A Stormy Skyline Traverse on Mt. Arrowsmith:

There’s something exhilarating about heading into the mountains with a forecast that promises a storm—equal parts adventure and uncertainty. Recently, Jamieson Atkinson and I set out to tackle a skyline traverse of Mt. Arrowsmith and Coakley Summit, a route I’d been eyeing for some time. Originally, we had planned a climbing trip, but with a massive storm rolling across Vancouver Island, we pivoted to this ridge traverse, knowing it offered plenty of potential exits should the weather make things unsafe.

Starting the Traverse: Into the Storm
The day began deceptively calm, with no rain as we approached the mountain. However, once we entered Lost Gully, the storm greeted us in full force. The wind howled, and rain lashed against us, making the ascent challenging yet thrilling. Exiting the gully proved to be a struggle, but reaching the top rewarded us with the raw beauty of stormy alpine terrain.

The wind along the ridgeline was ferocious, yet the experience of being out there with a good friend made it all worthwhile. Traversing in these conditions heightened our focus and underscored the importance of adaptability and preparedness.

Summit Rappels and Rope Shenanigans

The route included two rappels off the summit of Mt. Arrowsmith, which proved to be the crux of our day—not because of the technical difficulty, but due to weather-related challenges. The Beal Escaper didn’t cooperate well with the 6mm static cord in the rain and wind, forcing me to prusik back up to retrieve the rope. This added some serious rope shenanigans, slowed our progress, and left us chilled from the damp conditions.

By the time we reached the climbers’ trail, we decided to call it a day. Descending through the storm, we made our way back to the logging road, clocking an impressive 16 km with 1,400 m of elevation gain.

The Beauty and Potential of the Skyline Traverse
Despite the storm, the traverse revealed the incredible beauty and potential of this route. In good weather, the skyline traverse of Mt. Arrowsmith and Coakley Summit offers a stunning mix of rugged ridges, sweeping views, and technical challenges. The ridge provides a natural classroom for mountain running courses or skills training, with plenty of opportunities to learn navigation, rappelling, and ridge travel techniques.

From the intricate moves in Lost Gully to the exposed ridgelines and summit rappels, this traverse is a gem for adventurers seeking a memorable alpine experience. The varied terrain and abundant route options make it an ideal location for mountain running or advanced hiking skills courses.

Looking Ahead to 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that VIBE will offer mountain running and skills courses on the Skyline Traverse in 2025! Imagine running or hiking this route under sunny skies, soaking in breathtaking views, and honing your alpine skills.

That said, if the storm we faced happens again, let’s just say those courses won’t be running, hahaha!

Click here for more information on upcoming courses and available dates.

Check out our Instagram post here for a video recap of the day’s adventure!

Embarking on the Skyline Traverse of Mt. Arrowsmith and Coakley Summit during a storm was an adventure like no other. Jamieson Atkinson and I faced fierce winds, relentless rain, and unexpected rope challenges that turned this rugged ridge traverse into a true test of resilience. Despite the weather, the stunning alpine terrain and camaraderie made it an unforgettable experience. In better conditions, this route promises to be a breathtaking highlight for mountain running and skills courses in 2025. For those looking to build the endurance and skills needed for adventures like this, check out our partner program, Vancouver Island Mountain Training, where you’ll find tailored programs to prepare for backcountry terrain. Explore the full details of our Skyline Traverse skills course here and don’t miss our video recap of the adventure here.

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Exploring a New Route on the Red Pillar

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A Day on The Jowl: Climbing with on Kulth-ka-choolth (Mt. Arrowsmith)