The Spearhead Traverse is a horseshoe-shaped loop in the alpine environment connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. While you can take the Peak2Peak gondola for a short ride in the sky between the two mountains, “The Spearhead” is an epic, multi-day (for most) journey that is not for the faint of heart.
The route itself spans nearly 40 kilometers, crosses 13 glaciers and through nine passes, and provides a sense of awe that is usually reserved for big expedition mountaineeers. But for those with a bit of backcountry knowledge and sense of adventure, it’s one of the most accessible high-alpine traverses in the world.
The Spearhead Huts
Over the past few decades a group of passionate individuals formed the Spearhead Huts society. This group is dedicated to building a hut network similar to what is available in the alps, albeit at a much smaller scale. Their grand vision sees three huts spanning the spearhead traverse, giving shelter from storms and allowing more people to explore the traverse.
Updates to the Kees and Claire Hut
A few years ago, the Spearhead Huts society finished the Kees and Claire hut, which fast became one of the most (if not the most) popular huts in British Columbia for backcountry skiing/splitboarding and hiking. The hut offers 38 bunks, a kitchen area, and space to unwind and wait out the storm. It’s become so popular that trying to get a weekend spot is a roll of the dice, having to plan many weeks or months in advance.
Water was always an issue… until now. Before, you had to use water from the lake or melt snow to get hydrated. Not a huge pain in the ass, but a chore, nonetheless. This summer, however, a well got drilled and a pump was installed this year. Next up they just need to get the fixtures installed and the permit secured from the health authority, and the hut will soon have running water.
Progress on the Macbeth Hut
A new hut is in the works at the heart of the Spearhead Traverse. The Macbeth Hut is nearing the final stages before they can break ground, hopefully by next year.
The hut won’t be as large as the Kees and Claire hut, but will still host 24 bunks, which is pretty darn good considering only a few tent pads exist there now. And the hut doesn’t need to be grandiose—after all, the main grandiose element here is the wild nature that surrounds it.
It’s exciting to see that there is progress moving forward. People are welcome to donate to the cause, as it’s not cheap to build a hut to code out in the remote backcountry.
How To Reach The Spearhead Huts
There are three main access points to reach the Spearhead Traverse: Two from Whistler mountain, and one from Blackcomb.
Hee is a link to a map showcasing the trailheads and route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1LV4oD3H1TSFShewBvw_-iihqveANzzU&ehbc=2E312F&noprof=1
From Blackcomb
You need to take the Showcase T-bar (if it’s open) and traverse the Blackcomb Glacier to the start of Garibaldi Provincial Park. From there, you begin skinning upward toward Blackcomb Peak, and down to Decker Lake. Then it’s just a dozen or so ups and downs and arounds to get you around.
From Whistler
You can take the Peak Express, or any of the alpine lifts (if open) and traverse the Musical Bumps trail toward Russet Lake. This is the quickest way to the Kees and Claire hut.
If you don’t want to take any lifts and simply go on your own power, it’s possible to take the Singing Pass trail from Whistler Village. This is a fairly long, pretty much all uphill route that can be iced over from skier traffic, so it matters when you go. It’s also a slog in deep snow, so it’s not the best to go mid-winter. But if you’re a purist who loathes the idea of taking a chairlift (especially paying for one), then the Singing Pass will be your go-to for the Spearhead Traverse.
Helpful Links for The Spearhead Traverse
Avalanche Canada has included the Spearhead Traverse in their online trip planner—a great resource for assessing risk and figuring out the safest route ahead of time.
Check out the Spearhead Traverse on Strava
Saul Greenberg from the University of Calgary posted a very detailed guide based on his GPS data for accessing the Spearhead.
