At least that’s what the locals say!
But most locals, new and old, share this sentiment with varying degrees of raised eyebrows and wagged fingers for a reason.
Access is Awesome
If you like climbing outside, we hope you take good care of those spaces when you do.
You may already know that our crags don’t just exist with open access to us silly monkeys by magic (even though, we get to climb in pretty magical places). A small but dedicated group of people work hard
to maintain and care for those spaces (and most of them are volunteers).
What is the Squamish Access Society?
The SAS has been instrumental in fostering a strong sense of community among climbers, organizing educational workshops and outreach programs to promote safe climbing practices and environmental stewardship. They collaborate closely with local businesses, government bodies, and indigenous groups to ensure that climbing areas are sustainably managed and preserved for future generations.
A Brief SAS History:
In 1985, climbers in Squamish, BC nearly lost access to climbing areas due to housing developments and proposed gravel quarries. In response to this threat, climbers Kevin McLane and John Howe founded the Squamish Rock-Climbers Association (SRA) to advocate for climbers’ interests. Despite initial resistance from the community and local government, the area eventually gained protection as a Provincial Park, duly recognizing its cultural and spiritual significance to both indigenous and non-indigenous people. The opening of the park marked a period of significant change, including the rise of real estate and outdoor recreation, and the SRA evolved into the Squamish Access Society (SAS).
Over the years, climbers involved with SAS have successfully secured access and resources, including the establishment of Little Smoke Bluffs Park, and continue to work on preserving and improving climbing access. The full Story here: https://squamishaccess.ca/our-story
What does the SAS do now?
Along with continued access-related dialogues in and around Squamish, they run a series of ongoing programs such as:
- Rebolting and anchor replacement
- Trail maintenance days and trash cleanup events
- Cragkeeper programs
- The Falcon monitoring program in connection with BC Parks
How can I support SAS and look after our treasured climbing spaces?
#1 is always, be a good steward! Pack out anything you brought in; reduce your footprint around boulders and routes (don’t scatter your stuff everywhere or trash the vegetation); stay on existing trails; and please, for the love of all that is climb-tastic, use the outhouses provided for bodily waste. No one wants to find ‘mystery tissue’ half hidden behind a boulder!
Route climbing? Report bad bolts and anchors.
Become a SAS member! Maintenance costs money, so every little bit helps. You can choose what you want to pay or what you can afford, starting from 10 CAD per year. Membership not only supports their initiatives but also provides you with updates on events, access to exclusive content, and opportunities to participate in community activities. Getting a new Hive membership? Get your SAS membership at the same time and we’ll pay $5 of your 10 dollars!
Volunteer for SAS! To become a volunteer, send an email to: info@squamishaccess.ca or check on their website for upcoming opportunities.
Attend fundraising events! At The Hive we strive to make life better, and one way we do so is by donating 25% of the proceeds from the upcoming TNT Summer Competition Series, to SAS. By participating, you’ll be supporting both a vibrant climbing community and crucial conservation efforts. Interested? Learn more and sign up here: https://hiveclimbing.com/events/