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Blue de Jour: Edge-Hugging Sport Climb in Sea to Sky

Squamish, Canada
arete
sport
single pitch
technical moves
Sea to Sky
British Columbia
bolt protected
Length: ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Blue de Jour
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Blue de Jour offers a sharp-edged sport climb on a striking arete in Sea to Sky’s Area 44. With well-spaced bolts and a challenging transition near the anchors, this single pitch tests balance and precision in a stunning coastal mountain setting."

Blue de Jour: Edge-Hugging Sport Climb in Sea to Sky

Blue de Jour stands as a compelling single-pitch sport route in the rugged Sea to Sky corridor, where Squamish’s raw terrain unfolds toward Whistler’s alpine backdrop. This climb commands attention with its sharp arete that challenges you to lock into precise movements and balance. From the start, your hands find solid, well-placed bolts guiding you along the rock’s abrupt edges, inviting a dance that demands confidence and focus. The route’s character is defined by the transition near the top—from the narrow pillar section onto a slightly bulkier block setup around the anchors—where the challenge shifts from pure finesse to calculated positioning.

The rock here bites with a gritty texture typical of the Coast Mountains, offering reliable friction on every hold if you trust your feet and commit. Every move rewards with the thrill of exposure, the vertical wall daring you to stay sharp and deliberate with each reach. Though only one pitch, the technical nature and the placement of bolts ensure a rhythm that flows—yet never feels routine.

Approaching Blue de Jour means stepping into the broader Sea to Sky climbing scene, where wilderness feels immediate but accessible. The climb’s location in Area 44 offers not only a striking climbing experience but an introduction to the varied rock features found in this region. This is sport climbing stripped of excess gimmicks—pure rock, clear protection, and a crux that draws you onto the edge literally and figuratively.

For planning your ascent, bring shoes that provide dependable edging and a light rack centered around quickdraws to clip into the nine bolts. Hydrate well before your climb, as the approach can be moderately steep, and the rock tends to absorb sun making it warm underfoot during summer afternoons. Weather in this coastal belt can shift quickly, so check forecasts to avoid wet conditions that can turn the granular granite slippery and unpredictable.

Whether you’re polishing your 5.9 technique or stepping into sport climbing from a traditional background, Blue de Jour offers a concise but memorable challenge. The move from the pillar up to the anchor block requires careful reading to maintain balance and conserve energy before topping out. It’s an ideal route for climbers who appreciate a route with straightforward protection but complex movement, set against one of British Columbia’s most dramatic climbing backdrops.

Climber Safety

Though well-bolted, the climb’s exposure along the arete and the awkward transition near the top means you should stay focused on each movement. Loose rock is minimal but remain cautious on footholds by the anchor block; avoid climbing in wet or damp conditions to reduce slip risks.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length feet

Local Tips

Wear climbing shoes with excellent edging performance to maximize grip on the arete.

Approach the climb during morning to early afternoon to avoid hot granite that can sap friction.

Check weather reports carefully due to coastal rains that quickly degrade rock conditions.

Stay alert transitioning from the pillar to the block near the anchors to maintain balance.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:Rated at 5.9, Blue de Jour feels true to grade overall, but the moves along the arete demand precise footwork and a steady core. The crux, where you move from the pillar section to the anchor block, can bump the effort slightly beyond the grade for those unfamiliar with technical edged climbs. Climbers who appreciate Squamish’s style will find this route fits well alongside other local 5.9 sport routes that blend technical climbing with good protection.

Gear Requirements

The climb is protected by nine solid bolts spaced to keep the route safe but engaging. A modest rack of quickdraws is ideal, emphasizing lightness and efficiency.

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Tags

arete
sport
single pitch
technical moves
Sea to Sky
British Columbia
bolt protected