"A steep, relentless single-pitch sport route on Blipvert Tower’s west face, Italian Jam Shop demands endurance and precision. Nearly 35 meters of continuous climbing test your stamina on a right-trending seam dotted with red bolts and challenging overlaps."
Italian Jam Shop stakes its claim on the west face of Blipvert Tower, presenting climbers with a demanding, technical challenge that spares no quarter. This sport route winds its way up a steep, right-trending seam marked by a striking line of red bolts, guiding you through nearly 35 meters of continuous physicality. The first third offers a breather, but as you approach the last two-thirds, the climb transforms into an unrelenting pump fest, pushing finger strength and foot precision to their limits. Overlaps loom ahead, forcing careful maneuvering and sustained effort with no room to rest.
Set within the rugged and vibrant backdrop of Skaha’s climbing area, this single-pitch route requires both mental focus and physical endurance. The rock, firm yet textured, demands steady footwork that keeps you in balance while your arms maintain relentless tension up the face. Despite its intensity, Italian Jam Shop rewards determination with an immersive experience—surrounded by the raw, open wilderness of British Columbia and sweeping views of the Okanagan Valley.
Preparation is key. Climbers will benefit from strong sport climbing experience, particularly on pumpy, technical crimps and endurance routes. Bringing 18 quickdraws is essential to safely clip the bolts, especially as the anchor and final bolts share placement with the adjacent Green Machine route. The approach is manageable but requires attention, leading you from Blipvert to the base of the west face.
Timing your climb for early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the midday heat, as the sun bakes the wall during peak hours, which can add to the difficulty. The route’s exposed position often catches a gentle breeze that provides some relief — a welcome companion on this physical climb. Hydrate well before and after to mitigate fatigue, and wear shoes with precise edging capability to tackle the technical features efficiently.
Whether you’re sharpening your sport climbing skills or chasing a demanding ascent in Skaha’s diverse collection, Italian Jam Shop delivers a potent taste of technical climbing adventure. It challenges your stamina while immersing you in one of British Columbia’s striking vertical landscapes.
The route’s sustained nature means muscle fatigue can increase the risk of falls—climbers should be prepared for continuous tension without rest. The bolts are well maintained but expect limited natural protection options. Approach cautiously as the area around Blipvert’s west face can be loose in spots.
Start early or late to avoid the wall heating up in midday sun.
Bring enough quickdraws to clip every bolt without skipping anchors.
Use stiff climbing shoes for precise edging on technical holds.
Hydrate well before attempting the route; it’s an endurance-intensive challenge.
18 quickdraws needed for clipping bolts and a comfortable bolted anchor shared with the Green Machine route. Prepare for sustained clipping with no rests in the last two-thirds of the climb.
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