Via Ferrata in Whistler: Trail Report

Via Ferrata in Whistler: Trail Report

The Via Ferrrata in Whistler in not for the faint of heart! A real adventure that challenges you and rewards with incredible views.

Suggested Stops

Shannon Falls in Squamish (hike The Chief is you’re up for it!) and Nairn Falls trail in Pemberton (20 mins past Whistler).

Important Insights

The tour with Mountain Skills Academy tour takes up to 4 hours the route covers roughly 4 km (2.5 miles) of mountain terrain and 260 meters (850 feet) of elevation gain. Participants must be 12 years of age or older.

Tip: When booking the whistler via ferrata with MSA, buy your gondola passes from them as well. Ticketing line ups in Whistler Village tend to be long AF for the gondola, and this way you avoid the frustrating wait. You can pick the tickets up from MSA at their convenient office location: 207B – 4368 Main St, Market Pavilion, Whistler Town Plaza, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4

Note: All the websites list this as an activity for those in ‘moderate’ shape. What is doesn’t describe is that the entire adventure is almost 8kms long with plenty of incline. Definitely doable, but I’d consider it requiring more that just ‘moderate’.

Tip: Take the gondola up with plenty of time to spare (like 1-2hrs early). The gondola ride itself only takes 15mins however the line ups can add significantly to that time. Got up early? Go soak in the views, have a bite to eat, and enjoy some shopping.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the St̓át̓imc Tmicw (St'at'imc), Lil'wat, Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish) people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

The Via Ferrata in Whistler in operated by Mountain Skills Academy at Blackcomb Whistler.

GPS Coordinates

50.20357, -122.89103

Street Address

Blackcomb Peak, Whistler, BC V0N 0A0

Directions

A gorgeous 121 kms (1hr 20 mins) drive on route 99 (sea to summit hwy) from downtown Vancouver. Shuttle buses are also available from Vancouver to Whistler. Whistler Via Ferrata start point is from the top of the gondola, walk 100 metres straight ahead to a wooden building that is the MSA office.

Parking

At Whistler Resort.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Yes, at office.

Accessibility

No

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

169

Hours of Operation

May - Oct only. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from Mountain Skills Academy.

Trailhead

Located at the gondola.

Number of Trails

1

Total Distance (km)

8

Elevation Gain (m)

850

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Activities

Hiking

Dogs

Not permitted.

Trail Description

Pretty sure I said yes to doing the Whistler Via Ferrata before even realizing what that was. In fact, gearing up for it we still weren’t completely sure of what the whole adventure entailed. It was decided last minute, arranged within seconds, and before we had a chance to really think about it…we had harnesses and helmets on. Don’t mind us over here just livin’ in the moment k?!? The first trek is hiking up to the Via Ferrata start point, there’s plenty of loose rock and little bit of snow to traverse near the glacier. Plenty of time to tell stories and have a few laughs. Once started however, most of the talking I did was to get over my nerves! I realized that it’s perfectly safe and that 12 years old kids do it…yet it’s still intimidating! As much as I love hiking, I’ve never been a rock climber. Then the mission impossible theme popped in my head and I hummed the damn thing the whole way up. #dontjudgeme Once I found my groove – it was a lot of fun! Reaching for holds, climbing up like a kid but having the security of being leashed to the cabling. It felt goooooooood.

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