Alpine Climbing in BC, Canada: The Tantalus Traverse

With a two day weather window showing up on the forecast, we set off on this 25 mile, 17,000' of elevation gain traverse across the skyline which seems to be a right of passage for any alpine climber in the BC area.

The significant snow this year allowed for fairly easy travel and by doing this in 3 days we were able to enjoy beautiful sunsets at our open bivy sites. We approached from Sigurd Creek and exited at the Lake Lovely Water Trailhead where we stashed a car. While descending Mt. Tantalus, we happened upon a group of 3 who had an accident resulting in a busted ankle. We stayed with the party until SAR was called and we were sure they'd be picked up by a heli and flown to a hospital. A reminder that even a casual day in the mountains can turn serious instantaneously and to always be prepared.

By far the mental crux of the whole trip was the cable crossing. Not only did we fail to bring enough large carabiners to fit over the cable, but there was a (very cute) black bear waiting for us on the other side. What an introduction to the Canadian alpine climbing!