The Spearhead Range—A Ski Touring Environment Like No Other

A Photographer's Dream and Call to Preserve Nature's Canvas

Words and Photos by Guy Fattal

I first visited Whistler, British Columbia in 2015. I was still a budding photographer, and after spending several winters in the European Alps, I was keen to immerse myself in Whistler’s backcountry terrain and meet the local ski community.

The first sunny day of my trip led to a fortuitous connection with some local skiers. They decided to take me up to explore the Spearhead Range, reputed for its prime skiing grounds and just a short distance from Whistler Blackcomb. Starting from the top of Blackcomb's lifts, a brief ski tour led us to the East Col, the gateway to this iconic range.

My initial meeting with the Spearhead Range was magnetic. The peaks, glaciers, couloirs, and unending expanses of powder-filled ski terrain were truly captivating. An instinctual understanding emerged — this place and I were meant to spend a lot more time together.

Situated within the Coast Mountains of Western British Columbia, Canada, the Spearhead Range owes its name to mountaineers Don and Phyllis Munday. To them, the peaks of this range resembled spearheads emerging from the alpine mist.

With the sun low in the December sky, we ventured into the Spearhead Glacier bowl. We proceeded to ski Husume, a classic line leading back to the resort from a steep, wide couloir. Then we ascended again, this time to Disease Ridge to capture the sunset. The biting wind couldn't spoil the enchanting sight as the sun dipped, painting the ridge with explosive, warm light. It was a photographer’s paradise. That day served as a pivotal moment, steering my photographic style and ultimately leading me to relocate to Whistler.

Countless winter days have found me in the Spearhead Range since that first visit, exploring local favorites such as Cham Chutes, Decker Mountain, and Corona Bowl, or venturing deeper into the range. Occasionally, I leave my camera gear behind and simply appreciate the surroundings, searching for new ways to shoot in familiar terrain. These priceless days are an opportunity to recharge and get inspired.

My relationship with this environment deepens with every visit. With the shifting light and changing seasons, each trip provides a fresh perspective and a new opportunity to create with my camera. The Range is every-changing; no two days are identical, giving me an endless canvas to work with.

Living in Whistler, I've observed a surge in the Range's popularity. It's become common to see a line of eager explorers, ski touring to the East Col. However, some are unprepared, lacking the necessary safety gear, knowledge, or skills to safely navigate the terrain. Furthermore, the rapidly shrinking glaciers threaten the health of the Range.

For the sake of future generations, it’s incumbent upon skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts to respect and safeguard the Range. In doing so, we can ensure that others continue to find inspiration in this remarkable landscape.