Gin Peak Snowshoe Ascent (PNOA Event)
January 23, 2026 • Participants: Patrick, Jane, Malissa
On January 23, 2026, Jane, Malissa, and I set out for a winter snowshoe ascent of Gin Peak in Whistler Olympic Park, organized as an official PNOA club excursion.
After passing Hanging Lake, we encountered a tricky section where the terrain forced us to deviate from our planned route. We could not ascend in a straight line because the summer GPX track led directly into a massive, icy boulder rock formation. Furthermore, there appeared to be a significant drop-off below the rocks that was impossible to safely measure from above, making a lateral traverse mandatory.
Safety Hindsight & Review: Looking back with the benefit of experience, this traverse was incredibly steep and firm. We absolutely should have deployed an ice axe here for proper self-arrest security. At that moment, however, I lacked the situational mountaineering awareness to recognize the transition from snowshoeing terrain to specialized winter tool terrain. It was a major learning experience regarding cold-weather risk assessment.
1. Route Assessment & Navigation
With the summer line blocked by the boulder formation, I used the offline GPX tracking tools on MAPS.ME to plot an alternative bypass route, guiding the group safely to the right around the hazard.
2. Gear Transition on Steep Slopes
Shortly after pushing past Hanging Lake, the incline became entirely too slick and steep to maintain stability in standard snowshoes. We found a stable stance to take off our snowshoes and transition into microspikes to bite securely into the packed slope.
3. PNOA Summit Success
The methodical navigation and equipment adjustments paid off. The team successfully managed the alpine risks to stand on the clear, windy summit of Gin Peak.
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