Sky Pilot is a beautiful mountain offering good views of the Howe Sound, the Sea to Sky and Garibaldi Provincial Park. We will start from the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola taking the Sky Pilot valley trail up snow terrain toward the West Ridge, where the scrambling begins. The final push to the summit includes a moderate exposure class 4th scramble.

For the scramble down, I'll bring a rope. 

Route details

• Trail: Sky Pilot Trail.
• Duration: 8-10 hours.
• Distance: 15 km round trip.
• Elevation gain: 1,200 m.
• Difficulty: Difficult; suitable for people with previous class 4th scramble experience. The pace will be moderate (I can't hike fast right now). 
• Scrambling/Exposure: class 4th scramble with moderate exposure. Rappeling recommended for descending. Google Pink Slab if you'd like to get an idea of the scramble.

Required gear

• Hiking shoes suitable for scrambling and snow travel
• 2L minimum water
• 10 essentials
• Helmet
• Adequate clothing for the forecast

Optional but recommended gear

• Hiking poles with snow baskets
• Ice axe
• Microspikes 
• Gaiters
• Harness, rappel device (unless you are a strong climber comfortable in high 4th/low 5th downclimbs)

Meeting at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola at 9:30am. The Gondola opens at 9am. Last gondola down is 9pm.

There are three options to get to the top of the gondola:

1. Taking the gondola. The current ticket price is $75 for the round trip.
2. Hiking up. If you are hiking up, you should arrange your own carpooling.
3. Driving up the FSR and walking the last 1.5km. Any car with decent clearance should be able to drive up the FSR.

Carpooling info

We'll meet at 7:45 am at St David's United Church to arrange carpooling. The recommended round-trip carpooling fee depends on where the driver is going:

• To the base of the Gondola:
  • $10 per person if there are 3 or more passengers
  • $15 per person if there are 2 or fewer passengers
• Driving up the FSR:
  • $20 per person for 3 or more passengers
  • $25 per person for 2 or fewer passengers