Sabbatical offers an invigorating trad climbing experience set within the raw and rugged northern reaches of British Columbia. Located in the remote Copper Mountain area, this route unfolds across three pitches of committed climbing that demand both technical skill and a measured approach. The first pitch invites you up a left-facing corner crack, carving a path through textured rock that challenges hand jams and smears with steady moves. This initial section provides a crucial foothold on a ledge that serves as a gateway to the upper climbs—either traverse right to reach a bolted anchor or continue upward into the heart of the route.

Pitch two, Destiny, elevates the challenge with sustained finger cracks and tighter passages. Climbing past six bolts, this pitch requires skilled gear placement, particularly with smaller cams and nuts, making your rack choices vital. The crack narrows as you ascend, encouraging a rhythm of precise moves punctuated by pockets for gear—highlighting the route's mixed protection style. The climb feels dynamic here, demanding focus and rewarding with a satisfying upward flow.

The final pitch, Buddha’s Belly, presents a technical push through a brief bulge followed by an elegant leftward traverse along seams and ledges. With four bolts securing key spots, the terrain mixes balance and power. The granite offers varied holds, and the scrambling atop angled blocks to reach the anchor lends a sense of accomplishment. Each pitch captures a different facet of trad climbing, blending crack work, face climbing, and sustained crack jamming.

Set against the backdrop of Northern BC’s expansive wilderness, Sabbatical is more than just a test of climbing prowess; it’s a deep encounter with a landscape that dares you to read its lines and respond with thoughtful moves. The approach requires navigating coarse forest trails and uneven terrain, and seasonal access hinges on dry conditions typically favoring late spring through early fall. Layers and hydration are essential as the area's microclimate can shift quickly, with shade cast by towering pines offering welcome respite midday.

Gear up with a rack extending to size 2 cams and a generous selection of smaller protection for Destiny's delicate cracks. Bring a helmet—falling rock isn’t uncommon—and prepare for the potentially technical descent requiring rappels from fixed anchors. A clear understanding of the route beta, combined with solid trad skills, will make Sabbatical a fulfilling climb that rewards attention to detail and respect for the mountain’s pace.

Whether you’re aiming to sharpen crack technique or explore British Columbia’s remote climbing zones, Sabbatical presents a focused, adventurous outing. Its combination of sustained pitches, varied rock features, and the wild landscape surrounding Copper Mountain assure a day of climbing grounded in both challenge and natural grandeur.