Squamish Slab Boulders to Try This Season, From V0 to V8

It’s no secret that Squamish is a boulderer’s paradise. With over 4,000 problems to choose from there is a lifetime of climbing to be had in the boulderfields alone. You can find powerful overhangs, compression-style problems, lip traverses, and of course, slabs.

While the Apron is Squamish’s most prominent slab of rock, there are plenty of high-quality slab boulder problems found throughout the area. For slab enthusiasts, here is a list of slabby boulder problems that the Squamish has to offer, with one problem each from V0 to V8.

Superfly Slab V0

If you’re new to slab, this problem might look intimidating due to its height. Luckily, it’s surprisingly easy and the landing is flat. Paste your feet and delicately walk up the beautiful low-angle face. The problem is located in the Superfly area of the Grandwall Boulders. For more of a challenge, try it without hands or facing backwards.

Nadia’s Slab V1

You can find this enjoyable lowball romp in the Farm sector of the North Walls. Some confidence-inspiring dimples make the problem feel possible. The landing is flat. Be sure to try Detached Flake V1 while in the area.

Crack Slabbath V2

Another good slab with a nice landing, although the top is a little engaging. You’ll find the problem in the Lip-Smack area of the Grand Wall boulders not far from the popular Crackhead V3. Try the line without using the right arete to put your skills to the test.

Centre Slab V3

The Easy Chair area of the Grand Wall is home to several good slab problems. This one is found on a block in behind the famous Easy in an Easy Chair V4. The chalked holds from its many ascents make it look easier than it is. On the same boulder, there’s a good V1 slab to the left and fun V2 slab to the right.

Summit Slab V4

Hidden throughout the Smoke Bluffs are many excellent boulder problems. You’ll find this techy slab in the Lower Bluffs near the playground. It’s can sometimes be a little scruffy, but when clean it’s one of the best slabs of grade in town. Bring your courage for the top and warm-up your fingers. 

Phat Slab V5

This line is perhaps the most well-known slab problem in Squamish and is rightfully listed in the “Top 100” in Marc Bourdon’s Squamish Bouldering guidebook. You can find many beta videos online, all of which feature climbers that appear to be defying gravity. The problem is in the Survivor area of the Grand Wall Boulders.

Bali Song V6

This exciting problem is a variation of the popular Superdyke V3, and features a different style than many others on this list, requiring some crimping up an angled dyke. After climbing the dyke for a few moves, the problem moves straight up an intimidating slab to the highest point of the bloc. Trust the crystals and commit to the smears.

Black Slabbath V7

This Jeremy Blumel highball is Squamish classic. Hard crimping, techy feet, and courage for days are required to get this one done. It’s an impressive, stunning line to simply go check out if it’s above your pay grade. You can find it in the Lip-Smack area of the Grand Wall boulders. 

Slabazar Slytherin V8

This V8 is another spooky highball. It’s a relatively new problem, established by Nicole Deucher in 2021. It can be found in the Lower Badge Trail of the North Walls. Lots of pads (and perhaps a little bit of magic as the name suggests) are recommended for this climb. Watch Deucher on the FA below.

Feature photo: Andy Liu on Phat Slab V5