Description

Hike and scramble from the Sea to Sky gondola base to the top of the gondola line using a variation that goes a little south of the Climb (Skatshn) trail. Great views of the upper Shannon falls, and a nice viewpoint looking out towards Sky Pilot, but mostly closed-in forest walking. The distance is about 5 km with 900–950 m of elevation gain (about 1½ times the vertical of the first peak of the Chief). This is an unofficial trail, not well marked, with some short sections of scrambling, some of them with consequences if you slip. You should be comfortable with short, low-angle sections of hands-on movement on rock. Wear grippy shoes. No dogs, please.

Itinerary: Meet at the gondola parking lot at 9 am. Hike up in about 2½ to 3 hours. Option to get coffee and snacks at the gondola station if people want to. Download on the gondola. The download requires a ticket for $19, which you can buy ahead of time or at the gondola station. I’m not sure whether you save money by buying online. There’s also a fee for parking, so it pays to carpool. Email me if you want to save money on parking by carpooling in with me from Squamish.

Stuff to bring

Sun protection, water, and snacks. Shoes or boots with good grip. Also bring a rain shell, warm layer, hat, and headlamp because mountain weather is unpredictable. I will bring a GPS watch with track and an InReach satellite communicator. I don’t find hiking poles that useful on this trail, but feel free to bring them if you want.

Carpooling

Please do get together and carpool. I’m coming from Squamish in the Skyridge neighbourhood. Let me know if you’d like a ride.

Extra info

Gondola hours and prices: https://www.seatoskygondola.com/hours-and-prices

Hazards

Please read the whole list below, but for this trip I’d like to highlight the scrambling hazard. The scramble sections are short, but there are two places with a big fall below (one has a hand line). Other hazards would be slipping or falling on steep rugged trails and rock slabs, sharp branches, wildlife (bears, mostly). Possibility of losing the trail and being out longer than expected.

Rockfall

What are the risks: Rockfall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking)

Communication and rescue

What are the risks: Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available| Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field | If an injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow

Terrain

What are the risks: Cornices | Crevasses | Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps | Cliffs | Creeks | Rocks and Boulders |Holes and depressions below the snow surface| Variable and difficult snow conditions |Snowcat roads and road ranks | Fences and other human-made structures | Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects | Encounters with domestic or wild animals | Loss of balance or control | Becoming lost or separated from the group | Slips, trips, and falls

General Hazards

What are the risks: Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor| Equipment failure| Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact| Negligence of other persons, including other guests| Negligent first aid| Negligence of the guide including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities