Weekend Ice Climbing Courses
'Advanced Ice'

Course Details

DATES - PRICE - AGENDA
INSTRUCTORS & GROUP SIZE - TRANSPORTATION
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS - GEAR
INSURANCE - BOOKING

Experience and enjoy this super exhilarating sport on our weekend course. Personalized instruction will help you to develop technique, the signature of a good climber. We focus on movement skills and use simple rope handling techniques on short frozen waterfalls.

With the enthusiastic and dedicated 'Yam Team', top climbers and guides such as Barry Blanchard, James Blench, Dwayne Congdon, Jim Gudjonsen, Michael Olsthoorn, Mark Stewart and sean Easton you'll experience an unforgettable weekend of learning, challenge and exhilaration!

In addition to taking this basic program check out the 'Plus Days' add-on option and you'll be just blown away by what you can accomplish on this weekend!

Dates

2001: February 9 - 12, 16 - 19

Price

$390 CDN ($260US) includes instruction and use of technical gear. Accommodation and meals are not included but low cost, easy options exist which we can help organize for you. Cancellation insurance is available for $20.

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Course Agenda

Friday Evening: (At Yamnuska Office)

• Welcome, introduction, goals and agenda.
• Review knots and harnesses.
• Adjust crampons and check gear

Saturday Evening: (At Local Climbing Area)

• Ice bouldering and technique review.
• Placement and analysis of ice screws and 'drive-ins'.
• Belaying review, 'Sling-shot' top rope review.
• Placement of screws on steep terrain.
• Anchor demonstration.
• Evening session(At Office): Anchors and protection priorities of the leader.

Sunday Evening: (At Climbing Area)

• Bouldering warm-up.
• Set up anchors with assessment by instructors.
• Simulated leads (on top rope).
• Skills coaching.

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Climbing Locations'

We use a variety of locations on this program. These may include the Canmore 'Junkyards', Johnston's Canyon, Haffner Creek and Lake Louise on the first two days, 'Professors', The Field area, Lake Louise are among options for the final day.

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Instructors and Group Size

Enthusiastic and extremely talented, your instructors hold climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to them. There will be a maximum of 12 students. Instructor/student ratios range down from 1:6. On multi-pitch days 1:2 is the norm.

How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?

Prerequisites: 'Basic Ice' and some further personal experience. You need to be comfortable seconding easy grade 4 ice.

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Transportation

We normally rely upon participant’s carpooling. Should this not be feasible we will ensure that something is organized. If visiting the area from far afield we would recommend you rent a car so as to be able to visit local attractions and the like in the evenings (you may be able to share this expense with other participants). Canmore is a 1-hour drive west from Calgary. There are frequent buses from the airport and downtown, we will send details upon booking.

Accommodation and Meals

These are your responsibility. There are lots of options available including campgrounds, hostels, B'n'Bs, motels and hotels! We will send you a list of recommendations once you book. On the course you will need a packed lunch and something to drink.

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Equipment and Clothing

The course fee includes use of technical gear although you should feel free to bring any gear you already have. When you book we will send you a complete list of anything you will need to bring (appropriate clothing etc.).

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Insurance

There is no charge for rescue. If we climb in Banff National Park you will need a day entry pass (c.$5) to qualify for free rescue. This pass can be obtained when we enter the Park. It is wise, though to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here.

Booking Information

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment on booking. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance ($20), this must accompany your deposit.

For detailed booking instructions and conditions, click here.

Along with all relevant receipts we will send you a full trip logistical kit (containing meeting times, a list of what to bring and info on how to get here) and a sample copy of our waiver which we will ask you to sign when you meet us.