Standing Wave stakes its claim as the leftmost line on the Fantastic Wall of Mount Athelstan, a striking alpine route that merges sharp rock features with high-altitude wilderness. From the outset, this climb demands attention—starting just to the left of the main gully beside Moonraker, the route ascends a defined arete before navigating a hanging slab that challenges climbers with both technical moves and exposure.

The first pitch sets the tone with a steady climb along the arete, rewarding you with solid belay stances nestled beneath a steep wall rated at a moderate 5.7. Soon after, traversing left along a ledge that shifts into a natural handrail keeps you close to the rock's sculpted contours, culminating in a demanding pull over a vertical section onto a hanging slab that beckons focus and precision.

Mid-route, the climb shifts into a corner system outlining the right edge of the slab, featuring long sections of smooth, flat incut holds that provide welcome security despite sparse protection options. Here, runners will find themselves relying on delicate placements and a steady head as the rock quality improves without much room for error. A small cam and a piton hidden in a groove mark the final belay before the grade stiffens to 5.9 on thin cracks and face moves that force climbers to engage fully, especially on the crux bulge.

The concluding pitches guide adventurers through a mix of blocky terrain with better protection, leading to a snowpatch resting high on the face. Approaching late in the season, rubble can creep onto the route, requiring extra vigilance. From here, an airy traverse sweeps left at about 35 degrees, bridging the snowy ground to a final arete climb at 5.6 that opens out onto the summit rim.

Climbers should prepare for varied conditions—standard trad gear up to 3 inches is crucial, complimented by a few knifeblades and lost arrows for tricky belays within the runout sections. A short approach involving crampons and an ice axe underlines the alpine nature of the climb and the necessity of solid mountaineering skills to negotiate both ascent and retreat safely.

Standing Wave offers an immersive combination of technical trad climbing and alpine adventure, set against the vast backdrop of British Columbia's Sea to Sky corridor. It’s a route that courts both excitement and thoughtful planning, rewarding climbers who come equipped and ready to read the mountain's shifting moods. Whether chasing the rhythm of the rock or soaking in the bird’s-eye views of the surrounding wilderness, this route promises a memorable alpine day with a clear challenge and tangible beauty.