Slipstream 2015 Gallery

Slipstream is one of the world’s most famous ice climbs. At nearly 1,000 metres from glacier to summit, the modest WI4+ grade is trumped by the commitment, and objective hazards.

First climbed in 1979 by Jim Elzinga and the late John Lauchlan, it is known by many as the must-climb ice route in North America.

Feared by climbers because of its reputation of having deadly avalanches, serac fall and big crevasses. However, each year in February or March a few daring ice climbers make the short trip to the base and gun for the top.

In 2015, there have been a few known ascents and one was by Andy Williamson and Scott Wilson. Here is a gallery of images, some were taken by Wilson and the others by Chris Scharf from the Icefields Parkway.

Chris Scharf’s Photography Facebook Page

Looking back on the climb Photo Scott Wilson

Heading up Slipstream Photo Scott Wilson

The first steep pitches Photo Scott Wilson

Scott Wilson and Andy Williamson on Slipstream Photo Chris Scharf

The snowslope near the top Photo Scott Wilson

Scott Wilson and Andy Williamson on Slipstream Photo Chris Scharf

The serac Photo Scott Wilson

The summit filed of Snowdome Photo Scott Wilson

The descent Photo Scott Wilson

Scott Wilson and Andy Williamson on Slipstream Photo Chris Scharf

Slipstream from the descent Photo Scott Wilson

A rare glimpse of the sun from Snowdome Photo Scott Wilson