The Goat TrackWhistler Blackcomb, Canada - BC | FreeRide Sector: Whistler
Ride Date:
01 Jan 22Snow conditions:
PowPowAvalanche level:
3 - ConsiderableTerrain:
Front countryWeather conditions:
Partly CloudyPrecipitation:
Heavy SnowElevation entry point:
1800mElevation exit point:
1500mAspect:
North WestMax slope angle:
Between 30 and 45 degreesDrop in:
TreesExit:
Ski outThis is a fun steep line in the trees, with a small cliff band to navigate before dropping down through some more trees and onto an access road. There will likely be a few powder stashes to sniff out, once the main resort lines become tracked out.
We've ridden this line multiple times, once with packed powder underfoot and the other times in fresh deep pow during a storm cycle. This line can feel pretty adventurous although it is within the resort boundary and only requires a short boot pack to access. It can be tricky for patrollers to access if rescue is needed, it is for this reason that they have a blood waggon permanently secured to a tree just before the entry point into the line (see photos)
This line on Whistler mountain is essentially lift served, although it may require a small push depending on snow conditions, followed by a one minute boot pack. Access is easy from The Roundhouse or the top of the Big Red Express of Franz’s Chairs. Follow ‘Pony Trail’ until you can cut riders left under Franz’s Chair. Follow your nose traversing across the bowl towards the forest in the distance. (see photos below for step by step visuals). You will see a fairly obvious path leading into the forest, stick with this until you come to a rock face on your left, you can push the first few metres but will then need to bootpack from there. Stick tight to the rock face as the path is narrow and the snow a few feet to your right can easily give way. The path soon flattens, you can remount here. There are lines to your right from here on in, however the sooner you cut right the sooner you will hit a cliff band. Best to push on a few yards past a patrollers blood wagon secured to a tree. Drop right from here on in for a longer run before hitting the cliff. There are multiple routes through the cliff band, some are drops, others are chutes and the occasional ice waterfall that can be sideslipped with enough snow cover. From the cliff band onwards you can ski carefree through the trees to the ‘Highway 86’ access road that leads you back into resort and eventually to Big Red Express.
What 3 Words entry point
///minibar.recycling.veganWhat 3 Words exit point
///clarity.alleges.sobbedYou don’t need any specialist equipment for this line, however it is more remote than most in bounds lines and not that easy for ski patrol to access, so caution is advised. Personally given the rocks, trees and gradient, I have ridden it wearing a helmet and a back protector as well as carrying Transceiver, Shovel and Probe.
There are some really fun technical tree skiing to be had here, unless you really know your onions or you've skied it a ton of times, you probably won't go full gas but it is still super fun picking your way through the trees and cliff band.
The GNAR factor varies depending where you hit the cliff band, but even at its most severe it’s not that harsh if you take a moment to consider your strategy.
There is no big vista here but on a powder day it feels special being here nevertheless. The snow covered trees and tight lines make for a beautiful view down the side of the mountain.
Path to The Goat Track (1/6)
Path to The Goat Track (2/6)
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