How To Ski Spanky's Ladder
There's a line for all comers, advanced to expert, in Whistler Blackcomb's iconic Spanky's Ladder.
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Data
- Location: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
- Getting There: From the top of the Glacier Express quad, head skier’s left, then veer right for the short hike up to the entrance Spanky’s Ladder. On a powder day, just look for the line of bootpackers.
- Vertical Feet: 1,650
- Acres: 133
- Scare Factor: There’s great skiing off of Spanky’s but there are cliffs too, so know where you’re going before you drop in.
Stan Rey Makes Spanky’s Ladder Look Easy
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How To Ski It
From the top of the hike, head skier’s left into Garnet Bowl and stay left to hit Ruby Bowl. It’s the easiest place to drop into the wide-open bowl skiing on tap here. On lap two, test yourself on Diamond Bowl (straight ahead after the bootpack) or Sapphire Chutes (skiers right). Both are harder to get into and more intimidating, but the payoff is big.
Terrain
It’s considered as inbounds, avalanche-controlled area, but with steep pitches, variable snow, and some intense approaches, Spanky’s isn’t a sit-back-and-relax zone.
Beta
On a powder day, the hike to Spanky’s will have a long queue. Tough it out, because it’s worth it. If you look hard enough, there’s still powder to be had a few days after the storm.
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Après
The Garibaldi Lift Co., at the base of the Whistler Village gondola, is a must. Besides great pub food, local beer, live music, and late-night dancing, the GLC has a big patio. Later, take off your boots and fill yourself silly with the Sass Tolls and Saki Margaritas at Sushi Village.