In conjunction with Skaha Rock Climbing Adventure (Penticton, B.C.), the Adventure Studies Department organized the fifth edition of the community development in Skaha on October 12 and 13, 2024. The Adventure Studies Department has been using this area since its inception in 1992. The goal is to give back to the climbing community by improving a specific area of Skaha each year by retrofitting and improving climbing routes and sites.
Skaha Provincial Park is a nationally renowned climbing area that attracts over 100,000 visitors annually, where many issues are at stake: endangered species, user conflict and the reconciliation process with First Nation. Wendy Poppe, Superintendent of Skaha Provincial Park, started this community project by welcoming and lecturing our students on these current issues arising in the park and potential job opportunities with the service.
Over the years our community development renovated Fern Gully, Another Buttress, Red Tail, Go Anywhere Wall, Diamond Back, improving the area for the entire climbing community. This year, our efforts were dedicated to improving the Far Away wall and included opening the following new routes:
Ou es-tu Fred? 5.7 13 bolts • 28 meters
New Route: Bouldery starts past 3 bolts to the ledge then up the corrugated face to the top.
FA: Fred Amyot & Fred Carriere
Hiking School 5.7 10 bolts • 27 meters
New Route: Easy face climbing leads to crack/corner crux at the top (immediately left of Rose in the Corner route).
FA: Nathan Cox & Oscar Green
Hot Butter 5.7 Mixed Gear • 3 bolts • 30 meters
Retro-cleaned & Retro-bolted Route: Follow the left-facing corner crack from the base, using bolts when necessary.
Route Cleaners: Michael Maser & Olivia Wynn Dulvy
Revolutionary Tea Party 5.7+ Mixed Gear • 4 bolts • 30 meters
New Route (Retro-cleaned & Retro-bolted): Start in the crack at the base and climb straight up, past the ledge, through incipient left-facing corners, then straight up corrugated face holds to the top.
FA: Cyrus Huang & Elizabeth Jarry
