 Shannon Beattie (close) and the rest of the team en route to the summit of Whistler Mountain. DOC POW/SnowSeekers |
WHISTLER, BC – It was a good feeling to be back walking on snow, especially so given the fact that it’s only August. As we hiked to our ‘iron way’ on Whistler Mountain we could still see evidence of the past season. Brandon Boucher, SnowSeekers’ director of photography, and I took a break from the annual Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival to hit Whistler’s Via Ferrata.
Our descent hike to the start of our climb started just past the top of the gondola in Whistler’s alpine. Here we crossed the double diamond run Surprise, just next to the Peak chair. The chairlift is open all summer, taking tourists to the top of Whistler Mountain. But for those that want to ‘earn’ it, visitors can summit it on their own, as well.
Via Ferrata is a part of European mountain heritage, something booked out of coffee shops in Europe. It's a relatively new adventure here in Canada, but for those who have a passion to explore, it’s an epic way to spend a day. Whistler’s Mountain Guide Bureau welcomes the world daily with an introduction to mountaineering and climbing that is sure to leave you smiling.
 Safely harnessed in to the Via Ferrata, Brandon Boucher poses for the camera on the side of Whistler Mountain. 7th Heaven (an area on Blackcomb) is in the background. DOC POW/SnowSeekers |
The adventure takes about five hours and is run by professional guides who keep you moving along the mountain face. “This is a much different way to get to the top,” said Whistler local Shannon Beattie, part of our seven piece climbing group. “Certainly not your everyday on the mountain,” she said.
For lack of a better descriptor, the Via Feratta route is made up of overgrown staples. We were outfitted in a climbing harness, helmet, and a whole mess of adrenalin before we scampered up the side of the Olympic giant. The top is 7,160 feet above sea level, so the views we were met with provided the perfect end to a rigorous afternoon.
Once we got going along the route to the top there was no stopping us. It took us a bit of time to build the confidence, but eventually we were up at the top, desperate for another adrenalin filled adventure. Lucky for us, we then had to descend down into the village for Crankworx!
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