spearhead Traverse over two days with an experienced ACMG/IFMGA guide handling permits, planning, navigation, avalanche assessment, and glacier travel. This breathtaking 34 km (21 mi) high-elevation route links the Spearhead and Fitzsimmons ranges, crossing 12 glaciers and 11 alpine passes. Though the terrain and weather can be challenging, our expert guides ensure your safety and let you focus on enjoying epic powder, stunning mountain views, and camping under clear winter skies!

  • On the first morning, we’ll sign waivers, check gear, and ride the lifts to the top of Blackcomb. From there, we climb over the East Col and set off into the heart of the traverse. After a full day of touring, we’ll camp near the MacBeth Glacier—future site of the next Spearhead Hut. The following morning, fueled by fresh coffee, we continue south around Overlord and Fissile, pass the new Kees & Claire Hut, and finish with the classic descent down the legendary Singing Pass Trail.

    Spearhead traverse sunny day
Backcountry skiing in British Columbia
Hut-based adventures (10) | Ski traverses & road trips (9) | Day trips (7)
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Adventure brochure
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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

Monte
5.00
Monte
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide, CAA Avalanche Professional, CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor, CASI Level 1 Snowboard Instructor
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide, CAA Avalanche Professional, CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor, CASI Level 1 Snowboard Instructor
Monte, the majority owner and driver behind BlackSheep, is an ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide based in Squamish, BC. After earning an engineering degree, he left the desk job behind to pursue guiding, avalanche forecasting, and film safety full-time. Monte has climbed and skied worldwide—from Patagonia to Japan—and frequently explores new adventures. Close to home, he’s experienced spots like the Bugaboos, Rockies, and Yosemite. A passionate gear enthusiast, Monte also tests and reviews the latest outdoor equipment.
Bram
5.00
Bram
ACMG Ski Guide, CAA Practitioner CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor
ACMG Ski Guide, CAA Practitioner CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor
Bram is a California native whose love for the mountains has taken him around the globe. He’s spent seasons skiing across the U.S., Canada, France, and New Zealand, always chasing deep snow, rugged peaks, and great food and beer. Passionate about helping others reach their goals, he splits his winters between guiding in the Sea to Sky and at Last Frontier Heliskiing. In summer, he’s back in Squamish, BC—working in tech, climbing, skiing, and enjoying life with his son.
Chris
5.00
Chris
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide, CAA Avalanche Professional
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide, CAA Avalanche Professional
Chris brings over three decades of mountain experience and a deep well of knowledge to every adventure. His career has spanned outdoor education, ski patrol, cat and heli guiding, touring, ice and rock climbing, mountaineering, and film safety rigging. From ski descents in Japan and the Alps to multiple ascents of Mt. Waddington, his journey began in BC’s Coast Range and was shaped in the Strathcona Alps. Now based in Squamish, Chris specializes in mountain rescue training and plays a key role in developing helicopter rescue with TEAAM.
Eric
5.00
Eric
ACMG Ski Guide, ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide, CAA Avalanche Professional
ACMG Ski Guide, ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide, CAA Avalanche Professional
Eric is an ACMG Ski Guide, Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association, and Apprentice Rock Guide based in Revelstoke, where he’s spent the past 17 winters exploring the legendary Rogers Pass and surrounding terrain. His guiding and climbing experience extends to the Saint Elias Range, Coast Mountains, Canadian Rockies, and Sierra Nevada. Known for his enthusiasm, deep knowledge, and commitment to going the extra mile, Eric is passionate about creating exceptional experiences for his guests—and can’t wait to share his love of the mountains with you.
Drew
5.00
Drew
ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide, ACMG Alpine Guide, CAA Avalanche Practitioner
ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide, ACMG Alpine Guide, CAA Avalanche Practitioner
Drew has been a passionate climber, skier, splitboarder, and all-around mountain enthusiast for decades. His first visit to Squamish, BC in 2008 left him captivated by the dramatic landscapes, deep powder, and endless granite walls—he was hooked for life. Soon after, he made the West Coast his permanent home. Years of climbing and sharing his passion with others naturally led him to guiding. From long multi-pitch routes and alpine summits to heli-skiing, touring, and instructional courses, Drew is excited to craft each mountain adventure around his guests’ goals and dreams.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced ACMG/IFMGA certified guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 2-day Spearhead Traverse tour
      • Pre-trip planning & support
      • Group safety equipment
      • Permits & insurance

    Not included:

      • Transportation to/from Whistler
      • Personal equipment
      • Meals
      • Accommodation
      • Extra days due to weather
      • Trip cancellation, travel, and medical insurance — available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • In order to join this Spearhead Traverse tour, great fitness is required. Ski touring experience is a must and you have to be an intermediate to advanced downhill skier. Winter camping experience is not required.

    If tackling the Spearhead Traverse in two days feels too intense, our guides can arrange a more relaxed 3–4 day itinerary. For seasoned skiers seeking a big challenge, completing the traverse in a single day is also possible. Whatever your pace or style, let us know—we’ll make it happen.

    For more ski adventures in British Columbia, click here!

  • Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.

    Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.

    Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.

  • Ski/snowboard equipment

      • Splitboard or skis (minimum 100 underfoot)
      • Splitboard/ski touring bindings
      • Splitboard/ski boots
      • Splitboard/ski touring skins
      • Adjustable poles
      • Ski/board crampons

    Snow safety equipment

      • 320 cm probe
      • Avalanche shovel
      • 3 antenna digital transceiver
      • Headlamp
      • Extra batteries
      • Personal repair kit
      • 2 ski straps
      • Ski touring harness
      • 1 tri-lock of 2 locking carabiners

    Ski clothing

      • Waterproof breathable jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
      • Waterproof breathable pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
      • Top baselayer (merino or poly blend)
      • Bottom baselayer (merino or poly blend)
      • Softshell
      • Puffy jacket / mid layer
      • Goggles
      • Sunglasses
      • Toque / beanie
      • Brimmed hat
      • Face warmer
      • Insulated gloves
      • Light gloves
      • Socks (merino or poly blend)

    Overnight gear

      • Sleeping bag
      • Sleeping pad
      • Inflatable pillow
      • Earplugs
      • Battery pack
      • Small duffel
      • Booties
      • 4-season tent (shareable)

    Personal equipment

      • Backpack
      • Sunscreen
      • Lip balm
      • Water bottle / thermos
      • Chemical hand warmers (optional)
      • Multitool (optional)
      • Food and snacks
      • Stove and fuel canister
      • Utensils and camp bowl
  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Spearhead Traverse tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. 
      • It takes a minimum of 3 people for this tour to operate.

    Spearhead Traverse tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Spearhead Traverse tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your Spearhead Traverse tour is Whistler, BC. To get there, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). From there, you can take a shuttle service or rent a car to reach Whistler—it will take you 2.5 to 3 hours.

    You’ll meet your guide in the morning, so make sure you’re well rested.

  • 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.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
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