 
mountain adventures
MOUNTAINEERING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
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Mountaineering, Climbing, and Skiing In The Canadian Rockies
An alpine traverse combines mountaineering and hiking and the objective is to travel across mountain ranges making peak ascents when feasible. In the Canadian Rockies south of Banff and Canmore is Kananaskis Country where our objective is to traverse the peaks and glaciers of the Main Divide from Aster Lake to North Kananaskis Pass. The scenery combines the best of the alpine and sub-alpine worlds of the Canadian Rockies: peaks, glaciers, lakes, meadows and forest, all superlative! The experiences, too, encompass the best of both: traversing glaciers in the early morning light, peaks stretching in every direction, cool, shady forest trails and wildflowers everywhere! This traverse is designed for very fit hikers and beginner mountaineers. We go early in the summer when there's still plenty of snow and climbing conditions are not too difficult.
2008 DateJuly 7 - 11 Price$1195.00 Canadian includes guiding and instruction, camp fees, Park Permits, out-trip meals and use of specialized group climbing gear. Not included: Canmore accommodation, Gratuities & 5% Goods and Service Tax (GST)*. Cancellation insurance available for $63. Optional pre and post trip accommodation packages are available from $80 per person per night for shared room lodging ($160 for single occupancy). Purchase with booking. Subject to availability.
* a 50% rebate of the GST is available to non-residents of Canada. More climbing: Yamnuska guides and instructors are also available for private climbing in the Rockies and elsewhere before and after the program ... details . Meeting Time & PlaceThe program begins at the Yamnuska office at 8:00am on the first day. The Yamnuska office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park. See this map for location. Traverse ItineraryThis is an ambitious and strenuous program that encompasses both superlative experience and scenery. In writing this agenda it has been hard to do it justice as every single day features fabulous scenery! Day 1: Meet in Canmore at 8:00 am. After issuing food and gear we pack up then drive south into the Rockies to Kananaskis Lakes which will take just over an hour. We enjoy a leisurely hike around the Upper Lake for 5.5 km before striking into the forest towards Hidden Lake and much more physical exertion. Working around Hidden Lake we reach the trail that climbs high above Foch Creek to take us into the high alpine basins above. We camp by Aster Lake, one of the prettiest alpine lakes in the region. Distance: 11 km, total elevation gain: 575 meters. Day 2: Weather and conditions permitting our objective today will be Mount Joffre. At 3450 m. this glaciated peak dominates this southern region of the Rockies. In early July with lots of snow on the glacier it is a suitable climb for beginner mountaineers giving a taste of glacier travel plus use of ice axe and crampons. In the event of poor weather or conditions there are several alternative lesser peaks we can climb. Distance: 10km, total elevation gain and loss: 1150m.
Mount Joffre, Kananaskis Alpine Traverse Day 3: We maintain the alpine tempo today with a traverse of the exposed Northover Ridge with the potential of climbing 3003m Mount Northover on the way. The views are fantastic including back towards Joffre, the previous day's adventure. From the end of the ridge we drop down to Three Isle Lake where we camp back near tree line. Distance 11.3km, total elevation gain and loss: 700m. Day 4: British Columbia is just over South Kananaskis Pass just beyond the Lake. We cross the Main Divide here and travel a further couple of km to Beatty Lake. From here it's back into the alpine, to Beatty Col which we cross to reach Leroy Creek and North Kananaskis Pass bringing us past Maude Lake to the Turbine Canyon campground. Distance 12.9km, total elevation gain: 975m, loss 950m. Day 5: Looking into the deeply-gauged canyon by the campground to see the water raging far below you'll immediately understand Turbine Canyon's name. From here we head south across the meadows to Lawson Lake and with its expansive views. We then drop into the Upper Kananaskis River valley which we follow downstream to Upper Kananaskis Lake, our starting point 5 days before. Then we drive back to Canmore and the end of the trip. Distance 15km, total elevation gain: 575m, loss: 400m. Guides & Group SizeMaximum guide to guest ratio is 1:4. The guides are enthusiastic and extremely talented, they hold guide certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and we are licensed to operate in the area by the Province of Alberta. Maximum group size is 8. Difficulty & PrerequisitesThis is one of our most strenuous programs. Participants must have a high level of aerobic fitness and be able to carry a full backpack over difficult and rough terrain. Prior mountaineering experience is advised though not essential. Individuals with the pre-requisite fitness will be taught the necessary basic skills by our guides during the trip. TransportationParticipants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore which is a 1hour (100km) drive west from Calgary. Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. Call 609 8790, 609 0300, 609 1490 or 609 8505 for taxis in Canmore. We will supply a shuttle service to each end of the trail. You should plan to arrive in Canmore the day before the course (see "accommodation" below")
Hidden Lake on the Kananaskis Traverse Accommodation & MealsOn the trail you will be staying in modern, lightweight 2- and 1-person weather-proof tents. Accommodation in Canmore is not included. For your convenience we can arrange bed and breakfast hotel rooms at $160 per night. These will be at the recommended Westridge Country Inn. Double or single occupancy, the cost is the same. For those wishing to defray this cost we will try to pair them with other participants. This accommodation can be booked with the trip online or by calling us. Subject to availability. You can also make your own arrangements. Check our links page for a range of recommended Canmore accommodations. In addition the Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse (403 678-3200) is a good hostel here in Canmore with good facilities and reasonable prices. Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office. All meals, snacks and drinks are supplied from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5. Mountain meals are made from lightweight ingredients. Please let us know, well in advance, if you have any dietary restrictions or prefer a vegetarian menu. Your assistance with meal duties will be appreciated. Clothing & GearWe supply group and personal climbing gear such as ropes, harnesses and ice axes. But you must bring your own personal climbing gear (e.g. harness, helmet, ice axe), clothing and general equipment. 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. Your guide will go through your clothing and gear with you prior to the course. You will need to bring:
EQUIPMENT LISTYou will need to bring: (Items in blue are available to rent from Yamnuska)
MOUNTAINEERING GEARYou need to bring:
If you don't have these items we will lend them to you. Please let us know what you need in advance.
InsuranceThere is no charge for rescue.. 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 InformationPlease book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. A deposit of $440 CDN (including GST) is required at time of booking. Final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the program. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance for an extra non-refundable $69, 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 program. Click here for waiver copy. We also request that you complete and return our on-line mountain experience questionnaire.
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Yamnuska Mountain
Adventures
