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Make Good Decisions: A Bold Sport Climb on Silver Slabs

Whitehorse, Canada
slab
sport climbing
single pitch
Yukon climbing
technical
clean protection
Length: ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Make Good Decisions
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Silver Slabs’ ‘Make Good Decisions’ offers a crisp, single-pitch slab climb that challenges your balance and route-reading on smooth granite. It’s a concise yet committing test of technique framed by raw Yukon wilderness."

Make Good Decisions: A Bold Sport Climb on Silver Slabs

Set against the expansive skies of Yukon Territory, Silver Slabs offers climbers a rare blend of stark wilderness and focused vertical challenge. 'Make Good Decisions' stakes its claim as a single-pitch sport route that delivers a sharp dose of technique and grit on the face of the slab. This climb invites you into a setting where the rock’s cold gray surface catches the light with a smooth, almost glassy finish, demanding precise footwork and keen balance. The final section tests your judgment: you can press straight up the face, taxing your finger strength and slab skills, or skillfully move right into a crack system. From there, a deliberate traverse back left leads toward the anchors, a subtle reminder that sometimes the smartest path isn’t the most direct.

This route’s position in the Silver Slabs area means you’re climbing in a remote Canadian wilderness setting where fresh, cold air sweeps across the granite expanses. The approach crosses open terrain peppered with sparse shrubs and hardy grasses—typical indicators of the Yukon’s harsh climate. The absence of excessive jungle growth means the views remain expansive, with wide northern skies dominating the horizon.

Though compact in length, the 5.10c grade carries a punch; the route demands clean technique and confidence on slab terrain, where trust in your feet is non-negotiable. Protection is straightforward, anchored at the chain belay atop the slab, promising a secure finish after a precise and sometimes committing ascent. Climbers should come prepared with shoes suited for thin edges and an eye for micro-placement precision.

The best window to climb here is late spring through early fall, taking advantage of long daylight hours and the relative warmth that makes slab friction more reliable. Mornings offer steady shade, slowly transitioning to sunlit stone by midday—a factor to consider when planning your push to the top. Given the region’s unpredictable weather, layering gear and carrying wind protection is wise.

Approaching the climb is a solid 20-minute trek through fluctuating terrain, starting from a small clearing with sparse trail markers. The route sits isolated, meaning climbers can find a quiet moment to focus on movement and breathing, away from crowds and urban sounds. Remember to pack hydration for the walk-in and ascent; cold or warm, keeping fluids on hand will keep your focus sharp.

The descent is straightforward—a careful walk off the climbing area back toward the base. With minimal loose rock and well-trodden paths, the retreat offers a moment to reflect on the exposure and commitment the climb demanded. Silver Slabs rewards those who come ready to engage with the rock on its terms, where the starkness of the landscape and the clarity of movement converge into a measured adventure that hones skill and respect in equal measure.

Climber Safety

The slab surface can become slippery with moisture or frost, so pay close attention to conditions before starting your climb. The approach terrain is stable but exposed, so watch footing carefully, especially in wet or windy weather.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length feet

Local Tips

Wear shoes with excellent edging sensitivity to handle slab nuances.

Start early to avoid slick stone caused by afternoon humidity or rain.

Stay hydrated on the approach—there’s no water source nearby.

Dress in layers to adjust as temperatures shift quickly during the day.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10c
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10c grade feels true to its slab style—less about brute strength and more about finesse. The final section’s options add subtle complexity: the face direct route offers a sustained crux requiring balance, while the crack and traverse provide a slightly less intense but no less technical exit. Climbers familiar with Northwest slab climbing will find this a refreshing challenge with a unique northern edge.

Gear Requirements

Anchors are fixed at the top, simplifying protection logistics. No intermediate bolts except for the anchor chain; bring your typical sport rack of quickdraws and rely on precise foot placement.

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Tags

slab
sport climbing
single pitch
Yukon climbing
technical
clean protection