Snowpatch Spire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snowpatch Spire, The Bugaboos |
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![]() Snowpatch Spire, with Pigeon Spire in the background on the right, Hound's Tooth and Marmolata Spire on the left.
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 3,084 m (10,118 ft) |
Prominence | 284 m (932 ft) |
Geography | |
Location | British Columbia, Canada |
Parent range | Purcell Mountains, East Kootenay |
Topo map | NTS 82K/10 |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Granite |
Climbing | |
First ascent | August 1940 by Raffi Bedayan and Jack Arnold |
Easiest route | 5.6, long |
Snowpatch Spire is a tall and impressive mountain peak located in a beautiful area of British Columbia, Canada. This area is known as The Bugaboos, and it's part of the larger Purcell Mountains. Snowpatch Spire stands at 3,084 meters (about 10,118 feet) above sea level. It's a very popular spot for mountain climbers from all over the world.
This mountain is special because it was the last of the main Bugaboo peaks to be successfully climbed. The very first time someone reached the top of Snowpatch Spire was in August 1940. Two brave climbers named Raffi Bedayan and Jack Arnold made this historic first ascent.
Snowpatch Spire is found to the southwest of the Conrad Kain hut, which is a mountain lodge often used by climbers. It sits across a large ice field called the Crescent Glacier.
Climbing Routes
Climbers use different paths, called routes, to reach the top of Snowpatch Spire. Each route has its own challenges and unique views. Some of the well-known routes include:
- Wildflowers
- Kraus McCarthy
- Sunshine
- Surf's Up! (also known as the Southwest Ridge)
- Southeast Corner (also known as the Snowpatch Route)
The easiest way to climb Snowpatch Spire is rated as a 5.6 difficulty, which means it's a challenging but achievable climb for experienced climbers.
What's Nearby
Snowpatch Spire is surrounded by other amazing natural features and climbing spots in The Bugaboos. If you visit this area, you might also see:
- Conrad Kain hut: A famous hut that provides shelter for climbers.
- Bugaboo Spire: Another well-known peak in the area.
- Pigeon Spire: One of the tallest and most beautiful spires nearby.
- Howser Spire: A very challenging peak for expert climbers.
- Marmolata Spire: Another impressive rock formation in the Bugaboos.