Guided Ice Climbing

Canadian Rockies Ice Climbs

There are many, many climbs to do and they are spread throughout the Canadian Rockies in our region. Several of which are minutes from our office in Canmore. Below is just a small sample of the classic ice climbs.

When making your booking you can specify the climbs you'd like to do or we can suggest ice climbs for you. The guide will retain the final say on what ice climbs are attempted as you must have demonstrated (either by having suitable prior experience or by climbing less serious objectives first) that you have the appropriate ability. Finally ice climbing and avalanche conditions must be safe. We meet daily to evaluate avalanche and climbing conditions.

Yamnuska ice climbing guides are available to guide grade 2 - 6 climbs. Surcharges will be applied to more difficult and serious climbs.

Banff Area

Cascade Falls: Scenic grade 3 route right outside Banff. Best December through to mid-February.
Professor Falls: Shaded gulch just east of Banff Golf course (1 hour walk) with several grade 4 pitches.
Johnston Canyon Falls: These famous falls freeze over into a variety of grade 3 - 5 single pitch routes.

Kananaskis Area

Many climbs in grade 4 -5 range reached from Smith-Dorian Highway and Highway 40.

Ghost Area

A wide range of excellent climbs reached after a 2 hour drive from Canmore. 4WD vehicle necessary.

Field / Lake Louise  Area

A great area with lots of climbs in the grade 3 - 5 range in a small area. Includes:

Lake Louise Falls: Grade 3 - 5, 30 minutes walk from Chateau Lake Louise.
Guinness Gully: Above Field B.C. (20 min west of Lake Louise, 1 hour from Canmore), grade 4.
Massey Gully: Above Field, grade 3.
Carlsberg Pillar: Above Field, grade 5.

Banff-Jasper Highway

Bow Falls: A ski access from Bow Lake of 1-2 hours. Grade 4 - 5
Weeping Wall: Right above the road, 2 hours drive from Canmore. Several lines. Grade 4 - 5.
Polar Circus: Also right above the road. A famous grade 5. You need to be experienced, fast and willing to pay a surcharge.

Guides & Guide Ratios

The "Yam Ice Team" includes some of the best ice climbers and 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.

The "Yam Ice Team" includes Tim Auger, Jason Billing, Steve Blagbrough, Barry Blanchard, Pat Delaney, Jesse De Montigny, Grant Meekins, Matt Mueller, Nick Rapaich, Simon Robins, Erica Roles, Nick Sharpe, and Mike Trehearne.

The maximum guide to client ratio for guided multi-pitch climbs is 1:2

Transportation

This is not included. Usually clients transport guides in their vehicles. For insurance reasons guides cannot transport clients. We suggest you rent a car whilst in the area. If necessary transport can be arranged either using a Yamnuska van or a taxi service. If a guide has to drive beyond Canmore to meet you for the climb gas charges may apply.

Meeting Place and Time

We usually meet guests at our office in Canmore, Alberta but we can meet where it is convenient for you.

Park Entry Fees

If climbing in Banff, Kootenay, Yoho or Jasper National parks daily entry fees apply. These are approximately $9/day per client and can be obtained on entry.

Accommodation

Most people stay in Canmore if here to ice climb, and this is most convenient. Otherwise you can stay in Banff or Lake Louise. Go to our links page for accommodation options but we would be pleased to make arrangements for you.

Lunches & Snacks

These are not included but can be organized by our chef. Make sure you bring plenty of high-energy snacks plus plenty to drink. A Thermos with a hot drink is a good idea.

Clothing & Gear

This is not included though we do have boots, packs & climbing gear for rent. Rental Gear Prices

You will need to bring:

Clothing & Equipment List

There can be  periods of inactivity in very cold temperatures. Don't be afraid to bring too much! We suggest bringing light clothing of varying thicknesses 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. Ski wear works well.

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)
• 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
• Daypack (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & climbing gear e.g. rope & crampons)*
• Sunglasses
• Thermos flask and/or water bottle (full!)
• Sun cream
• Mountaineering boots (plastic or synthetic Koflach, Scarpa, La Sportiva, etc.)* 
• Crampons (Must fit your boots or be easily adjustable)*
• Climbing Harness*
• Climbing Helmet*
• Ice tools*

*Available to rent, but you must advise us in advance that you need them.

Contact Yamnuska with gear questions

To book guided ice climbing just call or email our office. Registration requires a deposit of 35% of the cost  or, for trips of three days or less, full payment. All guests must fill in an experience questionnaire.

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.

Balance of payment is required eight weeks before trip commencement. Should you cancel more than eight weeks in advance of trip, a $105 cancellation fee will apply. Cancellation between six and eight weeks before trip commencement will mean a loss of your deposit. Cancellation less than six weeks before trip commencement will result in a loss of all payments made.

To book or inquire about guided ice climbs:

Call 1 866 678 4164 (Canada, US only) or +1 403 678 4164 (other countries) or 403 678 4164 (local)

In most areas there is no fee for rescue. In the National Parks you must have a valid entry pass to qualify for free rescue. You can obtain this on entry to the Parks. In Assiniboine and other British Columbia Parks you may be liable for the cost of rescue. In this case you need insurance to cover rescue. If in doubt consult us to check whether or not you will need this.

Yamnuska offers an "Adventure Travel Protection Plan" through Travel Guard insurance. This plan offers comprehensive coverage for all your travel needs including trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical expenses, and personal effects loss. For more information and to purchase this coverage visit Travel Guard's website.