Sharon's post makes sense and is a logical point to start discourse. I think there is room for a larger Himmelsbach for sure. I think it's a good location to concentrate backcountry users, and as noted, is a 'safer' (in big quotations), location than most on the Blackcomb side. It is more calming when reading deeper, to realise the Circle location is unlikely. Whew. Decker/Trorey is still a bit tight in my opinion, and still represents a moderately exposed journet in complex terrain.
I don't have anywhere near the experience of Sharon or LeeL, so it's great people like this are "spearheading" this discussion with the ACC. I agree that there needs to be some user-pay if you want a quality overnight location, not some grotto. As it currently stands, there's times when a tent is a better choice than the Himmelsbach… but that's what you get on the low $$$ donation scale of accommodation.
As for Norona, I want to be clear, that I haven't complained about motorised use in my comments. I find it no problem to get away from motorised use if I want to. I'm NOT for sleds as a mode of access because of environmental reasons and I personally think it degrades the experience, but this has nothing to do with a Spearhead conversation. As for heli's, I have found the pilots to be rather considerate when I've been back in that area and they've respected our obvious targets and chosen other lines. And really, anyone out in the Decker, Trorey, Fissile, Oboe areas for the day are clearly people who got there by a mechanised means to start with!
I don't necessarily agree with the comment that "it's a park and it's meant to be used." It's about protection and then balance. I don't think these huts would offset the 'balance' in a meanginful way, I'm more concerned about the more front-side location of the first few huts. The other ones' make sense to me.
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