We all know the mecca of climbing is in Squamish. But if you are living and working in Whistler, getting down after work can be tricky. Here are some of the best climbs local to Whistler put together by our team.
- Nordic
- Calcheak
- Storybook Crag
- Suicide Bluffs
NORDIC
Located a few moments from town and with a bus 100m from the trail head, this is your easiest access after work crag in Whistler. It has an excellent beginner wall and a couple of stellar harder climbs for after work projecting.
Approach: You can drive or take the bus to Nordic drive. Take a left of highway 99 at nordic drive and then a second left towards the turning circle. Park infront of the condos on then left hand side. There is path at the end of the condo’s to the right of the garage.
Topo: https://quickdrawpublications.com/wp-content/uploads/topos/Whistler_Nordic.pdf
What to Climb:
Swiss Cheese Wall: selection of 5.7 - 5.9 climbs, perfect to warm up on or get started for the first time climbing. You can also set up a top rope.
Our Favourite Climbs:
Snooze you loose: is the gem climb in Nordic, a crimpy 10d/11a (depending on which book you look at). This is the most popular climb at nordic.
Crag Beta:
The main wall is exposed and south facing so gets very hot. The approach is short but quite steep so good footwear or advanced flip flop skills are needed.
CALCHEAK
Cal-Cheak has over 50 routes, with many being 5.9 or below. This makes Cal-cheak the most beginner friendly crag close to Whistler.
Approach: 13km south of Whistler, 2.4km up a gravel road. 2WD appropriate.
Topo: https://quickdrawpublications.com/wp-content/uploads/topos/Whistler_Calcheak.pdf
What to Climb:
Huckberry Lane: Right from the parking a section of 5.7 - 5.9 climbs are perfect for first timers or warming up.
Monkey & Weasel: This excellent south facing crag has climbs from 5.7 - 10.c. Orange discharge and Rock fu are two of the best.
Our Favourite Climbs:
Mood swings left: this climb has a little bit of everything - crimps, jugs, smearing and a slightly run out finish.
Crag Beta:
Look for the ski on the side of the road as a place to park. Calcheak is perfect if its a hot evening as it's mostly in the shade.
STORYBOOK CRAG
This is surprising a brilliant crag with a couple of wicked routes, however, the belaying spot is a narrow with a talus field below. Not the best option for beginner cragging but great to place to practice multi or work on a project for the summer.
Approach: Follow Valley trail from creekside until you get to where Alta Lake Rd passes the railway-tracks. Then follow the tracks 200-300 meters then you'll see a big white wall to your right. You'll have to walk up the big rocks, there is a trail but the entry is pretty vauge. Get of the bus at Alta vista.
Topo: https://www.seatoskyclimbing.ca/latest-news/storybook-crag-whistler
What to Climb:
The 5.7 multi is a great place to practice your rope skills.
Crack of doom: this is an excellent 5.9 bolted crack route
Our Favourite Climbs:
Shaved on the outside is powerful and overhanging climbing that will test your strength.
Crag Beta:
The belay ledge is quite narrow and is above a large tauls field, not the most comfortable. The rock is also quite crumbly so we would advise wearing helmet.
SUICIDE BLUFFS
This crag is a bit more involved and a little further out of Whistler. Requiring you to take a zip line over the Soo river. All the gear to get across is hooked up so just turn up. The crag is mostly trad with a couple of sport routes. Not a beginner crag.
Approach: Suicide is about 3 miles south of Pemberton on 99, or roughly 15 miles north of Whistler. The exit is between a bridge and the train tracks on the east side of the road. There are two little roads leading to the parking area, and the northern one is sometimes quite flooded. Hike down to the river and cross it via tyrolean.
Topo: We can't find one, turn up and send
What to Climb:
All three walls are mostly high 10's / 11's making the a fairly advanced crag
Our Favourite Climbs:
April Showers: out of the four 5.9 climbs at this wall, this is our favourite.
Crag Beta:
There are three pulleys on the cable, ALWAYS leave one pulley on the parking lot side. There is both trad and sport routes available.