Wedge Mountain

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (December 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Wedge Mountain
Wedge Mountain from the north, with Wedgemount lake in the foreground. The hut and lake outlet are out of frame to the right.
Elevation	2,892 metres (9,488 ft)
Location	British Columbia, Canada
Range	Garibaldi Ranges
Prominence	2,249 metres (7,379 ft)
Coordinates	50°07′59″N 122°47′36″W / 50.13306, -122.79333Coordinates: 50°07′59″N 122°47′36″W / 50.13306, -122.79333
Topo map	NTS 92J/02
First ascent	1923 N. Carter; C. Townsend
Easiest route	3rd class snow climb with Glacier travel

Wedge Mountain is the highest summit in Garibaldi Provincial Park, and is visible from the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Area. It is named for its distinctive wedge shape when viewed from the main Whistler valley. A 6km (2.5mi) steep hike leads to a backcountry shelter and camping area at Wedgemount Lake. It's an approximately four and a half hour hike without heavy gear, though the path is very distinct. Across the lake from the cabin is the glacier, and above that the summit. The summit is approximately 9500 feet from sea level, and the cabin, located at the North end of the lake, is at approximately 6300 feet. There are multiple ways of approaching the summit. The more direct way is a knife-edge ridge called the North Arete, which leads more or less directly to the summit, requiring a full complement of winter mountaineering equipment. Another route that can be taken without such tools is the South face. This part can be seen from the valley, appearing to be a steep rock-covered slope... which it is. To approach the South face you must climb over the glacier to the West Couloir, across the bottom of it and up to the left. From there it's straight shooting, but for the rocks that are seemingly happy to succumb to gravity's wishes. Most of Wedge is in the Provincial Park, so helicopters are not allowed to drop people off there. It's a grueling climb, though very worth if proper preparations are made.