'Snow and Ice Long Weekend'

Course Details

DATES - PRICE - LOCATION
AGENDA - INSTRUCTORS & GROUP SIZE
DIFFICULTY, FITNESS & EXPERIENCE
TRANSPORTATION - ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
GEAR - INSURANCE - BOOKING

This three-day program will give you a short but comprehensive introduction to general mountaineering. You will learn the basic techniques of moving on snow and ice plus an understanding of safe glacier travel and of what crevasse rescue entails. Last but far from least you will 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.

It is not possible to teach you all you need to know to become a safe mountaineer in three days but this is a good way to start and you may just end up catching the mountaineering bug.

Mount Athabasca Summit Catch Up Day

For those who took this course before and want another crack at the summit click here for information

Dates

2000: May 19 - 22, June 23 - 26, June 30 - July 3, July 21 - 24, August 11 - 14, September 22 - 25, October 6 - 9

Price

$395 CDN includes GST, instruction and use of technical equipment. Park fees, Meals, accommodation and transport not included. Cancellation insurance is $20.00.

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Location

The 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.

Course Agenda

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.

Friday:

Meet at 8.00pm.
Equipment issue and crampon fitting.
Prepare for next day.

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.

Saturday:

Course briefing at 8:00am
Knots and harnesses.
Snow school (at field site nearby) includes: Movement on snow, Use of ice axe, Self-arrests, Belaying on snow.

Note:
Much of this day is spent sitting in and sliding on snow. You will need waterproof gear (with dry clothing for later).

Sunday:

Ice school and crevasse rescue includes: Glacier morphology, Crampon technique, Basic ice climbing , Ice screw placement, Roping up for glaciers, Crevasse rescue techniques

Monday:

Ascent of Athabasca!!

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to put new-found skills into practice. 3491m Athabasca is a classic introductory mountaineering challenge. It will be 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.

On occasion the weather may prevent a safe attempt on the mountain. In this case we will either schedule another peak or an extra day of mountaineering instruction. The mountains call the shots and the wise mountaineer takes heed. Thus we never guarantee climbs.

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Instructors and Group Size

Great people to spend a week 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.

Snow and Ice Long Weekend

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

This 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. On the final day the ascent of Athabasca will usually take at least 10 hours and will involve a height gain of 4,500 ft. 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.

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Transportation

The 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. Once there it is usually possible to car pool with other participants and instructors.

Accommodation and Meals

There are several options available. You can camp at the Icefields Campground or stay at nearby Hilda Creek Hostel (has kitchen facilities) or at the Icefields Chalet (hotel with restaurant). You will receive further information on these with post-booking information. The instructors and most climbers stay at the campground.

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Equipment and Clothing

We supply group technical gear as well crampons, ice axe, harness and helmets if needed. When booking please let us know if you already have these. With your post-booking info kit you will get a full list of clothing and equipment to bring.

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Insurance

There is no charge for rescue so long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass (obtain on entry to National Park.) 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. We require full payment of $395 CDN with registration. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance for an extra non-refundable $20, this must accompany your deposit. Please read the attached/enclosed information on booking conditions and cancellation penalties carefully before booking.

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), a sample copy of our waiver which we will ask you to sign when you meet us and a experience questionnaire which we ask you to return to us in advance of your arrival.

PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT US IF
YOU NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE!

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