About Yamnuska Inc.

Its history, guides, permits, environmental standards and company officers.

History

Yamnuska has been a presence in the Canadian Rockies since 1977. It began adult 'Wilderness' program at the Rocky Mountain YMCA's Yamnuska Center. Programs included backpacking, rock climbing and mountaineering. Early instructors included James Blench, Barry Blanchard, Dwayne Congdon, Chris Miller, Marni Virtue and Sharon Wood. Quickly gaining momentum the 'Wilderness Program' left the 'Y' and 'Yamnuska Mountain School', a non-profit society directed by Bruce Elkin, was formed and based in Bruce's basement in Canmore. The next years saw a steady evolution as instruction in mountaineering, rock and ice climbing became the core activity with the Fall 'Mountain Skills Semester' an annual event. By the early 80's Yamnuska was at the apex of the instructional market.

Incorporation in the mid-'80's resulted in 'Yamnuska Mountain School Ltd.' In 1988 a New Zealand guide, David Begg, who had recently emigrated to Canada purchased the company and renamed it Yamnuska Inc. to reflect its wider goals. Since then the company has grown by leaps and bounds as its dedication to quality and service has resulted in more and more satisfied guests spreading the word about the great adventures they had in the Canadian Rockies and other parts of the world with Yamnuska.

Yamnuska is the popular name for the mountain guarding the Bow River's exit from the Rockies. This Stoney Indian word has been taken to mean 'wall of stone' or 'mountain standing alone'. Yamnuska mountain is also famous for its many fine climbing routes.

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Yamnuska´s Guides

International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations

Yamnuska Inc. is a company owned and managed by active guides. All climbing, skiing and hiking guides are trained and certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). The ACMG is a member country of the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations which is often known by its French acronym (UIAGM). Yamnuska guides operate within the strict terrain guidelines of the ACMG.

The very exacting standards to which Yamnuska's guides are held should not obscure the fact that the guides are the heart and soul of the company. They are some of Canada's best mountaineers joined by superb guides from other UIAGM nations. Teachers as well as leaders, they are great mountain companions as happy to share skills and experiences as to guide on challenging peaks. Many have been involved with the company since its inception.

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Permits

Yamnuska Inc. holds guiding permits for Banff, Glacier, Jasper, Kluane, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks. For Assiniboine, Bugaboo, Elk Lake and Robson Provincial Parks in British Columbia and for Bow Valley and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks in Alberta and also Kananaskis country also in Alberta.

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Leave No Trace

Yamnuska Inc. practices leave No Trace camping and back country living practices. Your assistance in this will be appreciated.

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Company Officers

President (also a guide):	David Begg
Chief Guide:	Dave Stark
General Manager:	Aleks Sniatycka
Marketing Manager:	Hiroshi Namba
Office Manager:	Ann Jorgensen
Senior Guide and Film Services:	Barry Blanchard

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Yamnuska Inc.