Squamish Bouldering Always known as a world class granite climbing area, Squamish is now rightfully considered Canada’s premiere bouldering destination. Add to this the temperate climate on the West Coast and it also ranks as one of the best areas on the continent to boulder at in the heat of the summer. It has become so popular that many climbers from Canada and the U.S. now set up for the entire season, satisfied with going nowhere else.
There are now over 1500 boulder problems from Vancouver all the way north to the small farming community of Pemberton. The vast majority occur in the thick forests that surround the area’s landmark, the Squamish Chief but new and varied destinations have sprung up like weeds, all along the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
Although all the boulders (so far) are granite, the rock takes on many different forms depending on where you climb. “Squamish” granite tends to be smooth and crystalline. The boulders at the Chief are famous for amazing slopers, desperately small footholds and big, blank features, tailor-made for bouldering. All styles, angles and grades of problems are represented making a truly complete area. As you move farther north towards Whistler, the granite gets more fractured and less polished by the glaciers. The boulders near Brackendale, Cheakamus Canyon and Whistler tend to be more featured. Crimpers become much more prevalent and the odd pocket rears it’s tweaky head. The granite at the Green River Bastion near Pemberton takes on a completely different feel once again. Here the grain becomes so fine you’ll swear you’re on sandstone. Crimping strength becomes mandatory and landings get darn close to flat. "Squamish is not a one dimensional destination and no traveling boulderer should leave disappointed. Whether you like moderates, desperates, roofs, slabs, highballs or lowballs, no climber should be lacking. Come here to test yourself on the granite but step back every once and awhile to take in the lush, mountainous surroundings. We’re incredibly lucky to have such amazing resources on our doorstep."
-excerpt from “Squamish Bouldering” 2003,
by Marc Bourdon [Quickdraw Publications] |
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