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Ski-Mountaineering First Descent on Mount Stephen

Ski-mountaineering combines two extreme disciplines, mountain or alpine climbing and big, back-country skiin. Chris Brazeau and Jonny Simms climbed and made the first descent of the North Glacier on Mount Stephen in B.C. on March 13. Brazeau and Simms are two of Canada’s leading alpinists who have a number of cutting-edge ascents and futuristic descents to their names.

In 2007 with Jon Walsh, Brazeau made the first descent of Popes Peak, then in 2012 Brazeau made the first descent (solo) of Mount Bryce’s North Face which is one of Canada’s finer, coveted alpine north face climbs. For an interview with Simms by Big Lines see here.  Simms an IFMGA mountain guide, check out his website here, jonnysimms.com.

Simms and Brazeau had to use their skills as alpinists to climb the North Glacier before skiing down. Technical mixed climbing has never really been used in big mountain skiing in Canada. We will continue to follow the sport’s development.

Mount Stephen's North Glacier takes the obvious line
Mount Stephen’s North Glacier takes the obvious line
Mixed climbing on the way up, the ice smear above was the "right of passage"
Mixed climbing on the way up, the ice smear above was the “right of passage”  Photo Brazeau
The North Glacier
The North Glacier Photo Brazeau
Simms and Brazeau
Simms and Brazeau
Dropping in
Dropping in Photo Brazeau
Rappelling the mixed-pitch on the descent
Rappelling the mixed-pitch on the descent Photo Brazeau

Source: Jonny Simms: jonnysimms.com

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