[MCR] Mt Begbie: Revelstoke.

Up the standard North Ridge on Mt. Begbie yesterday (the big peak you can see from Revelstoke).  +8 on the summit at noon, and a slight westerly breeze just enough to give you a chill standing still.  Perfect views from the summit for 360 degrees.

The ridge was plastered with snow from last weeks storms and the recent warm weather combined with cooler nights has created stiff snow that held steps well and entertained us with the odd patch of verglassed rock.  In general the route was frozen on the way up and soaking wet on the descent (at around 1pm).  Made for a slower than normal ascent/descent but still more than reasonable, no crampons were necessary.  20-40cm on average on the sheltered side of the ridge.  The snow hid many holes between the boulders and created a lot of bruised shins along the way.

Crossing the moat to gain the catwalk was thought provoking although not too difficult.  Traverse very well bolted for the level of difficulty and exposure.  The quartzite crag below the catwalk is just screaming for routes – a long way to go cragging but would make a great day on a muli-day trip up there.

A great day out.

The guys at Selkirk Mountain Helicopters were fantastic and I’d highly recommend flying with them if you’re not up for the long approach/descent or want to experience the joys of heli-mountaineering.

Ian Tomm
Assistant Ski Guide