Crevasse Rescue for Mountaineers

Agenda

Saturday: Program starts at the Columbia Icefields. After checking we have the necessary gear we'll head off to a practice location, likely by Parkers Ridge. Today's emphasis will be on refreshing and practicing current rescue skills with introduction of newer techniques.

Sunday: Back to practice locations, on glacier if possible, where we will work on one man rescue systems (used for 2-man mountaineering teams). This a lot tougher than 3 man rescue but is also a more likely scenario for most advanced mountaineers. The objective of the day will be successful completion of one man rescues.

Meeting Place & Time

Meet at the "ICEFIELDS CAMPGROUND" by the cooking shelters at 9.00am on Saturday morning. Please be dressed for the outdoors and have your gear handy so the instructors can check it with you. The campground is located 1 km south of the Icefields Centre on Hwy. 93. It is the closest one to the Centre.

Location

The course will be held at the Columbia Icefields. It is ideal as there are great practice locations right next to the 'Icefields Parkway', the scenic road linking Banff and Jasper.

Instructors and Group Size

Your instructors will be ACMG certified guides. There will be a maximum of 6 participants per instructor.

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 (Brewster's, 403 762 3207). Each day we drive a short distance (up to 5 km) to the training location. If flying in for the course it would be easiest to rent a car from Calgary International Airport. It takes about 4 hours to drive to the Icefields from the airport.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation and meals for the weekend are not included. There are several options available. The instructors and most climbers stay at the "Icefields Campground". Your choices include:

1. Camping: There are two campgrounds in the area. Most climbers use the "Columbia Icefields Campground", which is a first come, first serve system. In peak summer, it can be hard to find a place if you arrive late in the day. It will cost around $12/day/tent site (cash only, no credit cards accepted). The other campground nearby is "Wilcox Creek" for RVs.

2. The Glacier View Hotel: If interested in more upscale living conditions then try this well appointed hotel. To book call 1 877 423-7433.

3. Hostels: There are a couple of rustic hostels operated by Hostelling International within a 45 minute drive of the Icefields. Beauty Creek Hostel is quite a bit closer than Rampart Creek Hostel. They will cost you around $25/night.  You can make reservations by calling 1 866 762 4122.

If wanting to stay in Canmore or Banff before or after the course check our links page for accommodation options.

You will need to plan your own menu and bring up enough food for the two days. Breakfasts should be simple and easy to prepare as you will be leaving fairly early each morning to meet with the group. You will also need to bring a lunch and snack food with you each day. Bring plenty of high-energy snacks. Particularly on cold days, we may not stop for long lunch breaks opting for more frequent short snack breaks instead. You will also need to bring plenty of liquids.

There is a restaurant and cafeteria at the Icefields Center (1 km North of campground). Simple meals and extra food can be purchased here if you prefer to eat out.

Equipment & Clothing

We will supply group crevasse rescue gear though you should bring your own too. If you don't want to bring your own technical gear we do have boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmets available for rent. When booking please let us know if you will need to rent any of these.

CLOTHING LIST

We 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.

You will need to bring:

• LONG UNDERWEAR, top and bottom,  polypro, wool, capilene or fleece
• WOOL/BLEND SOCKS (extra pairs)
• Warm LONG PANTS to climb in. These should be wool/nylon blend knickers, fleece pants, nylon exercise pants with light long johns or wool trousers.
• Light SHIRT or T-SHIRT
• Wool or fleece LONG SLEEVE SHIRT with collar
• FLEECE SWEATER (medium weight)
• Heavyweight fleece or insulated JACKET
• Waterproof OUTER JACKET with hood (Gore-Tex)
• Waterproof OUTER PANTS, preferably with side zips on legs
• Waterproof knee-length GAITERS that will fit over large boots
• Waterproof mountaineering GLOVES or wool / fleece mitts /gloves plus waterproof overmitts
• WARM HAT (that covers ears)
• SUNHAT with wide brim
• NECK TUBE

EQUIPMENT LIST

You will need to bring: (Items in blue are available to rent from Yamnuska) Rental Gear

• MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: You will need proper mountaineering boots designed specifically for this use. Most hiking boots are not suitable not being firm enough, waterproof and not made to take crampons. Mountaineering boots are made from leather or plastic. Leather boots have either a semi-rigid or a rigid sole. Plastic boots have rigid soles. The most important feature of a mountaineering boot is comfort. Different brands seem to suit different feet. If buying, try a few different pairs and if they are not comfortable don't buy them. There are many good brands including: Asolo, Kayland, Koflach, la Sportiva and Scarpa.
• DAYPACK. Large enough to carry spare clothing, lunch, water and climbing gear.
• SUNGLASSES with good UV protection, we suggest 'glacier glasses'
• Extra Strength SUN CREAM
• LIP CREAM
• HEADLAMP with fresh batteries
• WATERBOTTLE (1L minimum)
• POCKET KNIFE
• BLISTER KIT ('moleskin', 'Second Skin')
• FIRST-AID Items (band-aids, ibuprofen & Aspirin/Tylenol is enough as guides have a kit also)
• CAMERA and spare film
• TREKKING POLE (S) (optional)
• ICE AXE. We suggest a general mountaineering axe optimum 70cm length
• CRAMPONS
• HARNESS
• CLIMBING HELMET
• PRUSSICK SLINGS
• LOCKING & NON-LOCKING CARABINERS

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment at the time of booking. Please read the attached information on booking conditions and cancellation penalties carefully before 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.