Rockies: Ishbel’s stunning new corner climb

Rauri Macfarlane and Liam Savage climbed the impressive West Slabs of Mount Ishbel.

Mount Ishbel is popular to Rockies climbers as the mountain with a large rock scar. As half of the mountain has fallen away over the years (a tourist attraction with a pull-out on the Trans Canada Hwy) climbers probable assumed the face was not good. However, Macfarlane found excellent rock and good corners during a snowboard trip this winter.

Survivor is a seven-pitch 5.10R. The only protection is minimal and the first ascent team said bolted anchors might increase traffic to the route. This is a mountain climb and lots of loose rocks exist on and above the route.

For more, check out Macfarlane’s blog.

Read about a new 5.13 on neighbouring Castle Mountain which was established this year.