Valhalla Pure Squamish 2005-06-18T01:34:22Z Valhalla Pure is Squamish's only fully featured mountain shop. Check here often for updates. tag:www.squamishgear.com,2008:/site/1 Movable Type Copyright (c) 2005, murray Monmouth Creek / Echo Lake 2005-06-18T01:34:22Z 2005-06-17T18:34:22-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2005:/site/1.167 2005-06-18T01:34:22Z Look west from downtown - across the Squamish River - and you'll see a series of waterfalls coming down the side of the mountain. That's Monmouth Creek, and it drains out of Echo Lake, 950m (3000') up the mountain.... murray squamish@vpo.ca areainfo Look west from downtown - across the Squamish River - and you'll see a series of waterfalls coming down the side of the mountain. That's Monmouth Creek, and it drains out of Echo Lake, 950m (3000') up the mountain. If you're really looking for an adventure, and want to get away from the crowds on the Chief, this may be just the ticket.
You'll need a canoe or some similar craft to get across the river, and once there it's a steep, rough ascent, but every step of the way is worth the effort. You start out by making your way up alongside about 400m (1200') of pretty much continuous - and beautiful - waterfalls. Then you follow a much gentler stretch of creek for a couple of kilometres of gradual climbing through dense mature rain forest before climbing steeply again past a long cascade of whitewater that ends at the mouth of Echo Lake. The view from here, looking down onto the Squamish Estuary, across to a surprisingly small-looking Stawamus Chief, and off to the glaciated spires of Mamquam Mountain in the distance is well worth bringing a camera for. In July and August the swimming is great, both in the lake and in the numerous pools below the waterfalls along the way. The lake was stocked with trout many years ago, so bring your fishing rod and a few flies. Or if you're feeling really energetic you can continue on up to the summit of Mount Lapworth at 1460m (4750'). Or you can try your luck bushwhacking around and up to Alec Lake, which feeds into Echo Lake via a very loud waterfall on the south shore. Allow a couple of hours for that one, wear pants and long sleeves, and maybe read a few books on anger management before you go. Remember, Slide Alder and Devil's Club can't hear you, no matter how loud you scream at it, so just take a deep breath, count to ten, and push harder.

You'll want to allow at least three hours for the hike from the river to Echo Lake, and probably a couple more for Mount Lapworth. Be warned, the trails are rudimentary, sometimes poorly marked, and sometimes just plain non-existent, especially above the lake. If you stop by the store, we'll try to give you as much information as we can to make you day as enjoyable as possible. Murray goes up pretty regularly, so you might even be able to tag along with him if you catch him on one of his days off.

]]> New Arrivals 2005-03-05T02:50:00Z 2005-03-04T18:50:00-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2005:/site/1.15 2005-03-05T02:50:00Z Waiting for the newest packs or jackets to show up? Waiting for fresh stock to buy new rock shoes? Check here to see what's come off the truck recently.... murray squamish@vpo.ca store Waiting for the newest packs or jackets to show up? Waiting for fresh stock to buy new rock shoes? Check here to see what's come off the truck recently.

]]> Stay tuned - we're expecting our Spring shipments to begin arriving any day now. We'll update this page as soon as we can.

]]> Staff Picks & Favourites 2005-01-03T00:17:25Z 2005-01-02T16:17:25-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2005:/site/1.14 2005-01-03T00:17:25Z What gear gets the staff jazzed? What lines have been getting the best response from our customers? Make sure you're not missing out on anything by checking here:... murray squamish@vpo.ca store What gear gets the staff jazzed? What lines have been getting the best response from our customers? Make sure you're not missing out on anything by checking here:

]]> Icebreaker merino wool from New Zealand has been a huge hit with staff and customers alike. Lightweight, soft against your skin, cosy warm when it's cold out, nice and cool when it's hot out, and no odour retention. This stuff is just plain great. From skin weight to outerwear, we carry plenty of great men's and women's styles. In fact, we probably have the best Icebreaker selection in the entire Pacific Northwest.

Stripes poly-pro long underwear, also from New Zealand, are a sure-fire eye catcher as you come in our front door. Functional, fun, reasonably priced, and painfully colourful, Stripes has been flying off the hangers all winter.

And continuing the "Down-Under" theme, Blundstone boots from Australia have a nearly cult following among our customers. Comfortable, Light-weight, durable, and good-lookin', Blundstones have been our most popular footwear line for three years now.

Smartwool socks have been a favourite for years. Merino wool is light, soft, warm, and wicks perspiration away from your feet without the clammy feel of synthetic socks (See also "Icebreaker"). There's just enough synthetic blended in to give the socks good durability, without compromising the performance of the wool. Smartwool socks are available in a number of different weights, for use as liner socks, ski socks, or for hiking and trekking, or just hanging around town on a rest day.

Chaco sandals. No surprise here - these things have been favourites of ours for a few years now, and for good reason. Molded polyurethane footbeds provide terrific support, so you can stay on your feet for hours without feeling like you've been on your feet for hours. The continuous webbing strap system provides a snug wrap to keep your feet securely planted on whatever you're standing on. Two different strapping systems, three different sole compositions, two different widths for both men and women, and a myriad of webbing patterns & colours give you almost too much choice. And when the tread starts getting a bit thin you can have them re-soled, or have new webbing installed if you decide you want a different colour. Quite simply - Chacos rock.

]]> Specials and Deals and Stuff 2005-01-02T23:15:35Z 2005-01-02T15:15:35-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2005:/site/1.52 2005-01-02T23:15:35Z Hate paying full price? Who doesn't? We try not to have a lot of blow-out sales, but from time to time we need to clear out some surplus. Check here to see what Murray bought too much of...... murray squamish@vpo.ca store Hate paying full price? Who doesn't? We try not to have a lot of blow-out sales, but from time to time we need to clear out some surplus. Check here to see what Murray bought too much of...

]]> We're in the process of putting together an updated clearance list, but it's still a work in progress. Check back soon for details.

]]> Stawamus Chief 2004-08-27T19:24:05Z 2004-08-27T12:24:05-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2004:/site/1.120 2004-08-27T19:24:05Z mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com areainfo

ladder_thumb.jpg     chief_thumb.jpg     north_gully_thumb.jpg


(click to enlarge)

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park protects the 700 metre massive granite cliffs that stand at the southern entrance to Squamish on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. Established in 1997 the 506-hectare park provides rock climbing opportunities of international significance. Hiking trails to The Chief’s three summits offer rewarding views of Howe Sound, Squamish townsite and surrounding mountains. This park has opportunities for camping, hiking, rock climbing and scenic viewing atop the Chief.

Special Features:
* The Stawamus Chief is often described as "the second largest granite monolith in the world." Frankly, that's a load of nonsense, but it's been repeated so many times we're probably stuck with it. Regardless of ranking, the Chief is a beautiful piece of geology, and in addition to its recreational attributes, its steep granite walls provide good nesting habitat for the Peregrine Falcon. Please respect the wildlife and keep your distance. Viewing is best with a pair of binoculars or other viewing aide.
* Obey posted closures of climbing routes on the Chief from March to July, during the critical nesting season of the Peregrine Falcon.

Access: The trailhead can be accessed from the Shannon Falls parking lot (pay) or from the parking lot just outside the Chief Campground (free). From the falls head north along marked trails, from the campground parking lot head directly through the middle of the campground and follow the trail to a short steep rocky section and stairs.

    Quick Facts
  • Approx 45min hike to first summit.
  • Allow 3 to 5 hours for loop of all three summits.
  • Access to the Squaw and Upper Shannon Falls trail. ]]> Diamond Head (Elfin Lakes) 2004-08-27T19:18:13Z 2004-08-27T12:18:13-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2004:/site/1.119 2004-08-27T19:18:13Z The Diamond Head area in the southwestern portion of the park includes Mount Garibaldi, 2,678 metres, Atwell Peak (a volcanic pinnacle), the Opal Cone, Garibaldi Neve and Mamquam Lake. The area abounds with heather. In summer its dainty, white and... mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com areainfo The Diamond Head area in the southwestern portion of the park includes Mount Garibaldi, 2,678 metres, Atwell Peak (a volcanic pinnacle), the Opal Cone, Garibaldi Neve and Mamquam Lake. The area abounds with heather. In summer its dainty, white and pink bell shaped flowers flourish everywhere.

    Access: Turn right off Hwy 99 onto Mamquam Road four km north of Squamish. Follow the paved road past the Squamish Golf and Country Club and then take the logging road just past the Mashiter Creek bridge. It is 16 km from the highway to a parking lot located at the 914 metre level. There is a lookout 1 km before the parking lot that provides a sweeping, panoramic view of the Squamish River Valley and Howe Sound.

      Quick Facts
    • 11 Km (6.8 miles)from Parking Lot to Elfin Lakes
    • 600 metre (1,970 feet)elevation gain
    • 3-5 hours from parking lot to lakes
    • Access to Opal Cone, Mamquam Lake, and backcountry skiing in winter
    • Topographical map 92.G.15 1:50,000
    ]]>     Garibaldi Lake 2004-08-24T23:31:59Z 2004-08-24T16:31:59-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2004:/site/1.117 2004-08-24T23:31:59Z mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com areainfo

    garibaldi_lake_thumb.jpg     garibaldi_lake_map_thumb.jpg
    (click to enlarge)

    A well-graded trail winds up through the forest, past the Barrier and Lesser Garibaldi Lake. Many bring gear to sleep at one of the Lake's beautiful campsites but it's also quite feasible to hike to the lake and back in a day.

    Access: Turn right off Hwy 99 just after you cross the Rubble Creek bridge, 37 km north of Squamish or 19 km south of Whistler onto a paved road that leads 2.5 km to the Garibaldi Lake parking lot.


      Quick Facts
    • 9.5 Km (5.9 miles) from parking lot to lake
    • 810 metre (2,660 ft) elevation gain
    • 3-5 hours from parking lot to lake
    • Approx 8 hour return trip (with lounging time)
    • Access to Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge
    • Camping is restricted to two designated areas - Taylor Meadows and the Garibaldi Lake campsite. Both areas have cleared tent spaces and pit toilets. Visitors should bring a gas stove for cooking and all garbage is to be carried out from the park. In the summer a fee of $5.00 per person/night is charged at Taylor Meadows and Garibaldi Lake. This is a user pay envelope system. There are instructions at the payment box. Please have exact change.
    • There are four day-use shelters at Garibaldi Lake and one at Taylor Meadows.
    • Topographical map 92.G.14 and 92.G.15 1:50,000

    ]]>     In the Shadow of the Chief 2004-04-25T20:48:03Z 2004-04-25T13:48:03-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2004:/site/1.35 2004-04-25T20:48:03Z Now in stock on DVD and VHS: In the Shadow of the Chief tells the story of a rain-soaked morning in May 1961 when, amidst the snow-capped mountains and verdant forests of Squamish, British Columbia, two young climbers—Jim Baldwin and... mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com store Now in stock on DVD and VHS:

    In the Shadow of the Chief tells the story of a rain-soaked morning in May 1961 when, amidst the snow-capped mountains and verdant forests of Squamish, British Columbia, two young climbers—Jim Baldwin and Ed Cooper—started up the ‘unclimbable’ Stawamus Chief...

    ]]> Within two weeks news of their attempt had spread and soon 12,000 cars crowded the base of the Chief with onlookers convinced they were about to witness a deadly fall. Braving relentless heat, mosquitoes and a barrage of reporters, it seemed at times doubtful that Ed and Jim would finish the climb.

    Using never-before-seen archival footage, the film takes a unique look at a part of Canadian sport history and the spirit of the community that rallied behind them.

    In the Shadow of the Chief, by first-time filmmakers Ivan Hughes and Angela Heck, premiered at the Whistler Film Festival in December 2003 where it received the People’s Choice for Best Film at the festival and sold out two screenings.

    The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival awarded it the Best Film Overall-Festival Grand Prize and the Best Canadian Mountain Film prizes. In delivering the award, festival juror Simon Yates (Touching the Void) called it “a clear winner and one of the best historical climbing films I have ever seen.”

    ]]>     Why Valhalla? 2003-12-22T17:12:42Z 2003-12-22T09:12:42-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2003:/site/1.1 2003-12-22T17:12:42Z According to ancient Norse mythology, 'Valhalla' was a brave and noble Viking's final resting place. Bountiful feasts, endless drink, music and friendship were to be shared by all under a roof of antlers. When modern-day Norwegians emigrated to Canada, most... mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com store According to ancient Norse mythology, 'Valhalla' was a brave and noble Viking's final resting place. Bountiful feasts, endless drink, music and friendship were to be shared by all under a roof of antlers.

    When modern-day Norwegians emigrated to Canada, most settled on the West Coast where the geography and climate were similar to Norway's fiords. Some settled on the Prairies, and you can visit the town of Valhalla in Alberta. The Alaskan Panhandle and the Seattle area have the greatest populations of these descendants of the ancient Vikings

    In the 1970's, a dedicated group of forward-thinking folks from the Kootenays convinced the BC government to create Valhalla Provincial Park in an isolated sub-range of the Southern Selkirk Mountains, near New Denver and Nelson. Remote, rugged, huge and spectacular, Valhalla Provincial Park has been our favourite mountain playground for 20 years. Nearby peaks, like Thor and Dag, continue the Norse theme over in the neighbouring Monashee Range.

    When we started our company in 1990 to make specialty outdoor clothing and gear, we didn't need to look to some exotic location on the far side of the planet. The rapid weather changes and punishing wear-and-tear of the Valhalla Range have taught us all we need to know about the requirements our gear would need.

    ]]>     About Us 2003-12-21T18:47:49Z 2003-12-21T10:47:49-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2003:/site/1.3 2003-12-21T18:47:49Z We are Squamish's only full-line mountain shop, stocking pretty much everything from soup to nuts (OK, soup is next door at the IGA, but everything else, we've got). The mainstay of our operation is our exclusive ~Valhalla Pure~ clothing... mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com storefront.jpg

    We are Squamish's only full-line mountain shop, stocking pretty much everything from soup to nuts (OK, soup is next door at the IGA, but everything else, we've got). The mainstay of our operation is our exclusive ~Valhalla Pure~ clothing line, made at our own factory in Vernon, B.C., just a half-day's drive east of here. Using quality materials and our in-house design and production staff, we are able to produce comfortable, durable, and attractive technical and casual wear that will make you the envy of the whole town when you get home from your Squamish vacation.

    ~In addition to our ~Valhalla Pure~ clothing, we also carry Marmot, North Face, Moonstone, IceBreaker, Prana, Stonewear and others to supplement our own production.

    ~Then we load up on hiking boots, trail shoes, and sandals from Scarpa, Merrell, Five-Ten, Garmont, Chaco and the ever popular Blundstones.

    ~We have tents from Marmot, The North Face and Sierra Designs; sleeping bags, too (plus our own house-brand "All-One-World" bags), sleeping pads from Cascade Designs and Sunny Rec, and backpacks from Deuter, Cerro Torre, Arc'Teryx and DaKine.

    ~And climbing gear. Boy, do we have climbing gear… Black Diamond, CCH, Petzl, DMM, Omega Pacific, Trango, Grivel, AustriaAlpin, and locally-made On-Sight sewn webbing products; ropes from Mammut, Sterling and Maxim; harnesses from Arc'Teryx, and rock shoes from Boreal, Five-Ten and Saltic.

    ~Our book section contains by far the broadest selection of guide books in town. All of the local climbers' guides are here (between rock, alpine, and bouldering, there are five different guides…so far. We can help you figure out which is best for you), plus three different hiking guides to the area and the ski-touring guide. We also carry a variety of how-to books, and the bird and plant guides for the region. Oh, and all your favourite climbing magazines, too. We sell 1:50,000 and 1:250,000 scale topographic maps of the entire region and beyond, and the local hiking/biking trail map as well (proceeds from the trail map go to the Squamish Trails Society, so they can build more trails and maintain the existing ones).

    ~The Five-Day weather forecast is available on our "free"* public internet terminal in the store. You can even study the latest satellite images yourself and make your very own, personalised incorrect forecast rather than relying on the weather office to get it wrong for you. Or sit down with your morning coffee (Starbucks is about a rope-length away) and e-mail all your friends and co-workers telling them what a great time you're having, before heading out for the day.

    *All we ask in return is that you make a donation to the local Bolt Fund, so we can ensure that the local climbs continue to be safely equipped.

    ]]>     Contact Us 2003-12-20T18:56:32Z 2003-12-20T10:56:32-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2003:/site/1.5 2003-12-20T18:56:32Z Valhalla Pure Outfitters - Squamish Squamish Station Plaza #805 - 1200 Hunter Place, Squamish, BC V0N 3G0 Phone: (604) 892-9092 Toll-Free: 1-877-892-9092 Fax: (604)892-9094 Or send us an email: squamish@vpo.ca... mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com Valhalla Pure Outfitters - Squamish
    Squamish Station Plaza
    #805 - 1200 Hunter Place, Squamish, BC V0N 3G0
    Phone: (604) 892-9092 Toll-Free: 1-877-892-9092
    Fax: (604)892-9094

    Or send us an email: squamish@vpo.ca

    ]]>     Squamish Links 2003-12-19T18:53:22Z 2003-12-19T10:53:22-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2003:/site/1.4 2003-12-19T18:53:22Z mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com »Squamish Webcam
    »Elaho Publishing
    »Squamish Hostel
    »Squamish Rock Guides
    »Squamish District Map
    »Squamish Chamber of Commerce
    »The Squamish Chief newspaper
    »Weather

    ]]>     All About Squamish 2003-12-14T19:19:07Z 2003-12-14T11:19:07-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2003:/site/1.8 2003-12-14T19:19:07Z The town of Squamish sits at the head of Howe Sound in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, midway between the major metropolitan center of Vancouver and the world-famous skiing of Whistler-Blackcomb. The combination of ocean, rivers and mountains... mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com

    The town of Squamish sits at the head of Howe Sound in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, midway between the major metropolitan center of Vancouver and the world-famous skiing of Whistler-Blackcomb. The combination of ocean, rivers and mountains has endowed the area with a dizzying array of recreational opportunities.
    While Squamish has long been known for the quality of the rock climbing on the clean hard granite of the 650 meter Stawamus Chief (that’s 2100 ft, for our American neighbours. And yes, there’s a "u" in "neighbour" – welcome to Canada) and in the nearby Little Smoke Bluffs, it just barely scratches the surface.
    There are enough hiking trails to keep you busy for years, from the relaxing beauty of a stroll in the Squamish River estuary adjacent to downtown, to the heart-pounding workouts (and heart-stopping views) of steep ascents into the high alpine. Mountain Biking more your speed? Try out some of the best steep, technical single-track around, or take a more sedate spin on the trail networks of the valley floor. While you’re out cycling or walking on the estuary dykes, be sure to head out to "The Spit" and check out the windsurfing and kite-boarding action as the famous Squamish Wind starts kicking up Howe Sound. Further upstream on the Squamish, Elaho, and Mamquam Rivers you’ll find whitewater galore for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. But be sure to look up from the waves you’re playing in or you’ll miss seeing the jagged peaks and cascading glaciers of the Tantalus Range high above you, home to great alpine climbing and backpacking. And those glaciers wouldn’t be there if the area’s mountains didn’t receive tons of snow each winter, which allows for tremendous back-country skiing and snowshoeing (they put Whistler here for a reason, you know), either car-to-car day trips or multi-day traverses.
    During the mid-winter salmon runs on the local rivers, the Squamish Valley plays host to record-breaking gatherings of Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles, as thousands of these magnificent raptors converge on the spawning grounds for a free seafood buffet. The main venue for viewing this annual spectacle is the Eagle Run dyke in Brackendale, with its easy access, interpretive displays, and trained volunteers helping to explain the complex ecological cycles that are playing out before you. Or you can get right in amongst them by booking a spot on an Eagle Float, which takes you drifting slowly downstream in the same rafts that had you screaming through foaming rapids in the summer. What else? Perhaps Scuba Diving at Porteau Cove, horseback riding in Paradise Valley, or stumbling awe-struck through the old-growth forests of giant Cedar and Spruce in the Upper Elaho, then taking a soul-restoring soak in the natural hot springs of Meager Creek. Or just spend the day soaking up the scenery along the Sea-to-Sky Highway as you drive from the shores of Howe Sound, through Whistler and Pemberton, to the stunning peaks of the Joffre Group on the Duffey Lake road. Along the way you’ll find beautiful lakes for swimming in, waterfalls to snooze beside, and the incredible gorge carved out by Cayoosh Creek as it plunges down to join the Fraser River in Lillooet. But make sure you turn back before crossing the river or you’ll find yourself in the B.C. Interior, and there’s nothing worth seeing or doing there. Honest. I should know: I grew up there. Why do you think I moved to Squamish?
    So have a safe trip on your way to Squamish. Stop by the store to say "Hi" when you arrive, and we’ll be happy to help you start exploring "Canada’s Outdoor Recreation Capital."

    Murray Sovereign

    For local instruction/guiding please contact:
    »WildRock Guides
    »Squamish Rock Guides
    »Slipstream Guides

    ]]>     Location/Contact 2003-12-13T20:31:45Z 2003-12-13T12:31:45-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2003:/site/1.7 2003-12-13T20:31:45Z Valhalla Pure Outfitters - Squamish Squamish Station Plaza #805 - 1200 Hunter Place, Squamish, BC V0N 3G0 Phone: (604) 892-9092 Toll-Free: 1-877-892-9092 Fax: (604)892-9094 Or send us an email: squamish@vpo.ca We are located in the Squamish Station Mall just off... mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com Valhalla Pure Outfitters - Squamish
    Squamish Station Plaza
    #805 - 1200 Hunter Place, Squamish, BC V0N 3G0
    Phone: (604) 892-9092 Toll-Free: 1-877-892-9092
    Fax: (604)892-9094

    Or send us an email: squamish@vpo.ca

    We are located in the Squamish Station Mall just off Highway 99. To get into the mall simply turn at the intersection by the McDonalds and head down Cleveland Avenue before making a left to the mall entrance.

    Look for us to the right of IGA Marketplace.
    map.jpg


    ]]>     Our Staff 2003-12-13T20:29:08Z 2003-12-13T12:29:08-08:00 tag:www.squamishgear.com,2003:/site/1.6 2003-12-13T20:29:08Z mark mark@halcyonclimbing.com