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The Grey Zone

Blackcomb

Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb

A Large alpine zone offering both easy and challenging black routes down to Crystal.

Freeride Skiing Moderate

Distance
1.2 km
Ascent
45 m
Descent
262 m
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
2 km
Gradient
32˚
The Grey Zone Map

The Grey Zone is a large open zone in the alpine, accessible from a steep bootpack near Glacier Express. Once up the bootpack, known as 'The Chimney' there are 3 or 4 routes down including a couple of chutes and an open meadow. This open, low-angle field is the main Grey Zone route and has some sweet powder accessible from it. Unfortunately because of the low angle it means you don't actually get that many turns in, especially given the effort from the steep chimney bootpack!

Description

Other than a few boulders there's not a lot to be wary of if you follow the obvious pitch leading down to the Crystal Hut.

The Chimney is accessed from traversing high just after Spanky's Ladder until the cliffs are in front of you and there's a little space in front of you to start hiking up between the trees. The traverse can be hard for snowboarders and the bootpack is steeper and longer than Spanky's Ladder.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and April

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area