Garibaldi Alpine!

This 4-day high alpine traverse crosses 2 glaciers and 3 mountain passes. Immerse yourself in the spectacular alpine meadows and ancient volcanic landscape of Garibaldi Park. Traversing around Garibaldi Lake, you spend most of your time above tree line and off trail in the alpine.

This trip is a great progression if you have taken Level 1 Alpine or other beginner mountaineering course. Learn and practice applying your glacier travel and scrambling skills. We keep the itinerary flexible to meet your learning goals.

Due to the high demand, we recommend participants book early.

Pre-requisites

• Excellent physical fitness.

• Experienced backpacker.

• Level 1 Alpine or similar skills

Itinerary

Pre-trip Meeting via Zoom

Evening pre-trip meeting (7-9pm) will go over itinerary, meeting location, equipment, and logistics.

Day 1

Meet at Cloudburst Cafe, Squamish BC 6:00am. Drive to Rubble Creek trailhead. Hike to campsite. Possibly summit Black Tusk Peak.

Day 2

Hike to Gentian Pass over the Helm Glacier. Pass extinct volcanos along the way. Review crevasse glacier travel skills.

Day 3

Bushwack down to Sphinx Bay then up the Gray Glacier, crossing Gray Pass to camp in Sentinel Bay.

Day 4

Traverse beneath The Table, over Clinker and Price Peaks. Possibly summit Mt. Price. Descend to Garibaldi Lake for a swim then hike down the trail back to the cars.

Optional: Rest day hike and take photos.

Goals

• Review equipment for glacier travel on snow/ice.

• Review and practice self-arrest and ice axe use.

• Review and practice snow climbing techniques: kicking steps, holding the ice axe (cane, dagger, anchor).

• Review different snow and ice anchors: pickets, t-slots, bollards, ice screws, v-threads (depending on conditions).

• Roping up for glacier travel: tying-in, stopper knots, spacing, rope team movement.

• Navigation using mapping apps, estimating time, distance, and elevation gain. Plotting a GPS track to follow in whiteout.

• Class 3/4 scrambling techniques

• Choosing routes over alpine terrain with moraines, talus, scree, and snow.

• Practicing “leave no trace” camping

• Packing and planning including meal prep, equipment, and clothing.

• Safely travelling in grizzly bear country

Note: Goals are the discretion of your guide based on their professional judgement.

Equipment

(Detailed list will be emailed)

• Harness (mountaineering)

• Helmet (climbing)

• Mountaineering boots

• Crampons (fitted to boots)

• General ice axe (70cm)

• 1 X 55cm Snow Picket with Cable

• 4 x Locking carabiners (pear shape)

• 1 x Double length sling (120cm)

• 1 x Cordalette (5m x 6mm cord)

• 1 x Sterling Hollowblock prusik

• 1 x Nanotraxion

• 1 x Tibloc

• Personal Items (toothbrush, insect repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, pain killers, bandaids, athletic tape)

• Backcountry camping kit

• 70-80L Backpack

Note: VMG can supply some equipment if required.

Fee

$999.00 +GST each (4-Days)

Max 6 participants

Dates

July 31-Aug 3

Ratio

1:6 (guide : participant)

Waiver

You are required to read the VMG Waiver and agree to it’s terms and conditions prior to paying or signing. Your guide needs to see the emailed waiver verification before participating.

Questions?