Fat Lip: A Dynamic Sport Climb in Northern British Columbia

Terrace, Canada
sport
single-pitch
dynamic finish
power endurance
bolted anchors
Northern BC
Length: 65 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Fat Lip
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Fat Lip is a single-pitch sport climb on the Main Wall in Northern British Columbia that demands sustained power and technical precision. Offering a pumpy upper section and a dynamic finish, it’s ideal for climbers looking to test their endurance in a quiet, scenic location."

Fat Lip: A Dynamic Sport Climb in Northern British Columbia

Fat Lip stands as an invigorating single-pitch sport climb etched into the Main Wall of Northern British Columbia’s Extew Terrace. This route offers a compact but rewarding ascent that intensifies as you rise, challenging climbers to manage their energy with precision. Starting along the same base line as the neighboring Bellydancing route, Fat Lip quickly establishes its identity by veering straight up after a well-earned rest ledge. From here, the climb transitions into a series of pumpy, muscle-demanding moves that push your endurance. The upper section calls for controlled power, culminating in a graceful, dynamic finish that demands you summon your last reserves of strength.

Climbing Fat Lip means testing your ability to endure sustained movements on quality rock, with the bolted anchors offering confidence for the final clip and secure anchor setup. The route’s 65-foot length keeps it tight and focused, making it a perfect test piece to sharpen power endurance and technical footwork. Located in a remote but accessible sector of Northern BC, this wall rewards climbers with quiet surroundings and crisp mountain air, setting the stage for a focused day of climbing.

Approach to Fat Lip is straightforward but requires navigation through rugged forest trails that wind around the terrace. The path can be damp and uneven in spots, a reminder to wear sturdy shoes and move carefully to conserve energy for the climb. Early morning ascents provide cooler temperatures and less direct sun, ideal for maintaining grip and stamina on the rock face. After the climb, descending is as simple as a well-marked rappel from the bolted anchors, allowing you to safely exit without the need for a long hike down.

For those chasing a concentrated burst of sport climbing challenge in a wild setting, Fat Lip is a must. It blends natural rhythm with technical demands, offering a climb that is both physically rewarding and mentally engaging. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your technique or simply enjoy a quality route amid British Columbia’s striking Northern outdoor terrain, Fat Lip delivers with clarity and punch.

Climber Safety

While the bolted anchors provide secure protection, watch for loose rock on the approach trail and ensure all gear is double-checked before climbing. The rest ledge is small, so use caution when pausing to avoid overbalancing. Also, weather can shift quickly in Northern BC, so be prepared for sudden changes.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length65 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid direct afternoon sun and maintain cooler rock temperatures.

Wear shoes with good edging capability for technical footwork on the pumpy moves.

Plan a brief rest at the ledge before the steep upper section to conserve energy.

Double-check your anchor setup before rappelling down to ensure a smooth descent.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10+
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10+ rating is a fair challenge, particularly due to the pumpy upper section that ramps up the difficulty after a moderate start. The dynamic finish pushes the grade slightly harder than the numeric rating suggests, requiring precise timing and a strong core. Climbers familiar with nearby routes will find the effort comparable but appreciate Fat Lip’s distinct sustained endurance test.

Gear Requirements

Bolted anchors secure the top of the route, so only sport climbing draws and a quickdraw rack are needed. The protection is reliable, allowing you to focus on movement without worrying about gear placements.

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Tags

sport
single-pitch
dynamic finish
power endurance
bolted anchors
Northern BC