Fairy Meadow Alpine Granite
Editor’s Note - Most of us probably know the Fairy Meadow (Bill Putnam) Hut as a base for world-class ski terrain, but did you know that when the snow’s gone there’s uncrowded Bugaboo-like granite to climb?
Amazing granite in the Adamant and Gothics Group have much to offer for those looking for seclusion in the hills and a cozy hut base.
Photo: Gavin Boutet
A little hut history…
Built in 1965 by the ACC as a project proposed and largely overseen by William Putnam, the hut has since seen extensive renovations which have transformed the two-storey wooden building into a deluxe backcountry destination. With a complete propane system which includes an oven for baking, two very efficient wood stoves and a fully stocked cooking area, comfort is guaranteed. There is sleeping space for 20 on the second level and a spacious common room with adequate space for hanging gear. A large and very hot wood-burning sauna is an absolute treat at any time of the year!
The hut itself is in a small grassy meadow in the Northern Selkirk Mountains, south of the Granite Glacier, and north of the Gothics Glacier, in the area referred to as the Adamant Group of the Selkirk Mountains. It has been the location for three GMC’s since 1981, and for good reason!
What’s the rock like over there?
The Adamant and Gothic groups are composed of dramatic dark granite, surrounded by long glaciers, comparable to the Bugaboo and Vowell groups of the Purcells, with the addition of remoteness and isolation. The rock quality is generally excellent, with an array of routes of varying difficulty.
Class I and II routes are available close to the hut for shorter days, and Class IV and V rock routes from 5.10 - 5.11. Bigger routes in the Austerity Cirque require a day approach, with two peaks (Adamant and Austerity) being over 11,000 feet.
The area is increasing in popularity, but the difficulty of access (either by helicopter from Golden, or by logging road plus a long hike up a bushwhacky route) keeps the crowds away.
Selected Fairy Meadow classics
GOTHICS
Scramble
Pioneer Peak, NE Face, 55degrees 400m AD+
Moderate
The Gargoyle, Spiral Route, 5.0 AD
East Peak of Gothics, NW Ridge, 5.5 AD
Pioneer Peak, Upper NE Ridge, 5.6 AD
Technical
Mount Quadrant, The Black Rib, 5.7 AD+
Mount Quadrant, West Face, 5.8+ D
Gibraltar, NF, 5.9 D+
Committing
Post Peak, South Ridge, 5.10b D+
Mount Thor, South Buttress, 5.10b D+
Gibraltar, South Buttress, 5.10+ A2 TD+
ADAMANTS
Scramble
Belvedere Peak, South Face, 4th F
Moderate
Adamant Mountain, West Ridge, 5.0 AD
East Blackfriar Peak, South Ridge, 5.4 PD+
Turret Peak, NW Ridge, 5.6 AD+
Technical
Adamant Mountain, Integral North Ridge, 5.7 D+
Adamant Mountain, South Buttress, 5.8 D+
West Blackfriar, West Ridge, 5.8+ D-
Committing
The Horn, West Buttress, 5.10+ A1 TD+
Turret Peak, Southwest Buttress, 5.11 A3 ED1
Colossal, Southwest Face, 5.12 ED1
For the full comprehensive guide, check out David Jones’ Selkirk North.
Drop into granite towers
There is a very good reason why the ACC has held its General Mountaineering Camp in the Fairy Meadow area on four separate occasions since 1981 – the place is awesome! The Adamant Group of the Selkirk Mountains provides climbers and backcountry skiers with a wealth of fantastic opportunities. The peaks here are mainly granitic and there are several classic routes of various lengths and difficulty to challenge all types of climbers.