Will Stanhope is one of Canada’s most accomplished big wall free climbers, known for his bold ascents, technical mastery, and commitment to pushing the limits of traditional climbing. With a deep love for granite and an eye for futuristic lines, he has made a name for himself with groundbreaking free climbs in some of the world’s most formidable alpine environments.
Will has spent years refining his skills on the granite walls of Yosemite, the Bugaboos, and the Waddington Range, where he has established and repeated some of North America’s most difficult trad routes. His career highlights include the first free ascent of the legendary Cobra Crack (5.14) in Squamish and numerous daring high-altitude free climbs.
In 2024, Will teamed up with Tim Emmett to complete the first free ascent of The Smoke and Mirrors (5.12+, ED 2, ~4,500 ft.) on Mount Combatant, making history on one of Canada’s longest and most intimidating alpine rock routes.
A true purist at heart, Will continues to seek out audacious objectives that blend technical difficulty with serious adventure. His dedication to the craft and humble approach to climbing have earned him respect as one of the top trad climbers of his generation.
Join elite climbers Tim Emmett and Will Stanhope as they recount their bold first free ascent of The Smoke and Mirrors (5.12+, ED 2, ~4,500 ft.), a variation of The Smoke Show on Mount Combatant in British Columbia’s Waddington Range. Their climb marks the first free route up the peak via the Incisor and is a contender for the longest rock climb in Canada.
In this gripping presentation, Tim and Will will take you through their 52-hour, camp-to-camp push—navigating razor-sharp ridges, loose rock, and committing crack systems, all while carrying minimal gear for speed and efficiency. From high-stakes route-finding to the sheer physical and mental endurance required, they’ll share the triumphs and challenges of tackling one of the most intimidating walls in North America.
Don’t miss this firsthand account of adventure, risk, and the pursuit of climbing excellence!
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