The Peak
Mount Assiniboine is a serious and often difficult mountain climb. It is frequently underestimated. There is substantial exposure and rock fall hazard. In dry conditions it is technically straight forward. More likely though, it will be snowed or iced up and the climbing will be very challenging. This is not a peak for beginners!
The most popular route on the 11,867ft. (3618m) mountain is the North Ridge. This 3,000ft. ridge is steep and exposed without being too technically difficult. Initially you will move with the guide up a series of gullies and climb a rock band before reaching the ridge crest which is followed to the 'Red Band'. Once there you will be climbing fifth class rock for several hundred feet to the corniced summit. The view from the summit is truly incredible.
Climbing time is anywhere from 8 to 14 hours return from the Hind Hut.
Price
The following package costs include guide fees, hut fees, out trip meals and helicopter flights. Should it be necessary to drive to Mt. Shark Helipad from Canmore an extra charge may apply if you do not have your own vehicle. If you have special dietary restrictions a surcharge will apply.
5% Goods & Services (GST) is not included. It is possible to hike out and not use the helicopter, which will reduce the price accordingly should you choose this option.
-
Three-day for one person: $2995. Friday to Sunday, Wednesday to Friday.
-
Four-day for one person: $3600. Sunday to Wednesday.
-
Five-day for one person: $4200. Wednesday to Sunday.
Trip Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group.
Guides and Guide Ratios
Our guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guide. We operate within the 'terrain guidelines' of the ACMG. The lead guide will be an internationally qualified (UIAGM/ACMG) mountain guide. Other guides (if required for more climbers) will be at least qualified assistant guides (ACMG). It is vastly preferable to have a one-on-one guide ratio.
Accommodation & Food
We climb from the Hind Hut located at the very base of Mt. Assiniboine's North Ridge at an elevation of c. 8,700 ft. The hut is a basic sheet metal mountain shelter equipped with sleeping platforms, stove and 'foamies', we bring food and sleeping bags. Hut fees and out trip meals are included in our price.
For accommodation before and after the trip, we would be pleased to make reservations for you at $160/night. Afterwards you may like to stay on and enjoy the great hiking in the Assiniboine Meadows area. This is a terrific area to enjoy with family and friends. Camping is available at the Lake Magog campground or, if you book very far in advance, stay at world-famous Mount Assiniboine Lodge.
Getting to Canmore & Mount Assiniboine
Canmore is the nearest town to the heli and hiking staging points for Assiniboine. It is 100km west of Calgary on the Trans Canada Highway. At time of booking we can arrange your airport transfers.
To get to Mount Assiniboine it is more cost effective to fly to Assiniboine Meadows at the base of the peak. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays (Mondays on holiday weekends) a helicopter shuttle service operates from Canmore and Shark Mountain (45 minutes drive S.W. of Canmore towards the peak). Please note that there may be an extra charge for transport to Shark Mountain if required. The cost of the helicopter shuttle is included in our charge.
Once at Assiniboine Meadows it is a further 4 hours hike and scramble to reach the Hind Hut, our base for the summit climb.
What if Assiniboine is out of condition?
Mount Assiniboine is very weather prone and may be completely out of condition at any time in the summer for days or weeks at a time. When this happens it is possible to climb on other peaks in the Rockies that remain in condition (lower rock peaks or snow and ice routes) so we cannot guarantee a summit attempt of Mt. Assiniboine. In the event of Mt. Assiniboine being clearly out of condition we will organize an alternate climbing program for you and will use the helicopter fees included in the package to defray any new expenses with the balance being refunded to you. Once the trip and guide are confirmed, unfortunately we cannot provide a refund if Mt Assiniboine is unclimbable but we will develop another excellent alternative given our vast experience in the Canadian Rockies.
Clothing and Gear Lists
Group safety & technical gear (e.g. ropes & rack) is included in the fee. You will need to supply personal clothing and gear (e.g. ice axe, crampons, helmet & harness). Some of these items can be rented and the cost included in your package price.
Yamnuska has a full range of climbing and camping gear for rent.
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. Your guide will go through your clothing and gear with you prior to the climb.
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.
-
Water proof OUTER JACKET with hood (Gore-Tex).
-
Waterproof OUTER PANTS, preferably with sidezips 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)
-
SLEEPING BAG. In summer the huts don't get too cold so don't bring a winter bag. We suggest a bag rated down to 0 degrees Celsius (32 F.) but if your bag doesn't quite get down that far don't worry too much. Make sure you bring a stuff sac that will reduce your bag to its minimum size (i.e. one with compression straps) so you don't use up all the room in your pack.
-
BACKPACK. Big enough to fit extra clothing, sleeping bag, share of food, and cooking gear. Internal frame packs are most comfortable.
-
MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS. Ideally these should be proper leather mountaineering boots with either a semi-rigid or a rigid sole. It is possible to buy boots such as the La Sportiva "Trango" which is designed specifically for alpine rock and which can take a crampon. We suggest bringing a pair of comfortably fitting rock shoes as well. They will increase enjoyment on more technical rock. As always 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. They include Asolo, Kayland, Koflach, la Sportiva and Scarpa.
-
DAYPACK. Optional but good idea if backpack too unwieldy for advanced climbs. Large enough to carry spare clothing, lunch, water and climbing gear.
-
ICE AXE. A regular glacier axe minimum 55cm length.
-
CRAMPONS. Must fit your boots.
-
HARNESS. Sit harness preferred.
-
HELMET.
-
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).
-
EAR PLUGS for dorm sleeping.
-
WALKMAN & / or READING MATTER (optional of course).
OPTIONAL ITEMS
We supply the following items, but if you have your own, please feel free to bring along - Your rack, gear sling, nut pick, belay device, prussick slings, locking biners, your guide will go through this with you to decide exactly which items you should carry on the climb.
Contact Yamnuska with gear questions
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a deposit of 35% of the total program cost with the balance due 8 weeks before the program start date. Please read the booking conditions and cancellation penalties carefully before booking. All guests must fill in an application form and an experience questionnaire.
We ask that you familiarize yourself 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.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss this climb.
If you need any rental gear please let us know early to ensure its availability.
We highly recommend the Simpson Group cancellation/trip interruption insurance.
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:
There may be a charge for rescue/evacuation from Assiniboine Provincial Park. It is advisable to check if your personal health insurance covers you for this potential cost.
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.