Whistler Inbounds and Out of Bounds Conditions 2025/26

[ChrisC]

I noticed the harness.

Just wondering: Do you travel/ascend in rope teams when on Glaciers in BC Backcountry?

I know it seems like a hassle, another potential obstacle, there is a deep Spring snow-pack, and your weight is more distributed with skis.

For Climbing - sure. But I have rarely seen skiers ever do that - only a harness for a potential crevasse rescue.

View attachment 51486
Skiing down the crux

 

[takeahike46er]

I noticed the harness.

Just wondering: Do you travel/ascend in rope teams when on Glaciers in BC Backcountry?

Generally not. If I’m out to ski fun laps and visibility is poor and/or I’m uncertain of the glacier, I’d rather opt for an alternate plan that doesn’t involve glacier travel than to have to rope up. It’s a pain.

Roping up is more common on the traverses where an alternate route isn’t an option, and is more typical earlier in the season and/or when visibility is low. Most folks choose to time trips for when the conditions are ideal so they can avoid.

As you noted, harnesses are worn for crevasse rescue.