Ski Trip

Spearhead Traverse

The Spearhead is a stunning, high-level, U-shaped ski traverse linking Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains via a series of glaciers, summits, and mountain passes.  

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The Proper Way to Sky Whistler/Blackcomb

The traverse has been described as a classic Canadian Ski Mountaineering objective and has often been compared, in quality, to the world-famous Haute Route.

All superlatives aside, here is what you really need to know about the Spearhead Traverse: 35 km, 13 wild glaciers, 11 mountain passes, countless jaw-dropping views, and endlessly deep, pristine snow, almost all in the alpine territory.  For our visitors, this is by far the best way to ski tour the Whistler Backcountry, and for the locals, well, you can't really call yourself a Coast Mountain Skier until you have done the Spearhead Traverse.

Let our Ski Guides manage the navigation, avalanche hazard assessment, and crevasses.  All you need to do is hike up to glorious mountain passes, ski some epic powder runs and appreciate some seriously magnificent views.

Terrain

Open bowls, glades, pillows, alpine faces, and couloirs. A good mix of elevations and aspects

Favorite Runs

Macbeth Glacier and Overlord Glacier

Elevations

1300m - 2600m

 

Length

3 days

Price

$925 per person

Location

Spearhead Range

Season

All Winter

Difficulty

Intermediate Expert

Guest / Guide Ratio

6:1

Includes

  • 3-day guided skiing with ACMG guide
  • All Technical Equipment (harness, crevasse rescue, and group gear)

Does Not Include

  • Backcountry Ski Rentals
  • Avalanche Safety Equipment
  • Personal Camp Gear (sleeping bag, mat, tent, stove, pots)
  • Whistler Blackcomb Backcountry Lift Ticket
  • Meals

Let our Ski Guides manage the navigation, avalanche hazard assessment and crevasses.  All you need to do is hike up to glorious mountain passes, ski some epic powder runs and appreciate some seriously magnificent views.

All participants are required to read and sign a release of liability waiver prior to their trip. 

The Spearhead Traverse is geared towards anyone who has logged a variety of days ski touring, has a strong ski ability level and is now looking to experience the mountains on a unique and challenging trip. The Spearhead Traverse is not only a physical challenge but also a mental challenge as this trip is 3 fully self-supported days in the backcountry. So if you are an intermediate to an advanced skier (ability to link turns on black diamond terrain) and have good fitness, this is the trip for you.

Crevasse Rescue + Glacier Travel Online Course - $45

2025 Dates

March 28 - 30
$925 per person + GST
April 11 - 13
$925 per person + GST
Custom dates are available
As low as $530 per person + GST

The Route

First completed in 1964 as a 9-day expedition from the valley (before the first ski lifts), it has since been done in little over three hours (that's right, three hours!). Most people, however, will take 2-4 days to enjoy this fantastic adventure.

35 km, 13 wild glaciers, 11 mountain passes

 

Map of the Spearhead traverse

Day 1

Highlights: Skiing off Decker north face, crossing the Shudder glacier.

Distance: 7.9km

Vertical gain: 1100m

7:30 am Meet at your hotel, check gear and head straight to the Whistler base for avalanche transceiver training.

8:30 am Take the lift system up and out of the Blackcomb ski area. Expect to travel 8 hours, with possible ascents and descents of many different peaks such as Decker North Face, Pattison North Face, and Tremor Peak. Around 3 pm, we will set up camp in our desired location. Highlights: Skiing off Decker north face, crossing the Shudder glacier.

Day 2

Highlights: Macbeth glacier descent, Ripsaw Ridge, Iago camp!

Distance: 5km

Vertical gain: 600m

Start early, break down camp, eat breakfast, and head off for another full day of ski touring. On this day, we will be traveling quickly around the very furthest back of the Spearhead range.

Day 3

Highlights: Touring past Fitzsimmons and Overlord peaks, long glacier descent off Overlord

Distance: 18.5km

Vertical gain: 1200m

Start with a fun descent to the Cheakamus Glacier before the biggest climb of the trip. Push up past the iconic Mount Fitzsimmons and Overload peaks in a solid climb. From here, it’s smooth sailing with lots of scenic descents and short climbs past Fissile and eventually back to the Whistler resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Prerequisites for this trip?

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