Singing Pass and Musical Bumps, Whistler

As we moved into August, we began to crave the alpine. This year, the snowpack has remained and prevented all of our alpine plans. Before heading to Whistler, we read all that we could on current conditions on Singing Pass and Musical Bumps, a set of trails that connect Whistler Village to the Roundhouse (where the gondola ends) at the peak of Whistler. Thankfully we managed to find a recent review that indicated that the trails were passable with some rough stream crossings and patches of snow, though it was not officially open.

The trail starts along the Whistler bike park. Stick to the left and watch for the trail marker indicating Singing Pass veering to the left off of the ski-hill. From there it is a steady runnable, if you’re into that, climb for eleven kilometers. There was some blow-down that was easily clambered over, and the crossing at Harmony Creek was a bit slippery, but completely passable. After about nine kilometers the views across the valley to Blackcomb become steady, and hint at the spectacular scenery ahead. After eleven kilometers, the trail indicates Russet Lake to the left and Musical Bumps to the right. We went right, as we had plans to meet friends at the Roundhouse for dinner. From here it is another ten kilometers of epic alpine over Oboe and Flute summits, speckled with snow patches and views of Blackcomb to the east and the peaks of Garibald Park to the south.

While typically mid-August would mean the final days of wildflower season on these trails, this year they had barely started to grow.  Most of the flowers will not be out for weeks if they manage to bloom at all this year. Having said that, the flowers that were peaking out were spectacular in their stunted rugged alpine way, and added to the beauty of the area. We were rewarded with blue skies, moody clouds and undulating terrain. The snow patches were very easily crossed, and the clouds cleared in order for us to view Cheakamus Lake and Black Tusk.

This set of trails is definitely worth doing - the first eleven kilometers are a bit of a slog, though the forest is beautiful, but the last ten are all that you want from alpine wonderland. Bring layers, water and snacks, and take in the views. Enjoy a drink at the Roundhouse, then jump on the gondola for the ride down. It is of course important to ensure that the gondolas are operating, so check into this in the village. This trail can also be enjoyed as a there-and-back from the Roundhouse, thus avoiding the eleven kilometer climb at the start, or it can, of course be done if reverse, thereby ending with a lengthy decent to the village. Doing it as we did, results in 5500 feet of elevation gain. Views are always better when you’ve earned them.