Absurdity on the Stawamus Chief
Kieran Brownie finds an unlikely heel edge on the Stawamus Chief, with the Howe Sound inlet below. Photo: Kieran Brownie
Words: David Mackinnon
It’s February 3rd in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Territory, BC, and there’s a strange sound echoing off the Apron of the Stawamus Chief. The iconic, 2,000-vertical-foot granite dome is home to some of Canada’s most famous rock climbing routes, but a rare cold front brought nearly two feet of snow to the valley bottom. Now, the metal edges of a snowboard dance with the granite, shedding fragments as they meet the sharp grains of quartz embedded in the rock. Kieran Brownie chuckles to himself, aware of the absurdity of his ride as he pressures his toes just enough to manage the descent.
Subscribe for access to this article plus the entire archive of The Snowboarder's Journal content—and receive a discount on all products. Subscribe Now