New Rockies Route: Miner’s Waltz in C (hoss) Sharp (with a) Minor

Ian Welsted and Sam Eastman have established the first route up the north face of Lawrence Grassi Peak above Canmore.

It is hard to believe that this big face has never seen an ascent. Climbers have tried it in winter, but with no luck.

Welsted and Eastman climbed the back of Ha Ling and dropped down the col between the two peaks. The two traversed a ledge system until they found a good line. The rock is not very solid, but will clean up O.K.. Bring a Rockies rack including pitons as there is no fixed gear.

The name: The “miner” is Lawrence Grassi (see here for info on Grassi) and the “minor” is Sam Eastman who is still too young to drink beer in Ontario. “There are nicer lines up there, we forgot the nuts so chose an easier route,” said Welsted.