One Month Summer Mountaineering Program

Dates & Prices   Meeting Time & Place  Program Objectives   Location   Curriculum  Climate  Agenda   Instructors & Group Size  Difficulty and Prerequisites   Transportation   Accommodation & Meals   Gear & Clothing   Insurance   How to Book 

This condensed and intensive high-end program is designed for those who cannot take three months off for a regular semester. It focuses on the skills required of the summer mountaineer ... climbing alpine rock, snow and ice, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, technical rock, mountain approach plus navigation and route finding.

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Dates & Prices

2010: June 12 - July 11 ... $6,900 CDN, cancellation insurance $366

• Minimum enrolment is 4 students, an amended program may be offered should enrolment be less.

Price includes:

• All out-trip hut and camping fees.

• All out-trip meals.

• Course transportation.

• Low Ratio Instruction.

• Use of all technical gear.

• All group camping gear (tents, stoves etc).

• Park fees.

Price does not include:

• 5% Goods & Services Tax*

• Accommodation and Meals in Canmore.

* A 50% rebate of the GST is available to non-residents of Canada.

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Meeting Time and Place

Program Objectives

To train you to become an independent and fully self sufficient summer mountaineer. To develop your all round competence to an advanced intermediate level across the spectrum of summer mountaineering skills. This in tandem with the development of individual and group leadership skills.

Course Location

The course is based in Canmore, Alberta in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains just minutes from Banff National Park. Section locations will vary according to conditions. Expect to be rock climbing in the Bow Valley near Canmore and mountaineering in British Columbia's Bugaboos and at the Columbia Icefields. Alpine trekking will be in the Front Ranges of the Rockies.

Yamnuska HQ in Canmore

Curriculum

Alpine Trekking: Travel in difficult big mountain terrain breeds great mountain skills Route finding and scrambling skills lead directly into more advanced mountaineering.

Rock climbing: Most students finish leading at 5.7 and above.

Alpine Rock Climbing: Short roping skills and improvised belay skills to develop fast movement over alpine rock terrain.

Mountaineering: Glacier travel, crevasse rescue, climbing snow, ice and rock peaks. Expect to be leading on peaks such as Athabasca.

Mountain Navigation: Route finding in whiteouts using compass and GPS.

Trip Logistics: Planning, menus, gear, safety, emergency response.

 

Climate

We are in a continental or inland climate that varies greatly in temperatures and weather. During this program you can expect to encounter spring snow falls with sub-zero temperatures and hot summer temperatures in the high 20s (Celsius). Bottom line is to be prepared for every type of weather imaginable.

Agenda

Day 1: Welcome, introductions, course agenda and goals. Begin preparation for first trip.

Advanced Mountain Hiking & Scrambling Skills

In addition to navigation, route finding, trip planning and general movement and pacing skills you will begin to get to know and to work with your fellow participants. During the following weeks the group's ability to function well together will be crucial to the success of the program.

Alpine Trekking

Day 2 - 6: Five-day Alpine trekking Traverse
A five - day trip into less traveled, more demanding hiking and mountaineering terrain. Subjects covered include group management, wilderness travel, scrambling skills, navigation, map and compass, route planning and wilderness 'Leave no Trace' practices.

Day 7: Day off in Canmore
A well-earned rest and the chance to catch up on some personal maintenance.

Rock Climbing

This is a major part of the Semester. We will be working on all aspects of rock climbing over the next 7 days. We will then revisit rock work on the first mountaineering segment to be held among the rock peaks of the Bugaboos.

Day 8 - 11: Rock Skills in the Bow Valley
The rock in our area varies from sandstone to limestone to quartzite, each type with its unique qualities. From a camp at Bow Valley Park we will visit different areas each day to learn the skills of rock climbing from the ground up. In tandem with rock performance training and movement skills will be comprehensive and detailed instruction in safety and belay systems including: 'trad' (use of nuts, camming devices etc) gear placements, anchor building, various belay systems, lead skills (sport and 'trad'), self-rescue and rescue, multi-pitch systems.

Day 12 - 14: Advanced Rock
For the next three days the  emphasis shifts to multi-pitch climbing on the big limestone wall that encloses the Bow Valley. Climbing with instructors in small teams (1:2) you will be able to apply your new skills to long climbs which demand far more efficiency and better route finding judgment.

Day 15 - 16: Two days off in Canmore

Alpine Mountaineering on Rock, Snow and Ice

The final two parts of the program are dedicated to learning the skills associated with climbing glaciated peaks. You will learn how to travel safely on a glacier plus how to rescue yourself or your partner from a crevasse, you will be learn how to climb safely on rock, snow and ice in two world famous areas: the Bugaboos and the Columbia Icefields.

Day 17 - 22: General Mountaineering Skills and Alpine Rock in the Bugaboos
The 'Bugs' are one of North America's most famous climbing areas. This world-renowned climbers' paradise with its awesome granite spires, beautiful glaciers and lush, green valleys attracts alpinists from around the world. We can't imagine a better place in which to be initiated into the skills and techniques needed for general mountaineering and on alpine rock routes.

From our base at the spacious Conrad Kain Hut we can easily reach the perfect training areas to be found on the Bugaboo Glacier and in the Crescent Spires each day. We will be working on general snow and glacier techniques as we approach  rock spires where we'll be applying our rock climbing skills to alpine situations. Alpine rock is an important facet of mountaineering that requires an ability to quickly choose the appropriate technique for every situation so as to maximize both safety and speed.  Here we introduce peer short roping, natural belays and other important mountaineering techniques.

Alpine Rock on Bugaboos Granite

Later in the week the West Ridge of Pigeon Spire, one of the most enjoyable intermediate alpine rock routes in the world, will be our objective.

Day 23 - 24: Two days off in Canmore

Day 25 - 29: General Mountaineering Skills and Alpine Ice at the Columbia Icefields
The great peaks of the Columbia Icefields rise abruptly next to the Banff-Jasper Parkway. Heavy glaciation means alpine ice climbing, not only for the experts challenging famous route such as the 'Andromeda Strain' but also for those of us wishing to learn and to experience for the first time the visceral excitement that alpine ice provides. The icy peak of Athabasca is a great classroom and its steeper routes are great finales for this program.

Alpine Mountaineering, Summer Mountaineering Semester

Day 30: Debrief day in Canmore culminating in a graduation dinner.

Instructors and Group Size

Our instructors are professional mountain guides who are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and by other member countries of the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations.

The instructor ratio (number of students per instructor) has a very large impact on the quality of the program. Ratios are based upon the difficulty and hazard associated with the teaching terrain. This means that more demanding terrain, such as that in the Bugaboos, requires a lower ratio. We will be using a maximum ratio of 1:3 on the mountaineering sections with lower ratios on the more technical climbs.

Difficulty, Fitness & Experience

This is a demanding and strenuous program which requires a high level of aerobic fitness from participants. It is suitable for beginners and those with basic previous experience in hiking, mountaineering and rock climbing.

Transportation

During the program all transportation is supplied. The group has a passenger van that is used to reach program areas. During evenings and on free days, transportation is not supplied.

Accommodation & Meals 

All accommodation costs and meals while in the backcountry are included in the course price.

When in Canmore the group will be responsible for their own accommodation.  This allows us to offer this program at a discounted price, as there is a wide range of accommodation options in town.  You can find more information about Canmore hotels and hostels here. 

During training segments the group will be based in a range of accommodations that will include wilderness camping, car camping and  Alpine Club mountain huts.

Since this program is about developing all - round mountain skills, you will be involved in menu planning, food packing and food preparation for out-trips. During training you and the other course members will be responsible for cooking for the group. The food supplied will be healthy and nutritious with emphasis on simplicity. Do not expect a lavish menu, but also do not expect to starve, you will eat well.

Meals while in Canmore are not included. There are many excellent restaurants in town, many within walking distance of our office and most hotels.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a regular vegetarian (no meat but dairy and eggs OK) and wish to remain so please let us know when you book. We can not cater to more specialized diets ('vegan', 'wheat free', 'no fat', etc.) If you follow such a diet, bring extra money to buy supplementary foods.

Equipment and Clothing

All group camping and all technical gear is supplied with the exception of rock shoes and mountaineering boots. Reasonably priced boot rentals can be arranged during the course.  You will need to bring your own outdoor clothing and footwear, backpack, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Download Gear List

There are several outdoor stores in the area from which you can buy gear and clothing during the Semester.

Insurance

There is no charge for rescue so long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass (included in cost). It is wise, though to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra coverage if necessary.

Booking Information   

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. A deposit of  $2536 CDN is required at time of booking. Final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the course. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance for an extra non-refundable $366, this can only be purchased at the time of booking.

For detailed Booking Instructions and Conditions, click here.

Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the course. Click here for waiver copy. We also request that you complete and return our on-line mountain experience questionnaire.

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