Daily Lessons, Guided Climbs & Private Instruction

For beginners, experts, visitors, locals, families, individuals & groups.

The best ice climbing in the world is found in the Canadian Rockies surrounding Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. Waterfall ice climbing is an unbelievably exhilarating sport and we invite you to experience it with Yamnuska.

Yamnuska guides and instructors are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and are among the best in their field. In addition to their technical excellence they're great communicators and coaches. They are members of a guiding team that shares current conditions and technical tips on a daily basis. Staff training and mentoring by our most senior guides ensures uniformly high standards.

Info on Beginner / Daily Lessons & Instruction

Info on Guided Climbs

Info on other guided activities

 

Yamnuska Ice Climbing Video

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Daily Lessons & Private Instruction

 

Ice climbing instruction in the Canadian Rockies

Day or half-day lessons are available for individuals or groups in the Banff, Canmore areas by request. Lessons cater to all abilities, beginner to advanced.  Modern Petzl ice climbing equipment is included with all Day Ice bookings. 

Lessons can be booked by individuals, families or groups. When requested individual bookings may be combined to reduce costs for participants.

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Ice Climbing Season

Ice climbing is typically available from late November through until April. Optimum season is mid-December to mid-March.

Instructor Ratio

The "Yam Ice Team" includes most of the best climbers 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 "Yam Ice Team" includes Jason Billings, Barry Blanchard, Steve Blagbrough, Pierre Darbellay, Pat Delaney, Jesse De Montigny, Sean Isaac, Grant Meekins, Matt Mueller, Simon Robbins, Nick Sharpe, Mike Stuart, Mike Trehearne and Abby Watkins.

The maximum guide to client ratio for instruction is 1:6

Daily Ice Climbing Lesson Locations

There are several great ice climbing locations that can be readily accessed for daily lessons, they include: 

Grassi Lakes: "The Junkyards" 10 minutes drive from Canmore followed by a 20 minute walk. A great spot for first time ice climbers and those wishing to brush up on skills.

King Creek:  40 minute drive from Canmore in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Good beginner location for a full-day of climbing with some challenging short climbs to finish on.

Johnston Canyon: 20 minutes drive west of Banff. Good for steep climbing practice.

Haffner Creek: 40 minutes drive west of Banff. Excellent variety of steeper climbs and mixed climbs.

Prices

Our price includes instruction and all equipment. Our cutting edge equipment is selected to best enhance your experience. Key items are replaced annually with the latest models.

Prices do not include Goods & Services Tax (GST), gratuities, transportation or lunches / snacks.

Full day   5-6 hours climbing with modern gear included (boots, crampons, ice tools, harness & helmet). GST is extra.

Half-day   3 hours of climbing with modern gear included (boots, crampons, ice tools, harness & helmet). GST is extra. "Junkyards" location only.

Meeting Place & Time

Unless otherwise specified we will meet you at the Yamnuska office at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore.  See this map for location. The meeting time will be set when you make your booking.

Transportation

Transportation is not usually included. Clients generally provide transportation for the guide. If there is a vehicle available, Yamnuska can provide transportation for a pick-up in Banff or Canmore at an additional cost of $50 plus a fuel surcharge if climbing anywhere other than the "Junkyards". 

What you need to bring

Lunch & Snacks

These are not included save by special arrangement. Make sure you bring plenty of high-energy snacks plus plenty to drink. A Thermos with a hot drink is a good idea.

Clothing & Equipment List

There can be  periods of inactivity in very cold temperatures. Don't be afraid to bring too much! We suggest bringing light clothing of varying thicknesses that can be 'layered' to achieve comfort and versatility. The most important consideration for clothing is the ability to regulate temperature as you change from periods of activity to periods of rest. We discourage cotton clothing as it causes rapid heat loss when wet. Ski wear works well.

We suggest you bring:

• Long underwear (top & bottom), polypro, wool or fleece.

• Warm pants (pref. insulated or fleece)

• Warm shirt (not cotton)

• Sweater (medium or lightweight)

• Fleece Jacket (heavyweight)

• Insulated jacket or vest

• Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or nylon)

• Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex or nylon)

• Socks (wool outer & polypro liner)

• Wool or fleece hat that will cover ears & fit under helmet

• Waterproof climbing gloves &/or mitts plus spares.

• Knee-length Gaiters

• Neck tube.

• Daypack (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & climbing gear e.g. rope & crampons). $4/day to rent.

• Sunglasses

• Thermos flask and/or water bottle (full!)

• Sun cream

If bringing your own gear you will need to bring:

• Mountaineering boots (plastic or synthetic)

• Crampons (Must fit your boots or be easily adjustable)

• Climbing Harness

• Climbing Helmet

• Ice tools

Contact Yamnuska with gear questions

To Book or inquire about daily lessons and instruction

Please email or call the Yamnuska office at 1 866 678 4164 (Canada, US only) or +1 403 678 4164 (other countries) or 678 4164 (local).

All participants must sign Yamnuska waiver of risk and liability before climbing (parents/guardians must sign for children). Full payment required on registration. Please view our sample waiver copy.

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Guided Climbs

For intermediate and advanced climbers we offer a full guiding service for the large number of  longer and more difficult climbs we have in the Canadian Rockies surrounding Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. Join a Yamnuska guide and experience great climbing, amazing settings and adventure on the frozen waterfalls of the Rockies.

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Ice Climbing Season

Ice climbing is typically available from late November through until April. Optimum season is mid-December to mid-March.

Guides & Guide Ratios

The "Yam Ice Team" includes some of the best climbers 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 "Yam Ice Team" includes Jason Billings, Barry Blanchard, Steve Blagbrough, Pierre Darbellay, Pat Delaney, Jesse De Montigny, Sean Isaac, Grant Meekins, Matt Mueller, Simon Robbins, Nick Sharpe, Mike Stuart, Mike Trehearne and Abby Watkins.

The maximum guide to client ratio for guided multi-pitch climbs is 1:2

The Climbs

There are many, many climbs to do and they are spread throughout the Rockies in our region. This is just a small sampler of what is feasible.

When making your booking you can specify the climbs you'd like to do or we can suggest climbs for you. The guide will retain the final say on what climbs are attempted as you must have demonstrated (either by having suitable prior experience or by climbing less serious objectives first) that you have the appropriate ability. Finally climbing and avalanche conditions must be safe.

Yamnuska guides are available to guide grade 2 - 6 climbs. Surcharges will be applied to more difficult and serious climbs.

Banff Area

Cascade Falls: Scenic grade 3 route right outside Banff. Best December through to mid-February.
Professor Falls: Shaded gulch just east of Banff Golf course (1 hour walk) with several grade 4 pitches.

Kananaskis Area

Many climbs in grade 4 -5 range reached from Smith-Dorian Highway and Highway 40.

Ghost Area

A wide range of excellent climbs reached after a 2 hour drive from Canmore. 4WD vehicle necessary.

Field / Lake Louise  Area

A great area with lots of climbs in the grade 3 - 5 range in a small area. Includes:

Lake Louise Falls: Grade 3 - 5, 30 minutes walk from Chateau Lake Louise.
Guinness Gully: Above Field B.C. (20 min west of Lake Louise, 1 hour from Canmore), grade 4.
Massey Gully: Above Field, grade 3.
Carlsberg Pillar: Above Field, grade 5.

Banff-Jasper Highway

Bow Falls: A ski access from Bow Lake of 1-2 hours. Grade 4 - 5
Weeping Wall: Right above the road, 2 hours drive from Canmore. Several lines. Grade 4 - 5.
Polar Circus: Also right above the road. A famous grade 6. You need to be experienced, fast and willing to pay a surcharge.

Prices

When hiring a guide you are responsible for the following costs: guide fees, transportation, Park entry fees when applicable, local accommodation, your personal climbing gear, your lunches & snacks. Goods & Services Tax & gratuities not included.

Guide Fees

Transportation

This is not included. Usually clients transport guides in their vehicles. For insurance reasons guides cannot transport clients. We suggest you rent a car whilst in the area. If necessary transport can be arranged either using a Yamnuska van or a taxi service. If a guide has to drive beyond Canmore to meet you for the climb gas charges apply.

Meeting Place and Time

This will be arranged when you make your booking.

Park Entry Fees

If climbing in Banff, Kootenay, Yoho or Jasper National parks daily entry fees apply. These are approximately $9/day per client and can be obtained on entry.

Accommodation

Most people stay in Canmore if here to ice climb, this is most convenient. Otherwise you can stay in Banff or Lake Louise. In this case you will be charged for the guide's gas expenses for driving to meet you. Go to our links page for accommodation options.

Lunches & Snacks

These are not included save by special arrangement. Make sure you bring plenty of high-energy snacks plus plenty to drink. A Thermos with a hot drink is a good idea.

Clothing & Gear

This is not included though we do have boots, packs & climbing gear for rent.  Rental Gear Prices

You will need to bring:

Clothing & Equipment List

There can be  periods of inactivity in very cold temperatures. Don't be afraid to bring too much! We suggest bringing light clothing of varying thicknesses that can be 'layered' to achieve comfort and versatility. The most important consideration for clothing is the ability to regulate temperature as you change from periods of activity to periods of rest. We discourage cotton clothing as it causes rapid heat loss when wet. Ski wear works well.

We suggest you bring:

• Long underwear (top & bottom), polypro, wool or fleece

• Warm pants (pref. insulated or fleece)

• Warm shirt (not cotton)

• Sweater (medium or lightweight)

• Fleece Jacket (heavyweight)

• Insulated jacket or vest

• Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or nylon)

• Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex or nylon)

• Socks (wool outer & polypro liner)

• Wool or fleece hat that will cover ears & fit under helmet

• Waterproof climbing gloves &/or mitts plus spares

• Knee-length Gaiters

• Neck tube

• Daypack (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & climbing gear e.g. rope & crampons)*

• Sunglasses

• Thermos flask and/or water bottle (full!)

• Sun cream

• Mountaineering boots (plastic or synthetic Koflach, Scarpa, La Sportiva, etc.)* 

• Crampons (Must fit your boots or be easily adjustable)*

• Climbing Harness*

• Climbing Helmet*

• Ice tools*

*Available to rent, but you must advise us in advance that you need them.

Contact Yamnuska with gear questions

Rescue Insurance

In most areas there is no fee for rescue. In the National Parks you must have a valid entry pass to qualify for free rescue. You can obtain this on entry to the Parks.

Whilst Canadians are covered for costs associated with medical treatment following accident or illness, overseas visitors should obtain appropriate medical insurance.

Should you take our optional cancellation insurance you will be refunded in full or in part should you cancel this program due to illness/accident prior to or during the program.

Booking Information 

To book guided climbing you must call or email our office. Registration requires a deposit of 35% of the cost  or, for trips of three days or less, full payment. All guests must fill in an experience questionnaire. Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.

Balance of payment is required eight weeks before trip commencement. Should you cancel more than eight weeks in advance of trip, a $105 cancellation fee will apply. Cancellation between six and eight weeks before trip commencement will mean a loss of your deposit. Cancellation less than six weeks before trip commencement will result in a loss of all payments made.

We suggest you take cancellation insurance, this is available on booking and will cost 5% of total fee.

To book or inquire about guided climbs:

Call 1 866 678 4164 (Canada, US only) or +1 403 678 4164 (other countries) or 678 4164 (local)

or   Email info@yamnuska.com

Questions? Contact Yamnuska

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