Neve and Garibaldi Sundae
Sunday, March 24, 2013
The classic Garibaldi Neve traverse from south to north and ski mountaineering ascent of Garibaldi from Bishop Glacier.
Participants: Max Aleksandrov, Nicolas Jimenez, Paul Kubik, Bill Maurer, Pat Malaviarachchi, Jane Weller
Bill put together a great one-day Neve traverse with a conveniently arranged car shuttle by Ian McGillivray on his way to Hanging Lake. The weather was pretty much flawless and snow conditions were excellent for skiing.
Summit shot by Bill Maurer.
We met at the church in West Van at 5 AM and were at the Diamond Head trailhead around 6 or 6:30. Max was nursing a bad hangover so when I caught up to the main group at Elfin shelter at 9:15 they had already been waiting for 15 minutes. I had planned on ascending Garibaldi by Little Diamond Head, Diamond Glacier and Upper Bishop Glacier but the group was keen to tackle it from the Neve. They took off again at high speed and I waited another 10 minutes for Max. The thought of food turned Max a bit green around the gills so off we went in pursuit. The road descends from the Elfin shelter to Ring Creek. We approached the main group near the Bishop Glacier but they again took off. After a break we resumed the pursuit. Now a strange thing happened. The group ahead split apart just as we approached yet again. I figured this was a decoy manouever meant to confuse and disorient us. However, we persevered and followed the twosome heading up the Bishop Glacier towards Tent. This proved to be the right choice. When I caught up to Pat who was in the rear behind Bill, he explained Nicolas and Jane were just doing the Neve.
The route was pretty straightforward. We broke trail steeply to the saddle between Tent and Garibaldi. The route was smooth but you never know where crevasses are lurking. Maybe we were just lucky but there were no close calls. After what seemed to be a long slog we approached the well-known bergschrund on the NE face of Garibaldi. It must have been approaching 2 PM. Another foursome was skiing down from the summit so we headed over to their up track for the final summit push. It looked like the other group approached from Brohm Ridge. Despite the almost deep trench created by Neve travellers (they must have numbered in the dozens that weekend), there were no ski tracks approaching from the Neve.
We staggered onto the summit around 2 PM expending the last of our resources in the attainment (maybe just speaking for myself as I was creating the boot track by wallowing through deep snow). Glory enfolded us for a brief moment while pictures were snapped before we contemplated the final half of the traverse still remaining. However, it was all downhill from here so we girded our loins, strapped on the boards and proceeded to shred our way down the NE face to the Sharkfin. The snow conditions did not disappoint. It was not long before we were again sticking on the skins for the short climb up to Sentinel Pass.
Again, the ski down from the pass to Table Bay was in dream snow. It was a bit churned up because there were literally dozens of ski tracks from Neve travellers but there was enough untracked snow still remaining for the four of us. And then the long slog across Garibaldi Lake...
Finally, all that was left was the Barrier descent via Rubble Creek. It was almost 7 PM by now and the snow was setting into a breakable crust. However, it was despatched in turn and we arrived back the deadhead vehicle before dark.
Garibaldi from Paul Ridge.
Max below Atwell in Ring Creek.
Climbing out of Ring Creek. Gargoyle behind.
Looking back at Mamquam Mountain. The classic ski approach is by the snow filled valley at far right.
Looking east to Spire Peaks.
Garibaldi summit tower from Bishop Glacier.
Paul climbing steep slopes on Tent.
Looking down on Bishop Glacier. (Bill Maurer photo)
Atwell from Garibalid summit. (Bill Maurer photo)
Pat skiing the NE face of Garibaldi.
Max skiing the NE face of Garibaldi.
The Sharkfin.
The Table.
Skiing the Sharkfin.
Sentinel Pass.
Black Tusk, Garibaldi Lake and Table Bay.
Looks Like a fun trip, Paul. I saw your group that day. We skied down from Diamond head glacier to Ring Creek. Were you the last two behind?
Looks Like a fun trip, Paul. I saw your group that day. We skied down from Diamond head glacier to Ring Creek. Were you the last two behind?
Yep, that was Max and I bringing up the rear.
Yes, I think we saw your track. That was you! Cool.
Great photos!
I think we saw you going up Garibaldi. You must have caught us and passed us when you went down the Barrier (we would've still been thrashing our way down the Parks trail...).
Great trip report. That was very fast. Congratulations.
I believe it's the most dangerous part Barrier skiing. Few times when we did Neve, the most experienced always commented it was scary. I am not good skier so I always take trail and suffer a lot.
One day I will go from Garibaldi lake to Elfin. Fora a change.
Great trip report. That was very fast. Congratulations.
I believe the most dangerous part is Barrier skiing. Few times when we did Neve, the most experienced always commented it was scary. I am not good skier so I always take trail and suffer a lot.
One day I will go from Garibaldi lake to Elfin. For a change.
What a fine day Paul, and a great season you are having! Your suggested route over Little Diamond Head looks like a viable option.