Mt Currie - Wedge Ski Traverse
Pemberton to Whistler - The Fun Way
This brilliant adventure starts with a short helicopter trip to the summit of Mount Currie and finishes on the slopes of Blackcomb Mountain. Located just north of Whistler, it remains a mystery as to why this area sees such little traffic as the ski quality, terrain and setting along the Currie- Wedge Traverse are quite possibly the best in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
Skiers will begin the traverse by venturing down Mount Currie's south side to the rarely traveled Mystery Glacier and the expansive ice fields north of Mount Wedge. And while a descent of Wedge is every skier's dream run, this traverse offers a lifetime of additional skiing possibilities with superb variety. Despite a modest 27 km distance, we love taking three days to squeeze every ounce of skiable terrain out of this magnificent backcountry paradise.
We highly recommend this traverse for advanced skiers.
The Goods
Length: 3 Days
Elevations: 1300m - 2600m
Terrain: Open bowls, glades, pillows, alpine faces and couloirs. A good mix of elevations and aspects.
Season: Scheduled Dates in Spring 2019 & 2020, or Custom Trips on Demand
Max. Guest to Guide Ratio: 6:1
Highlights: Helicopter flight to start the day, traversing the Weart Glacier and summiting Wedge via the NE Ridge.
Is This for You
This is a great traverse for skiers with lots of touring experience who are seeking a multi- day trip away from the crowds. Despite being so convenient to access from Whistler, the Currie- Wedge Traverse area is remote, big and wild.
Participants should be intermediate or advanced skiers and snowboarders. Good fitness is required as you can expect to travel uphill on skis 2000 – 7000ft each day for 3 days.
The Route
We meet at your hotel at 7am, check gear and head straight to the Pemberton Airport. Following our transceiver search training and helicopter safety debrief, an 8:30am helicopter departure will take us to the summit of Mount Currie high above the Pemberton Valley. We will camp on the Weart Glacier Plateau and bag the summit of Mount Wedge via the aesthetic north ridge for the hailed ski descent down its classic south face. Various routes and ski descents are possible on the Mount Currie-Blackcomb Traverse and these will be decided based on the snow & weather conditions as well as group fitness & skill level. You can expect to travel for 8 hours each day and set up camp at our desired location around 4 pm. We arrive at Whistler Village around 4 pm on our last day.
Highlights: Skiing off Mount Currie south face.
Distance: 7.5 km
Vertical gain: 850 m
Descent: 1070 m
Highlights: Skiing around the Owls
Distance: 4.5 km
Vertical gain: 370 m
Descent: 6500 m
Highlights: The long descent to billygoat pass
Distance: 15.6 km
Vertical gain: 1500 m
Descent: 1820 m
Scheduled Trip Dates
April 19 - 21, 2019$850 /person
March 20 - 22, 2020$850 /person
April 17 - 19, 2020$850 /person
Custom Date & Duration
What's Included
3 Days guided skiing with ACMG Guide
Group Gear (rope, harnesses, crevasse rescue kits)
Pots, stoves, fuel
Helicopter Flight
One heck of a good time
Food (We can arrange catering upon request)
Tents
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
(Let us know if you need guidance with rentals!)
Hardware
• Ski touring skis, Skins, poles
• 50+ litre backpack (something large enough to fit personal gear, group gear, and food)
• Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel
• Harness
• Ice axe
• Crevasse kit (2 prussics, 2 locking biners, 2 non-locking biners) We can provide if necessary
• Ski crampons
Clothing
•Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
• Lightweight breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing)
• Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
• Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning
•Warm gloves
•Warm hats
• Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
• Base Layers
We personally recommend bringing a larger than a normal insulated jacket or an additional light jacket or vest to supplement your normal layering system. Down pants are also a fantastic treat on overnight trips.
Miscellaneous
• Sunglasses
• Goggles
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Small personal ski repair kit (Phillips driver for snowboard bindings)
• Personal first aid, medication
• Camera
Camping gear
• Down booties for around camp
• Change of warm socks
• 4 season tent
• Winter sleeping bag (-15 to -30c)
• Sleeping pad, inflatable is recommended
• Bowl, cutlery, thermos/water bottle
• Personal toiletries
• Anything else to keep you comfortable and happy 🙂
Prerequisites
- Intermediate ski ability (blue/black diamond runs)
- Previous ski touring experience
- Moderate fitness (ability to walk up while for 2- 4 hours)
- Eagerness for adventure
- Powder skiing experience (minimum 20 days)
Add-Ons
Still Have Questions or Concerns?
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns or requests on how we can make this the best trip ever!!!
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Altus mountain guides is a group of motivated professionals dedicated to providing our clients with outstanding quality in the mountains with safe adventurous trips. From our base in Squamish and Whistler BC we provide you access to the most amazing mountain experiences the West Coast has to offer. Our exciting itineraries showcase the Coast Range but reach beyond to the interior ranges of the Selkirkʼs and Purcellʼs and onto the Rockies. We also offer trips internationally from the historic and classic European Alps to the windswept wilds of Patagonia.