The Spearhead Traverse
The Stats:
25 Miles
8,550 ft ascent
13 Glaciers
11 Passes
Our ACMG guides will take the lead on navigation and risk assessment so you can focus on enjoying the traverse!
What’s involved?
Completing the Spearhead is logistically challenging as well as physically. You need to pack all the essentials but keep your equipment as light as possible. Timing the lifts and skiing out in the dark is challenging. Keeping moving through snack breaks and efficient transitions is key. The best time of year is mid-March to Mid-April.
Ski Descents
Pattison NW Face
McBeth S Face
Chekamus N Face
Fissile E Face
Skimo Style?
We can do multi-way but we can also bust out the race skis and do it skimo style. Our fastest time is 3hrs 10min. Want to try to beat it?
One Day or Overnight?
The Spearhead Traverse is most commonly done with two nights of camping. Usually around the Ripsaw Glacier and around Overlord Mountain. If you’d like to tick off some bigger descents along the way, camping gives you more time. If you like sleeping in your own bed, the Spearhead in a day mission is big but rewarding! We can work with both styles at Zenith!
Things to keep in mind:
We use the Whistler-Blackcomb lift system to access the starting point. You’ll need a lift pass if you don’t already have one.
Lift operations may delay our start. Be ready for a bit of “hurry up and wait” but stay confident that we’ll get going eventually!
American visitors will need to plan for a border crossing and travel time involved. Check that your passport is valid!
If we’re camping, the more luxuries you bring for the overnight, the more you need to carry all day skiing. Keep it light!
Want the detailed beta? Check out Matt Gunn’s website and pickup his guidebook to the Spearhead!