Frosty Mountain: West Summit

Frosty Mountain: West Summit in Manning Park is the serious side of Frosty, the route locals talk about when they want big views and an even bigger grind. It’s a 13.5 km out-and-back with around 1184 m of gain up to roughly 2396 m, rated difficult for good reason. This is the true summit line, not the more popular Frosty East peak, and it feels a lot wilder and more committing.

The hike starts in the forest, then slowly breaks into open slopes and a rocky ridge with wide views over Manning Park, Lightning Lake, and the surrounding peaks. Once you’re on the upper ridge, the scenery is the reward: long sightlines, a real high-alpine feel, and a summit that makes the effort worth it if conditions are on your side. Expect slow, careful travel across scree and loose rock, with some optional light scrambling on poor-quality rock where you really don’t want to fall.

Current reports on Frosty Mountain: West Summit are blunt: views are 5/5, the “trail” is closer to 3/5 or worse. There are no markers, sections of full-on bushwhack, icy and overgrown slopes, fallen logs everywhere, and in summer it can feel like there is no trail at all, making route-finding and navigation skills essential. Most locals treat this as a winter or shoulder-season objective from January to March, using snowshoes or spikes for the packed snow and avoiding loose summer rock; only experienced hikers with solid navigation should attempt it, and always check Manning Park road and avalanche conditions before you go.