Canadian Rockies 11,000ers

Summer alpine ascents typically require very early departure times and long days. Each peak has a unique agenda:

Mount Temple (11,624 feet Scramble Route)  

This is the most visible peak in the Lake Louise area and was the first of the Canadian Rockies' 11,000ers to be climbed back in 1894. The SW Face/Ridge is a scramble route that offers beautiful views of the paradise valley and the valley of the ten peaks. A few short rock bands are easily climbed on route to the summit. This is a moderate objective and while guests do not need to have any previous mountaineering experience, good hiking fitness is required. Minimum of 3 guests, max of 12.

We will meet all guests at our office in Canmore at 5am on the day of the climb.  We will go over the day's objectives, check that people have appropriate equipment and supplies for the day and then carpool up to Lake Louise to start the climb.  If you prefer, you can meet the group up at Laggan's Bakery in Lake Louise at 6am instead. This climb takes about 10 - 12 hours, so please come prepared for a full day out in the mountains with lots of snacks, a lunch, and appropriate clothing and footwear.

Mount Victoria (11,115 feet North Summit) 

The classic North Summit of Mt. Victoria, as seen from Lake Louise, is likely the most photographed peak in the world! The route involves glacier travel, steep snow and ice and some easy rock climbing to reach the summit. This is a challenging objective and guests should have prior intermediate mountaineering experience and a high level of fitness. You can expect to be out for a 10 - 12 hour day. Minimum of 2 guests, max of 6.

We will meet all guests at the Canadian Alpine Center (Lake Louise Hostel) at 7pm on the first night of the trip. The guide will go over the next day's objectives and do a gear check before we hit the rack for a few hours of sleep. This summit requires a very early start and we will be aiming to leave the hostel at 4am the next morning to start the day. A dorm bed at the hostel is included in the trip price, however if you would like to arrange your own accommodation in Lake Louise, or if you would like to meet us on the morning of the climb (4am @ Laggan's Bakery), a $40 rebate is available. 

Mount Hector (11,135 feet)  

Along the Icefields Parkway, just North of Lake Louise, this majestic peak was the second Canadian Rockies 11,000er to be climbed in 1895. Standing on the summit you will be following in the footsteps of some of the Canadian Rockies' most famous mountaineers: Charles Fay, Charles Thompson, and Philip Abbot, for a slightly more modern view of the breathtaking peaks, valleys, and icefields that surround you.

We will meet all guests at our office in Canmore at 8am on the first day.  This trip requires two days with a one day approach to the peak and a day to summit Mt. Hector. We will be setting up a high camp on the first day and you will need to bring your own personal camping equipment for the night (backpack, sleeping bag, thermarest, etc.). Yamnuska will supply mountaineering tents, and group camp gear for this night as well as all meals for the two day program. We will be waking up very early the next morning for the summit day and will return to pack up the camp and head back to our vehicles after we bag the peak. This is a moderate objective, and while some previous glaciated mountaineering experience is required, this is a great trip for those trying to gain more summits and who have a moderate-high level of fitness. Minimum of 2 guests, max of 12.

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. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Accommodation & Meals

Pre and post trip accommodation are not included in the program fees. We will supply accommodation at the Lake Louise Hostel for the first night of the Mt. Victoria climb. All parks camping permits are included for the first night of the Mt. Hector climb. 

For pre and post-trip accommodation, there are lots of options available including campgrounds, 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 good facilities.

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. Subject to availability.

With the exception of Mt. Hector, food is not supplied. You will need a lunch, plenty of snacks, and at least a litre of water to drink each day.

Equipment & Clothing

We supply group technical gear as well as personal mountaineering gear (crampons, ice axe, harness and helmets) where required. When booking please let us know if you are planning on using your own personal gear for the program.

You will need to bring your own clothing, mountaineering boots (rentals available) and pack. The equipment and clothing you bring to this program will have a big impact upon the quality of your experience. Please be sure to bring all items requested. If you are unsure about anything please do not hesitate to call and ask us.

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: With the exception of Mt. Temple, you will need proper mountaineering boots designed specifically to be worn with crampons. 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. There are many good brands including: Asolo, Kayland, Koflach, la Sportiva and Scarpa. For Mt. Temple, a good pair of backpacking boots with ankle support are typically sufficient.
• 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.
• WATER BOTTLE (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).

OPTIONAL ITEMS

We supply the following items for the Mt. Victoria and Mt. Hector climbs. If you have your own gear, please feel free to bring it along on the program. Technical gear is not required for Mt. Temple.

• ICE AXE. We suggest a general mountaineering axe optimum 70cm length.
• CRAMPONS. Must fit your boots.
• HARNESS. Sit harness preferred.
• CLIMBING HELMET.
• PRUSSICK SLINGS.
• LOCKING & NON-LOCKING CARABINERS

Mt. HECTOR Add-ons

This trip includes one night of camping, so please come prepared with the following in addition to your personal clothing and climbing gear:

• SLEEPING BAG. We suggest a three-season bag rated down to -7 Celsius.  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.
• SLEEPING PAD  ('Thermarest' &/or  'Ensolite')
• BACKPACK. Big enough to fit extra clothing, sleeping bag, and share of food. Internal frame packs are most comfortable.  A 55-65 Liter pack is suitable.
• Unbreakable large plastic BOWL, or Jug
• Light MUG & Spoon, Pocket Knife

Contact Yamnuska with gear questions

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment for each of these trips at the time of 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 is no charge for rescue so long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass (included in the program fees). However, it is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident while here.

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.