New Seven-Pitch Bolted 5.10a in B.C. Has Perfect Final Pitch
There are now half-a-dozen quality bolted multi-pitch routes on the Apron, a wall only minutes from the road
Brandon Pullan of Michelle Balto on the final pitch
Marble Canyon is quickly becoming one of B.C.’s best places to visit for tall bolted multi-pitch routes. The Goat, a 19-pitch 5.9, started things off in 2018 and Guaranteed Rugged, a 33-pitch 5.10, was the cherry on top, proving the walls above Pavilion Lake hold classic climbing and a lot of potential.
This spring, Crystal Austin, Mike Mason and Danny O’Farrell completed yet another new bolted multi-pitch on the lower Apron wall. Called Beers With Birgit, the seven-pitch 5.10a follows mostly easy slabs with a few cruxes to an exciting final pitch that follows incut holds on excellent limestone.
The route starts just left of the seven-pitch Sneaky Pete 5.10d. The topo here says the first pitch goes at 5.8, but the base of the route has “5.9” painted on the stone – which helps identify the start. Bring 10 quickdraws and one 60-metre rope. You can rappel from station to station with ease.
The climb is still a little dirty because of its location below treed ledges, but the crux pitches are clean and solid. If you’re looking for a well-bolted moderate with a vertical finish in a beatiful setting then look no further.
