Basic Ice Climbing

We have decades of experience in introducing people to the sport of ice climbing. Our office in Canmore, Alberta is fully equipped with all the ice climbing gear you need to get started.

Day 1: 8:00am At Yamnuska Office & Local Climbing Area

Learn correct body position for ice climbing.
photo Bryce Jardine

• Welcome, introduction, goals and agenda
• Knots and harnesses
• Adjust crampons and check gear
• Discussion of safety procedures
• Basic Ice Movement - how to use 'crampons' in a safe environment a few feet off the ground - essential for confidence!
• Basic belays and belay calls
• Top roped climbs in Banff, Canmore or Kananaskis
• Lowering

Day 2: At Local Climbing Area in Banff, Canmore or Kananaskis

• Climbing warm up
• Introduction to steep ice climbing techniques
• Lots of climbing with coaching on steeper climbs. You will be surprised at what you can ice climb when using modern ice tools and proper body positioning.
• Introduction to use of ice screws and other protection methods.
• Practice "seconding" which involves removing gear placed by the "lead" ice climber.
• Debrief and wrap-up by 4:00pm

Basic Ice Climbing 'Plus Days'

Stay for an extra day after the Basic Ice Course and put your new skills into practice on a classic Canadian Rockies multi-pitch climb such as The Professor's Falls or Cascade Icewall. The instructor to student ratio is 1:2, we divide into compatible teams, choose a suitable 'multi-pitch' (several rope lengths in height) route and spend the whole day climbing it. We have a near endless list of multi-pitch ice climbs in the Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis and Lake Louise areas.

$265 plus GST. Every Monday following the Basic Ice course.  Available to Basic Ice course participants only. This is a fabulous deal for a multi-pitch ice climb.

Meeting Time and Place

The course begins at the Yamnuska office in Canmore at 8:00am on the first day. The Yamnuska office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore, Alberta. See this map for location.

Instructors & Group Size

The "Yam Ice Team" includes some of the best ice climbers and course instructors anywhere! Enthusiastic and extremely talented, they hold climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and from other International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA) countries. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to them. There will be a maximum of 12 students and a minimum of 4. Instructor/student ratios range down from 1:6. In addition to being expert ice climbers, they are well trained to Yamnuska's high customer service standards and are highly experienced course instructors.

The "Yam Ice Team" includes Jason Billing, Steve Blagbrough, Barry Blanchard, Pat Delaney, Carl Johnston, Jesse De Montigny, Grant Meekins, James Madden, Matt Mueller, Nick Rapaich, Simon Robins, Erica Roles and Nick Sharpe.

Transportation

Waterfall Ice Climbing

To keep prices down participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore and during the program. Canmore is a 1hour (100km) drive west from Calgary.

If you are flying from afar for the program we suggest that you rent a car for your visit. In addition to getting you to the climbing locations it will allow you to explore our region a bit after program hours. For example you can visit Banff and enjoy the hot pools and sample the numerous restaurants.

Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore, Banff. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. We would be happy to arrange shuttle transportation from the Calgary International Airport for $55 each way.

Accommodation & Meals

These are not included in the program fees. There are lots of options available including hostels, B'n'Bs, motels and hotels! Check accommodation options on our links page for our recommendations. The Alpine Club Clubhouse (403 678 3200) is a good hostel here in Canmore with nice facilities and reasonable prices.

For your convenience we can arrange hotel accommodations in Canmore for $160 per night. This accommodation can be booked with the trip online or by calling us. Hostel accommodation is also available for $30 per night. Subject to availability.

Food is not supplied. You will need lunch and something to drink each day. Each day bring plenty to drink and a lunch plus energy snacks. We particularly suggest bringing a Thermos and hot drink.

The ice climbing course fee includes use of technical gear although you should feel free to bring any gear you already have.

Equipment List

We suggest you bring:

• Boots, double plastic mountaineering boots*
• Daypack (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & climbing gear e.g. rope & crampons)
• Crampons* (must fit your boots or be easily adjustable)
• Climbing Harness*
• Climbing Helmet*
• Ice Tools (2)*
• Belay Device*
• Sunglasses
• Thermos flask and/or water bottle (full!)
• Sun cream
• Pocket knife

*We can loan you these but please advise us in advance that you need them.

Mountaineering Boots

Yamnuska has double plastic mountaineering boots which you are welcome to use on this course. If needing these please let us know when you register. We require your boot size.

Clothing List

There can be prolonged periods of inactivity in very cold temperatures throughout the course. Don't be afraid to bring too much! We suggest bringing light clothing of varying thickness that can be 'layered' to achieve comfort and versatility. The most important consideration for clothing is the ability to regulate temperature as you change from periods of activity to periods of rest. We discourage cotton clothing as it causes rapid heat loss when wet.

We suggest you bring:

• Long underwear (top & bottom), polypro, wool or fleece
• Warm pants (pref. insulated or fleece)
• Warm shirt (not cotton)
• Sweater (medium or lightweight)
• Fleece Jacket (heavyweight)
• Insulated jacket or vest
• Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or nylon)
• Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex or nylon)
• 2 sets Socks (wool outer & polypro liner)
• Wool or fleece hat that will cover ears & fit under helmet
• Waterproof climbing gloves &/or mitts plus spares
• Knee-length Gaiters
• Neck tube

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. Our beginner ice climbing courses tend to fill up quickly. We require full payment on booking.

We ask that you make yourself familiar with our detailed booking instructions and conditions.

Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.

There are two basic types of insurance that most travelers need to consider: Medical and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance. We offer our guests coverage for both and highly recommend you purchase it.

Emergency Medical Expenses Insurance:

It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip.  Obtain extra coverage if necessary.  There is no charge for rescue in the National and provincial Parks, however costs such as air or ground transportation, long term care and other services are not covered.

Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance:

We recognize that our guests’ schedules may change for many reasons; business, family, flight delays, injuries and other unplanned events.  For these eventualities the Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment. 

For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend the Simpson Group.  This agency offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical and Personal Effect Loss for Canadian and International Travelers.  We highly recommend purchasing this insurance.  For more information and to purchase a plan, visit the Simpson Group’s website.