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.

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.

• Self-arrest and ice axe use.

• Learn to walk on snow slopes: kicking steps, holding the ice axe (cane, dagger, anchor).

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

• Snow/Ice techniques, flat foot, pied troisieme, and front pointing.

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

• Crevasse rescue practice

• Class 3/4 scrambling techniques

• Discuss route finding over alpine terrain with moraines, talus, and snow.

• Introduce techniques to move over alpine terrain with snow/ice and rock/talus.

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

Equipment

(Detailed list will be emailed)

• Harness

• Helmet (climbing)

• Guide belay device

• Mountaineering boots

• Crampons (fitted to boots)

• General ice axe (70cm)

• 1 X 55cm Snow Picket with Cable

• 5 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)

• Synthetic Clothing

• Sleeping Bag (0c)

• 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?