Gladsheim Peak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gladsheim Peak
Gladsheim Peak, north side with small glacier
Highest point
Elevation	2,830 m (9,280 ft)
Prominence	2,056 m (6,745 ft)
Parent peak	Mount Cooper (3094 m)
Listing	Ultras of Canada 35th Canada highest major peaks 85th Ultras of North America
Geography
Gladsheim Peak Location in British Columbia Show map of British Columbia Gladsheim Peak Location in Canada Show map of Canada
Location	Valhalla Provincial Park British Columbia, Canada
Parent range	Valhalla Ranges Selkirk Mountains
Topo map	NTS 82F13
Type of rock	Granitic
Climbing
First ascent	1963 by Kim Dean, Parker Williams, Bud Stoval, Jack Oswald, Mike Stewart
Easiest route	West Ridge class 5.3

Gladsheim Peak is a very tall mountain in British Columbia, Canada. It stands about 2,830 meters (9,285 feet) high. This makes it a prominent summit in the Valhalla Ranges, which are part of the larger Selkirk Mountains.

Gladsheim Peak is the highest point in the Valhalla Ranges. You can find it in the southern part of Valhalla Provincial Park. It is located near Gimli Peak and the town of Slocan.

What's in a Name?

The name "Valhalla Mountains" first appeared on a map in 1890. This map was created by George Mercer Dawson for the Geological Survey of Canada. Dawson chose names from old Norse mythology for many mountains and ranges in this area.

Gladsheim is a special place in Norse mythology. It is a grand meeting hall where the god Odin would gather with other gods. Because of this theme, the name "Gladsheim Peak" was suggested in 1900. It became official on March 31, 1924.

Mountain Climate and Water

Gladsheim Peak has a subarctic climate. This means it has very cold, snowy winters. Temperatures can drop below -20 °C (-4 °F). With the wind, it can feel even colder, sometimes below -30 °C (-22 °F). Summers are usually mild.

Water from the melting snow and rain on the mountain flows into two creeks. These are Gwillim Creek and Mulvey Creek. Both of these creeks eventually flow into the Slocan River. The closest higher mountain to Gladsheim Peak is Mount Cooper.

Reaching the Summit

Many people enjoy climbing Gladsheim Peak. The first group to successfully climb it was in 1963. This team included Kim Dean, Parker Williams, Bud Stoval, Jack Oswald, and Mike Stewart.

There are several established paths, or "routes," that climbers use to reach the top. One of the easier ways is called the West Ridge. Other routes are more challenging and require advanced climbing skills.

Images for kids

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  Gladsheim Peak, southwest aspect

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  Gladsheim Peak (upper left) and other peaks in the Valhalla Mountains.