 
mountain adventures
MOUNTAINEERING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
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Mountaineering, Climbing, and Skiing In The Canadian Rockies
Climbing Athabasca, photo courtesy Sachiko Aida
A 3-day comprehensive introduction to general mountaineering. You'll receive instruction in basic techniques of moving on snow and ice plus an understanding of safe glacier travel and of what crevasse rescue entails. You will also take part in the ascent of a classic Rockies peak with all the excitement and hard work this entails followed, if lucky, by the unforgettable thrill of the summit.
printer friendly (.pdf) version 2008 DatesMay 24 - 26, May 31 - June 2, June 14 - 16, June 28 - 30, July 12 - 14, Aug. 2 - 4, Aug. 16 - 18, Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, Sept. 20 - 22 Price$480 CDN includes instruction and use of technical equipment. GST & gratuities not included. Cancellation insurance available for $25.00.
More climbing: Yamnuska guides and instructors are also available for private climbing after the program ... details . Summit Catch Up DayFor those who took this course before, didn't climb a peak on the final day and want another crack at a summit click here. Instructors & Group SizeGreat people to spend time in the mountains with, your instructors are certified by the internationally-recognized Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and licensed by Parks Canada. There will be a maximum of 6 participants per instructor. LocationThe course is held at the Columbia Icefields. It is ideal as glaciers, snowfields and peaks are right next to the 'Icefields Parkway', the scenic road linking Banff and Jasper. Meeting Time & PlaceMeet at the "ICEFIELDS CAMPGROUND" by the cooking shelters at 9.00am on Saturday morning. Please be dressed for the outdoors and have your gear handy so the instructors can check it with you. The campground is located 1 km south of the Icefields Centre on Hwy. 93. It is the closest one to the Centre. Course Agenda
Note: You will need to bring your climbing boots to the fitting session as well as any climbing gear you have so we can check it out.
Athabasca on Monday, photo Sachiko Aida
Note: Much of this day is spent sitting
in and sliding on snow. You will need waterproof gear (with dry clothing for
later).
Monday:
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to put new-found skills into practice. There are several options of which 3491m (11,454 Ft.) Athabasca is best known. Other peaks include A2, Boundary Peak and Mt. Wilcox. All are good introductory mountaineering challenges. The peak you attempt will depend upon the mountain conditions, the weather and your level of fitness. We only attempt Athabasca with those fit enough and when conditions and weather are safe. Should conditions mean that no peak is suitable we will schedule an extra day of instruction. Expect a long but rewarding day. We start very early (well before dawn) and you will be exposed to the incredible beauty of a mountain sunrise. The climb is not too technical but requires many of the things mountaineers must have, stamina, fitness, route finding skills and good judgment. Difficulty, Fitness & ExperienceThis is a course for complete beginners. You will need to be fit and it is a 'hiking' fitness that you will need. The first days are relatively easy as instructional locations are close to the road. If hoping to climb Athabasca on this course (assuming mountain conditions are safe) you must be very fit (Athabasca usually takes at least 10 hours & involves a height gain of 1372 m or 4,500 ft.). If not ready for Athabasca we will attempt another, more appropriate climb with you. Any training you can do in advance, particularly that involving hiking up steep terrain, will really enhance your enjoyment of this program. No prior mountaineering experience is needed.
Snow and ice training at the Columbia Icefields Transportation ... Getting to the IcefieldsThe Icefields are located approximately 180 km north of Banff on highway 93 ("Icefields Parkway"). During the summer months the Icefields are serviced by daily bus from Banff and Jasper (Brewster's, 403 762 3207). Each day we drive a short distance (up to 5 km) to the training location. Once at the Icefields it is usually possible to car pool with other participants. If flying in for the course it would be easiest to rent a car from Calgary International Airport. It takes about 4 hours to drive to the Icefields from the airport. We can also put participants wishing to car pool in touch with each other.
Accommodation & MealsThere are several options available. The instructors and most climbers stay at the "Icefields Campground". Your choices include:
If wanting to stay in Canmore or Banff before or after the course check our LINKS page for accommodation options. You will need to bring a lunch and snack food with you each day. Bring plenty of high-energy snacks. Particularly on cold days, we may not stop for long lunch breaks opting for more frequent short snack breaks instead. You will also need to bring plenty of liquids, especially on the peak day. Equipment & ClothingWe supply group technical gear as well as
crampons, ice axe, harness and helmets if needed. When booking please let us
know if you already have these. CLOTHING LISTWe suggest layers of light, easily carried clothing that allow for fast and easy adjustment to best suit fast changing temperature conditions. We discourage cotton clothing as it causes rapid heat loss when wet. Feel free to call us if you have any questions about what to bring. This list covers items needed for all likely conditions during the mountaineering season. You will need to bring:
EQUIPMENT LISTYou will need to bring: (Items in blue are available to rent from Yamnuska) Rental Gear
OPTIONAL ITEMSWe supply the following items, but if you have your own, please feel free to bring along -
Contact Yamnuska with gear questions InsuranceThere is no charge for rescue so long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass (obtain on entry to National Park.) However, it is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your visit to the Rockies. Booking InformationPlease book as early as practical to
avoid disappointment. We require full payment of $480 CDN plus $24 GST with
registration. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you
take our cancellation insurance for an extra non-refundable $25, this must
be purchased at time of booking. Please read the attached information on
booking conditions and cancellation penalties carefully before booking.
Check out these pictures from previous courses:Webshots Community - Mount Athabasca - July 1, 2001 PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO
CONTACT US IF
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This
is intended to give you an idea of the type of activities you will be doing
on this course. This agenda may be changed to accommodate weather
conditions, climbing conditions and the ability and fitness of participants.
Please note that conditions change in the area during the summer. Typically
on the earlier weekends it can be difficult to find ice as the glaciers are
still covered by snow. By the end of the summer, however, it can be hard to
find snow as it has largely melted. Thus we cannot guarantee that you will
spend equal time on snow and ice.
Yamnuska Mountain
Adventures
