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 3-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.
Ski tour the iconic Spearhead Traverse over three 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!
We’ll meet at 7:30am at the Blackcomb base area to check our gear and sign waivers. By 8am, we’ll take the lift system up and out of the Blackcomb ski area, beginning our day of adventure. Expect around eight hours of travel, with ascents and descents across peaks like Decker North Face, Pattison North Face, and Tremor Peak. Around 3pm, we’ll set up camp at our chosen location. Highlights of the day include skiing off Decker North Face and crossing the Shudder Glacier.
We’ll start early by breaking down camp, enjoying breakfast, and setting off for another full day of ski touring. Today, we’ll move swiftly through the remote back reaches of the Spearhead Range. Highlights include descending Macbeth Glacier, traversing Ripsaw Ridge, and arriving at Iago Camp!
We’ll kick off with a fun descent to the Cheakamus Glacier before tackling the biggest climb of the trip, pushing past the iconic Mount Fitzsimmons and Overlord peaks. From there, it’s smooth sailing with scenic descents and short climbs past Fissile, eventually making our way back to Whistler Resort. Highlights include touring past Fitzsimmons and Overlord peaks and enjoying a long, exhilarating glacier descent off Overlord.
Included:
Not included:
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.
For seasoned skiers seeking a big challenge, completing the traverse in a a day or two is also possible. Whatever your pace or style, let us know—we’ll make it happen.
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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
Snow safety equipment
Ski clothing
Overnight gear
Personal equipment
Group sizes and pricing
Spearhead Traverse tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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
Flexible
Super Flexible
