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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.
- Location
- Spearhead Range
- Duration
- 3 days
- Difficulty
- Intermediate / Expert
- Guest Ratio
- 6:1
$925 per person
Book nowThe Spearhead Traverse: Whistler’s classic ski traverse
A guided three-day ski traverse from Blackcomb to Whistler through the Spearhead and Fitzsimmons ranges in Garibaldi Provincial Park: about 35 km, 13 glaciers and 11 mountain passes, camping two nights along the way. ACMG guides, up to 6 guests per guide, $925 + GST, with harness, crevasse rescue and group gear included. It suits strong skiers who have toured before and want their first big glaciated traverse.
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 ACMG 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.
What is involved?
Let our ACMG 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.
Is this for you?
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.
2027 Dates
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
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
Day 1
Highlights: Skiing off Decker north face, crossing the Shudder glacier.
Distance: 7.9km
Vertical gain: 1100m
7:30 am Meet in Whistler Village, check gear and do 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.
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 Overlord 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?
- Able to link turns on black diamond terrain
- Previous ski touring experience
- Moderate fitness (ability to walk uphill for 3 - 6 hours)
- Eagerness for adventure
- Powder skiing experience (minimum 20 days)
What is the gear list?
Hardware
Clothing
- We personally recommend bringing a larger-than-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.
Camping gear
Camp Kitchen
Miscellaneous
Missing Something?
- If you don’t want to travel with all your ski equipment or don’t have some of the gear there are some options. Depending on the item we may have something that will work otherwise there are a number of local companies that rent touring equipment.
How long is the Spearhead Traverse?
About 35 km over three days, crossing 13 glaciers and 11 mountain passes between 1,300 m and 2,600 m. Daily distances range from about 5 km to 18.5 km, with 600–1,200 m of climbing each day.
Do we stay in huts or camp?
We camp. It is a fully self-supported trip: you carry your own tent, sleeping bag, stove and food, plus a share of the group gear. See the gear list for everything you need.
Do I need glacier travel or crevasse rescue experience?
No. Your ACMG guide manages navigation, avalanche hazard and crevasses, and we supply the harness and crevasse rescue gear. If you want to understand the systems before you go, add our Crevasse Rescue + Glacier Travel online course ($45) when you book.
Do I need a lift ticket?
Yes. The traverse starts from the Blackcomb lifts, so you need a Whistler Blackcomb pass or a backcountry lift ticket. It is not included in the trip price.
When is the best time to ski the Spearhead Traverse?
We run it in March and April, when the days are longer and the snowpack is usually more settled. Every trip still goes ahead only when the avalanche and weather forecasts allow.
How much does the Spearhead Traverse cost?
$925 per person + GST on a scheduled trip, with up to 6 guests per ACMG guide. Custom dates for your own group start from $625 per person. Avalanche safety gear, camp gear, meals and the lift ticket are not included.
