I’ve concluded that Rainbow in a day is… pushing it.  So I propose to do it as an overnight trip, and shred Sproatt in the process.  Via the 21 Mile Creek side, to avoid issues with Alexander falls parking and skiing down to Whistler Olympic Park in heavy traffic.

Plan: 

Saturday: Park at Rainbow Falls trailhead (42J7+3W Whistler, British Columbia, Canada).  Summit and ski Mount Sproatt.  Skin up to Hanging Lake and camp.  We can do Gin laps if we’re running early.

Sunday: Leave camp by 1st light.  Summit Rainbow Mountain.  Ski out.  Après in Squamish (I want to avoid Whistler evening traffic).

I might make Rainbow the day 1 goal and abandon Sproatt if weather suggests Sunday might not be viable.

The trip is weather dependent.  I’ll likely cancel if rain at >1,000 m is in the forecast or if the avalanche bulletin is high or extreme.

Requirements to join:

• Be 100% committed to the trip.

• Be able to ski black runs in any conditions, including trees, in the backcountry.

• Have a minimum of 10 days of backcountry skiing experience and at least two trips in the past 12 months.

• Have prior winter camping experience.

We will be moving at a moderate-fast pace. Not for those looking for a slow trip.

MUST have :

AST1 training

Shovel, probe and avi beacon

Winter camping supplies (-20°F sleeping bag, tent, pad).  We’ll be camping in the treeline - not alpine.

Food for the whole trip, and the means to procure water at camp

Ski Helmet

Headlamp with spare batteries

Ski crampons recommended.

I can drive 3+me in a 4Runner.