Mt Matier NW Face Ski Descent

February 22nd 2025

Event Details

  • Date:
  • Spots: 8
  • Member Cost: Free
  • Destination: Mt. Matier
  • Categories:
  • Difficulty: Very Difficult
  • Attendee Screening: Attendees are Pre-Screened - The Trip Leader will review your background and contact you before accepting you on the trip. You will get a confirmation that your sign-up is pending right away.
    That doesn't mean that you are confirmed to go on the trip yet. If you are accepted, you should receive an email from the coordinator to confirm your sign-up and coordinate the trip's details.

Description

Primary objective is a ski descent of the NW face of Mt. Matier.

Secondary objective, dependant on weather and conditions, is Heart Strings.

This trip is for experienced skiers with prior ski mountaineering experience. Preference will be given to STGT 2025 class participants, with remaining spots filled based on participant experience, club participation, and prior trips with trip leaders.

The Route

To be discussed by the group, but likely either up the Cerise Creek (Baldwin way) or Joffre Lake 3rd lake (shorter).

•Distance: ~16 km

•Elevation Gain: ~1,550 m

•Terrain: Complex

We’ll ascend the either the Anniversary Glacier or the Matier Glacier depending on conditions. Then we’ll  ascend to the Matier-Joffre col before taking a short boot pack up the north ridge to the summit. Ski off the ridge onto the NW face returning the way we came.

Hazards include crevasses, tree wells, cornices, complex terrain, creek crossing, cliffs, boulders etc.

Requirements

Skills:

  • AST 1 or higher
  • Advanced skiing experience (45-50º slopes, glacier travel, Ridgeline boot pack)
  • Recent crevasse rescue experience (dry or practical, e.g., ACC courses or equivalent)

Required Equipment:

  • Shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver
  • Ski helmet
  • FRS radio (e.g., Rocky Talky)
  • The “10 Essentials”
  • Boot crampons
  • Ice axe(s)
  • Full glacier travel and crevasse rescue kit (pulley, traction device, prusiks, carabiners, etc.)
  • Nutrition
  • Warm clothing plus spares
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Personal repair kit

Group Equipment to Be Discussed

  • Full-size medical kit
  • Ski repair kit
  • Snow saw
  • Glacier ropes
  • Rescue sled/tarp

Carpooling

The trailhead is off the Duffy. I can take three people. A 4×4 vehicle is not required.

Participant Expectations

We aim to be an efficient group, moving consistently but without racing. This is a 16 km / 1,550 m day, so efficient travel, limited stops (we love hot tea & coffee), tight team dynamics, and shared responsibilities will be essential. Our goal is to have fun , enjoy the backcountry, ski when conditions allow, and ideally return home before midnight.

Please answer the following when joining the waitlist:

  • What snack are you bringing for the trip leader?
  • What is your steep skiing experience?
  • What is your ski mountaineer experience?
  • When did you last take a crevasse rescue course/practice?

Guest sign-up

Sign-ups are no longer available for this event.