Mixed Ice Climbing

Mixed Climbing Camp Agenda

Saturday: 8:00am At Yamnuska Office & Local Climbing Area

• Welcome, introduction, goals and agenda.
• Issue and adjust gear.
• Head to climbing area.

After setting up top ropes on various climbs we will address the following:

• Review of safety measures (belaying etc)
• Specialized use of crampons and ice tools
• Movement skills and techniques

Our approach will be to explain, demonstrate then practice with coaching. This will take most of the day. Wrap up around 4.00pm then return to Canmore.

Sunday: At Local Climbing Area

Continue technical climbing and coaching on more advanced climbs

• Lead skills
• Gear to use
• Clipping bolts
• Placing trad pro
• Assessing risk

Meeting Time and Place

The course begins at the Yamnuska office at 8.00am on the first day of the program. The Yamnuska office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park. See this map for location.

Instructors & Group Size

The "Yam Ice Team" includes some of the best 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. There will be a maximum of 12 students, a minimum of 4. Instructor/student ratios range down from 1:6.

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

Transportation

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. We can arrange airport shuttle for $55 one-way. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway.

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. Double or single occupancy, the cost is the same. 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.

Equipment & Clothing

The 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 you must advise us in advance that you need them.

Mountaineering Boots

Yamnuska has double plastic mountaineering boots which you are welcome to use. If needing these please let us know when you register. Please also  give us your boot size.

Clothing List

There can be prolonged periods of inactivity in very cold temperatures. 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. We require full payment on booking.

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.