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.
-
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 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:
-
- An experienced ACMG/IFMGA certified guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 3-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.
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.
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.
-
Have more questions?
Read our FAQ