Ice Climbing
Guided Climbs Instruction Semesters
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is the premier Canadian Rockies ice climbing guide service and ice climbing school. For over 30 years in the Canadian Rockies we have hosted hundreds of climbers from Canada and all over the world.
We provide you with the highest quality mountain experiences, because we are owned and operated by internationally certified guides.
Our Ice Climbing Team includes most of the best climbers, guides and instructors anywhere! Enthusiastic and extremely talented, they hold climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and from other International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA) countries. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to them.
The Ice Climbing Team includes guides Jason Billings, Steve Blagbrough, Barry Blanchard, James Blench, Pat Delaney, Jesse De Montigny, Sarah Hueniken, Sean Isaac, Grant Meekins, Owen Samuel, Nick Sharpe, Mike Stuart and Mike Trehearne.
Experience with us the best ice climbing on the planet!
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Daily Ice Climbing Instruction On demand through the winter months.
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Canadian Rockies Basic Ice Weekend course for beginners & rock climbers.
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Canadian Rockies Ice Evolution 5-day course for beginners & rock climbers.
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Private Ice Climbing Programs On demand for individuals, families, groups.
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Guided Ice Climbs On demand at all levels.
Intermediate & Advanced Programs
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Advanced Ice Systems Weekend course in the Canadian Rockies focuses on technical protection and gear skills for leading & multi-pitch climbing.
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Canadian Rockies Hot Ice 5-day multi-pitch program.
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Guided Ice Climbs On demand at all levels.
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Private Ice Climbing Instruction On demand.
- Ice climbing forms an integral part of the Yamnuska Mountain Skills Semester, a three month program of intensive mountaineering training both in Canada and New Zealand.
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Ice Climbing Grades
Ice climbing grades are unique to themselves. Most beginner or novice start on Grades 2 & 3. Many climbers can progress quickly and intermediate climbers are usually quite comfortable on Grade 4. Generally Grade 5 and up is more advanced climbers.
| WI 1 | Flat - like a lake... and no routes are graded WI 1. |
| WI 2 | Low angle ice or very short pitches up to 80 degrees. |
| WI 3 | Sustained pitches up to 80 degree ice with good resting places. Requires skills for placing protection. |
| WI 4 | Sustained pitches of vertical or off vertical ice. May have some run-outs between protection. |
| WI 5 | Long pitches of vertical ice requiring good protection placement. |
| WI 6 | Full pitches of dead vertical ice. Featured or requiring awkward stances and movement. |
| WI 7 | Full pitch of of thin vertical or overhanging ice. Requires exceptional skill. |
| WI 8 | Hardest climbs. |