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Blastoff at Ripple Tower: Steep Sport Climbing Challenge in Sea to Sky

Squamish, British Columbia Canada
sport climbing
granite dome
pumpy
single pitch
Sea to Sky
endurance climbing
Length: 50 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Blastoff
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Blastoff delivers a short, intense blast of steep climbing on a granite dome near Ripple Tower. Expect pumpy, long moves that challenge your power and endurance—this one pitch packs plenty of punch for climbers pushing into 5.11 territory."

Blastoff at Ripple Tower: Steep Sport Climbing Challenge in Sea to Sky

Blastoff presents climbers with a compact but intense test on a modest dome just left of the well-known Ripple Tower in the Sea to Sky corridor. This route immediately launches you into a steep, pump-heavy sequence just past the first bolt. Expect powerful, long moves that demand commitment and stamina more than intricate footwork or technical finesse. The initial crux pushes your endurance, with one or two significant reaches that require precise timing and body tension.

As you ascend, the difficulty eases toward the anchor, allowing your forearms a moment to recover on generous holds, though the sustained nature of the climb keeps adrenaline high. At 50 feet, the pitch packs a punch—concentrated effort with limited rests, making it a focused workout for your upper body.

Located in the rehabilitation project area within the Sea to Sky corridor between Squamish and Whistler, this route benefits from the clean granite typical of British Columbia’s coast but demands mental resilience as much as physical strength. The rock’s texture offers solid friction, aiding your grip on the bigger holds but punishing any lapses in technique during the more intense sections.

Gear up with five well-spaced bolts protecting the pitch, and rely on the secure rappel anchors perched at the top for a straightforward descent. While the route lacks a complex approach—close enough to Ripple Tower’s established access paths—it rewards climbers prepared to tackle a well-protected yet demanding sport climb. Timing your effort to avoid the midday heat is smart, as sun exposure on the open dome can sap energy quickly.

Blastoff is a worthy addition for climbers comfortable in the low 5.11 range who want to sharpen their power endurance with solid falls on comfortable bolts. Though originally rated 5.10c, its pulse-raising moves justify the consensus that it leans harder than its first ascent grading suggests.

This route offers a concentrated burst of challenge in one pitch, ideal for those looking to test their limits without committing to long climbs or complicated approaches. Whether you’re tightening your redpoint project schedule or simply chasing the thrill of a steep sport route in a stunning coastal mountain area, Blastoff will push your upper body and your confidence. Come equipped with your best sport shoes, chalk up thoroughly, and prepare to bank those big throws.

Climber Safety

While protection is well-bolted, the steepness and pumpy nature of the climbing mean falls can be strenuous. Ensure you have a secure belay setup, and be mindful of sun exposure on the dome—dehydration and overheating are real risks during mid-day ascents.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Approach via established trails near Ripple Tower—expect a short, straightforward hike.

Best climbed in cooler parts of the day to avoid overheating on the exposed granite dome.

Chalk up well—long, pumpy moves can quickly sap grip strength.

Double-check your rappel setup on the fixed anchors before descent.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.11a
Quality
Consensus:Blastoff's rating at 5.11a feels earned and perhaps even on the easier side of that grade. The crux comes early with powerful moves that can catch climbers off guard, requiring sustained effort rather than technical precision. Compared to other Sea to Sky sport routes, it’s more about muscle and less about intricate footwork, making it a solid endurance challenge.

Gear Requirements

Five well-placed bolts protect the pitch with solid clipping zones. Rap anchors are fixed at the top, allowing for a secure descent. Minimal gear needed beyond a standard sport climbing rack.

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Tags

sport climbing
granite dome
pumpy
single pitch
Sea to Sky
endurance climbing