Rising sharply within the remote Selkirk Mountains, Mount Tupper’s West Ridge offers a climb that blends rugged alpine scrambling with technical crack climbing, perfect for those seeking a straightforward yet thrilling adventure. This route encompasses mostly 4th class terrain punctuated by three distinct cruxes, each rated no harder than 5.3, making it accessible to climbers comfortable with basic trad gear and alpine exposure. From the approach, the ridge reveals itself as a spine of broken ledges and rocky features that demand steady footing and bold moves.

Your journey begins by navigating to the broad Hermit gendarme, a large, isolated rock tower that stands as a natural waypoint along the ridge. From here, the route shifts right onto a somewhat exposed traverse. This section requires focus, as the terrain tapers and the exposure heightens. Keep a steady pace along broken ledges, aiming upward and right where scrambling continues toward a defining left-facing corner. This corner crack, along with a chimney located just to its right, presents the technical heart of the climb. Both the corner and chimney can be ascended at the 5.3 level, with the chimney offering perhaps slightly more shelter from the elements. Alternatively, climbers ready for a bit more challenge can attempt the crack system on the face left of the corner, rated just above 5.3.

Beyond this crux, the route loosens its grip on technicality, returning to scrambling as you push towards the summit block. The final section is a sharp, airy arete leading to a surprisingly broad, flat summit area that rewards your effort with a panoramic view of the Columbia Mountains around you. The sheer stillness of the high alpine air, the crisp stone beneath your fingers, and the endless ridgelines stretching into the distance underscore the purity of this climb.

Descent follows the ascent route, but there’s a vital detail: rappel anchors aren’t always obvious on the way down, especially the slung blocks with maillons placed in 2017. Spotting these rappel stations during the ascent is essential for safe retreat.

Protection is entirely trad, and the gear required is straightforward yet demands attention. Fixed rappel chains and a handful of slung blocks are available, but for the majority, your rack needs to cover varieties of nuts and cams suitable for protecting cracks and ledges along the scramble. The rock quality is generally solid but expect some loose sections on the approach and lower scramble.

This climb sits in a relatively remote segment of British Columbia’s Columbia Mountains, an area marked by wild landscapes and limited human presence. The approach is a mixture of trail and off-trail navigation, so preparation and route-finding skills serve climbers well here.

Due to its west-facing ridge, the West Ridge basks in afternoon sun but is better tackled in late spring through early fall when snow has melted from the higher elevations and rock conditions are stable. Early season attempts might encounter slick patches or snow pockets adding complexity.

In all, the West Ridge on Mount Tupper delivers a practical alpine challenge filled with exciting moves, exposed traverses, and classic crack climbing. It’s an inviting choice for climbers wanting to step beyond simple scrambles without committing to sustained technical pitches, enriched by crisp mountain air and wild, quiet surroundings.