With good weather in the forecast, a trip to Journeyman Peak is an ideal way for any backcountry skier to earn some great turns. Most people start after a great night's rest at the Journeyman Lodge, located on the Callaghan Valley floor at approximately 1,300 meters; the summit, meanwhile, sits just above 2,200 meters. The surrounding mountains create a special weather pattern here that brings a large annual snowfall that blankets the Callaghan Valley with the white stuff.
From the lodge, a quick ski down the cat track brings you to a suitable area to begin the climbing. From lodge to summit is about 2 kilometers depending on your route. The climb starts up through a thick forest of fir trees at a steep angle for a few hundred meters before it begins to open up into upper bowls and clearings. Plotting safe routes is pretty obvious and straightforward up to the North Shoulder. This a great spot for a quick snack before pressing on, and it also serves as a place to turn back if weather or time is a factor.
The summit is visible from the shoulder, and so are the vast powder fields. The climb from here is not as steep, but it is deceptively tough as the snow seems to go on forever without contrast. The summit push is steep and can present some avalanche danger, so a planned approach is required.
From the peak there is plenty of space and terrain for multiple alpine laps before descending into the steep and deep tree and pillow lines at the bottom. From fields of endless snow to tiny shoots and cliffs, this mountain has it all. At the bottom you can take the option of cutting out to Mainline Trail and out to the parking area, or you can ski until you're exhausted because the lodge is a short skin away and has apres-ski snacks ready for guests at 5:30 sharp.
A tour of Journeyman Peak is a great way to spend the day, but a stay at Journeyman Lodge is an even better way to spend the weekend. Callaghan Country has lots of adventures for your to-do-list.
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