‘We had the imagination’: B.C. skier leads pair in first-ever ski descent of Mount Robson’s south face

Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger, a professional skier with nerves of steel and local savvy, had long been dreaming of conquering the south face of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The imposing death star of snow and rock loomed over all who passed by on the Yellowhead Highway in British Columbia.

After a decade of incubating the idea, Lustenberger, along with French alpinist Guillaume Pierrel, finally made their dream a reality. They climbed to the summit of Mount Robson and then, on a Sunday, skied down the south face, becoming the first to achieve this feat.

The journey to the summit was grueling, taking the better part of two days with an overnight bivouac on a snowy ledge. Weather conditions were challenging, with Mount Robson creating its own weather patterns. A false start from a point 200 meters below the true top of the mountain led to a second attempt from a different approach, ultimately resulting in success.

Lustenberger, a former Canadian Olympic ski racer, has a reputation for extreme ski descents, with a long list of firsts to her name. Before Lustenberger and Pierrel, only three men had successfully skied down Mount Robson, all on the less technical north face. This achievement marked two more firsts for Lustenberger: the first woman to ski down from the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies and the first to do it on the south face.

The south face descent from the summit of Mount Robson is over 3,000 meters, requiring nerves of steel and expert skill. Lustenberger and Pierrel’s success was a testament to their determination and skill, with Pierrel acknowledging Lustenberger as a source of inspiration and honor to ski alongside.

As an explorer and steep skier, Lustenberger views mountains differently, always seeking out new challenges and routes. The south face of Mount Robson had been left untouched until she and Pierrel took on the challenge, showcasing their imagination and determination to conquer the impossible.

With this historic achievement, Lustenberger and Pierrel have cemented their names in the history of the Canadian Rockies, inspiring future generations of skiers and mountaineers to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of extreme sports.