March 26, 2007 - March 27, 2007 | Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia | Ski

Martin Volken Guided Chris Solomon, Andy Martin & Rob Morris.

Our first attempt at this trip with a larger group back in February had been turned around after a few miserable hours of whiteout and howling wind. We were all rather concerned about the 6000 ft+ freezing level and 4 + inches of rain over the previous few days. But temps plummeted, snow returned and then it went bluebird. Driving up from Squamish the Tantalus range was bathed in sunlight with a distinct and refreshingly low snow line.

After safely negotiating the hordes in Whistler Village and a quick caffeine top off at Glacier Creek Lodge we headed off across to the East Col and then onto the eye wateringly beautiful string of glaciers. Each col we cross opens up ever more stunning views south toward the N. Cascades which are draped in light clouds. having dumped camp gear under the cliffs of Quiver Peak Martin and Chris take off for turns down the Ripsaw leaving the two Brits in the group to drink tea and take photos of their turns which the lowering sun shows to great effect.. We are joined at camp by the two Monikas who'd been following us right from the parking lot. Since they share fancy handmade chocolate and are great company the addition to our camp was more than welcome. In addition it halts our day long theme of recalling the least tasteful moments of the Borat movie (Volken's Swiss accent and encyclopedic knowledge of all things Kazak had given him an unfair advantage in our impersonations). The six of us enjoy, to varying degrees, a clear and chilly night.

An early start for a mostly descending traverse across the Ripsaw into an even bluer sky and perfect ego-touring conditions. Good time is made and still there is no sign of others having ever been here. it's difficult to remember how close we are to the biggest ski area in North America. Skins on trudge, skins off swoop...repeat. In the distance we hear a heli but still there are no airlifted Japanese tourists spoiling the solitude. A big slide has cascaded down cliffs on Fissile and confirms slight concern about stability. We stop and look at the ski tracks above it and try to figure out what happened. Amazing turns are made down Overlord Gl. on snow that we agree is pure porn. An incredible mixture of powder and corn that makes weary legs and heavy packs seem to disappear. A brief climb back up to the Russet hut for a late lunch stop. Busy schedules and the thought of how close we are to the cars mean the vote is to head home rather than spend the night. The Singing Pass Trail goes on for ever and get's slick where the sun has been unable to repair the damage rain has done in the trees but it's quick traveling. Map and compass are dispensed with and we simply head for the beer and cheeseburgers. The trail spits us out back onto slushy groomers full of ski school classes and the real world.

To paraphrase Borat "This Spearhead Traverse - very nice, Sexy time! How much?"