The idea of this series is to highlight a local skimo training zones. Not the big, rad lines in the backcountry that you go to for huge missions, but the day in, day out, reliable training spots. It could be on piste or backcountry but it’s where you go to crank out intervals or hone your descending.
For our first in the series, we have my local training spot: Diamond Head Trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park outside of Squamish.
Where is it?
Garibaldi Park spans a big chunk of the Coast Mountains between Squamish and Pemberton. Near the southern end, it is accessed via the Diamond Head Trail.
What makes it special?
The Diamond Head Trail/Red Heather area gets some of the biggest snowfall in the region. That also means in North America.
The big old cedar trees, that line the ten feet wide trail, tower over you while you skin and heavy snow stacks high on the branches giving it a serious wintery feeling. By mid-winter, when enough snow has fallen, the switchbacking road can be short cut on the descent, through the trees for an excellent run back to the car. This trail is also the beginning of bigger adventures and provides access to the Elfin Lakes Cabin (20k round trip), Atwell Peak (the volcano that looms over Squamish) and the Garibaldi Neve Traverse (a beautiful high alpine traverse from Squamish to Whistler).
While I’ve spent lots of days skinning on the road, it has also been the start of some epic days in the alpine.
Where is the trailhead/parking?
Drive through Squamish (60km north of Vancouver, BC) and turn right off Highway 99 at Mamquam Road. Pass Quest University where the road turns to dirt. Turn left onto Garibaldi Park Road and be prepared to chain up. Parking is at the end of the road.
» Google Map directions.
What are the rules?
Chains may be required if the road has not been plowed recently or if there is ice. Winter tires don’t cut it and this is ranger enforced on busy weekends. If you get stuck because you didn’t put chains on, expect a hefty off-highway towing bill.
The trail is always open and is frequently quite busy on the weekends but quiet during the week. There is no significant avalanche danger below the Red Heather Cabin though it is the backcountry so dangers always exist.
What is the local training group?
There are no organized training groups in Squamish but expect to meet a bunch of other skiers looking for quick access to the backcountry here. Check the Garibaldi Skimo Club on Facebook to connect with other light and fast inclined people on the Coast.
What workouts are best to do here?
The low angle road and usually well buffed surface makes it perfect for fast intervals. Doing 2x 10min of 30sec on, 30sec rest is great for lactate tolerance and technique development. Once you’ve finished your workout, there are nice north facing slopes off Round Mountain (also called Paul Ridge) that hold some great powder!
Stay tuned to SkinTrack and the Training Zone Series for more of the best training locations around North America and beyond! Got a zone you would like us to showcase? Leave us a comment below and we will get in touch!
Eric Carter says
Aaron – what are the dates for Extreme Everest this year?
Eric Carter says
Gerrard – we have a Calgary article in the queue! There is a great group training there. Check out the Western Canada Ski Mountaineering Facebook page as well!
-Eric
Aaron says
No Skimo racing scene in Smithers but we have a run from our local ski hill above town right down to valley bottom accessed 3min drive from downtown. It was built by the local Rotary Club and the ski hill grooms it. 500m vertical and 4.5km length. A range of gentle and steeper sections allow natural adjustment of pacing to raise or lower intensity depending on what kind of workout you are looking for. It is open for uphill and downhill traffic 24/7 and gets lots of use of both. You can also continue up for another ~4km on a gentle run to the local cabin community on the hill to add another ~hr.
The run gets lots of uphill exercise traffic ranging from ski tourers, split boarders, snowshoers and dog walkers. All ages and all genders. Amazing community feature.
In the summer a mountain bike/hiking trail parallels in nice mossy hemlock forest it and makes a great hiko-run.
While I say no skimo scene there is a yearly 24hr individual or relay ‘Everest Challenge’ fundraiser for http://www.liveitloveit.org/ @ 28,000′ vert. Mostly locals although one long distance runner in skimo racing gear showed up last year and smashed local paces! We’d love to host one of you keen racers one year! http://www.extremeeverestchallenge.com/
Stano Faban says
Gerrard, we are slowly putting this series together. I personally trained close to Calgary one whole summer and a bit in the winter so we do have good ideas where to go.
Gerrad says
Awesome article, any input from the Alberta or Eastern BC crowd? I’m just getting into the sport and looking for places just like this near Calgary !!
Eric Carter says
Thanks Jesse! What’s your local spot?
Jesse says
Neat series idea! I especially like the discussion of what workout seems best for a particular type of terrain. It makes different workout scenarios easier to visualize!