Whistler Section

The Spearhead Hut System Concept Plan (SHSCP) is the culmination of decades of vision by the outdoor community of the Sea to Sky region to establish overnight accommodation facilities in the Spearhead and Fitzsimmons ranges. These overnight facilities will allow access for a broader group of users in both summer and winter to experience and enjoy the dramatic and spectacular geography of this area.

In 2011 BC Parks will be celebrating it’s 100 year anniversary. In particular, this anniversary is a milestone for Garibaldi Provincial Park which is BC’s most popular Class A provincial park. The vision of huts in Garibaldi Park predates the creation of Garibaldi Park. The original Elfin Lakes Lodge built in the 30’s was to be the first of several huts that would provide shelter for hikers and skiers crossing the Garibaldi neve from Elfin lakes to Garibaldi lake and Rubble Creek. What a fitting legacy this hut system would provide as part of this milestone, as these shelters will become a facility that provides a responsible, long term and sustainable recreation amenity for the residents of BC.

The Spearhead Fitzsimmons ranges offer some of the most remarkable geography for mountain activities anywhere in North America. The Whistler Resort’s world famous reputation for summer and winter activities is evidence of that. There is no doubt that over time, this area will come under additional pressure as more and more users come to Garibaldi Park to experience its unique beauty and geography. This system of huts anticipates this increasing popularity and will serve to control and manage these users and mitigate their impacts for generations to come.

Our committee is comprised of a coalition of groups that have a long history in wilderness and conservation advocacy as well as design, construction and operation of numerous successful overnight alpine facilities throughout SW BC and Western Canada. These groups represent sincere, passionate mountain advocates that wish to establish facilities that will benefit the widest possible group of mountain enthusiasts, hikers, backpackers and backcountry skiers.

We respectfully submit this Concept Plan for your review.

Sincerely yours,

Jayson Faulkner

Chairman

The Spearhead Hut Committee