Ghost Rock

Objectives and Agenda 

Since we set up camp in the Ghost, our plan is to get as much climbing into 5 days as possible

• Get personalized coaching in movement skills
• Climb some great multi-pitch climbs
• Climb sport and traditional gear routes
• An enjoyable rock climbing holiday in a terrific climbing area
• Camp in the fantastic Ghost Valley

Participants will be split into teams of 2 based on individual objectives and experience (teams may be changed day to day). Each team will work with their guide to establish each day's objectives. People on this program should be motivated to climb as much as possible and learn or review skills on the way.

Day 1: We will meet at the Yamnuska office in the morning and, after issuing any required equipment, we will drive the two hours into the ghost valley. This involves some off road driving. This will be a great day for a shorter multi-pitch route or some cragging at one of the sunny crags in the area. We set up our camp in the evening and enjoy dinner in our communal kitchen.

Day 2-4: Multi-pitch climbs will be the main objectives of these three days. Skills will be taught as needed or requested. Possible routes include Bonanza 5.8 - 6 pitches, Macadamia 5.9 - 4 pitches, The Wraith 5.10a - 8 pitches, Consolation 5.8 - 7 pitches as well as numerous other options.

Day 5: A final day of multi or single-pitch climbing before we leave the Ghost area and return to Canmore.

More climbing: Yamnuska guides and instructors are also available for private climbing after the course.

Meeting Time and Place

The course begins at the Yamnuska office at 8:00am on Day 1. The Yamnuska office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park. See this map for location.

Instructors & Group Size

What is unique about this program is the extremely low instructor to guest ratio. This 1:2 ratio allows us to achieve so much. Your guides are extremely talented. They hold rock climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to them. A minimum of 2 guests are required to run this program.

Transportation

Participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore. While on the program, Yamnuska will provide transportation into "the Ghost" in our 15 passenger van. Canmore is a 1hour (100km) drive west from Calgary.

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

Camping in the Ghost valley is free of charge. You are responsible for providing your own personal camping gear (Tent, Sleeping Bag, Thermarest, Cook Gear, etc.). These can also be rented for an additional cost, and Yamnuska offers a Camping and Food Package for those wishing to enjoy the excellent meals and equipment that are provided by our kitchen and logistics departments.

For your convenience we can arrange pre and post-program 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.

Unless you would like to purchase our Camping and Food Package, meals are not supplied. We will access our water from the rivers in the area but we will still use purification systems. Lunches should be light weight and easy to eat as in many cases we will be in the middle of a multi-pitch route at a rest stop while eating our mid-day meal.

Camping and Food Package

If you like, we can include you in the camping and food arrangements we make for our guides/instructors. This will cost an additional $295 plus GST. For those with special dietary requirements a surcharge will apply.

This fee covers:

1. Tents (shared, double occupancy);

2. Food from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5;

3. Group Cooking equipment - Stoves, Pots, etc.

The guides will be in charge of food, but meals will be prepared collectively. If you decide to take this package you will need to bring the following items. We can rent you a sleeping bag and 'Thermarest' sleeping mat.

• SLEEPING BAG (3 season)
• SLEEPING MAT
• PILLOW (optional)
• Personal Eating Utensils and Bowl

If choosing this package we will also need to know, well in advance, if you have any dietary restrictions. Food Questionnaire

Equipment & Clothing

The course fee includes use of group technical gear although you should feel free to bring any gear you already have.

The weather encountered on this program varies greatly. The list below covers all possibilities. Should sunny warm conditions be forecast some items may be unnecessary. Remember that weather can change fast so even if the day starts out sunny you may still need rain gear in the afternoon. Conditions on the higher climbs on the multi-pitch days are often colder.

Clothing and Equipment List

• Camping Equipment (Tent, Sleeping Bag, Thermarest, Cooking Kit, etc.)
• Backpack (Used to carry your personal gear into the camping spot - 2 to 3 km on the first day)
• Daypack (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & personal and group climbing gear on multi-pitch routes)
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Rain Gear
• Clothing allowing for easy and complete range of movement
• Warm weather gear (fleece jacket, long johns, warm hat, etc.)
• Rock shoes (available for your use at no extra charge, please let us know in advance if needing to use these)
• Hiking boots or running shoes for the hike to the climbing area.
• Harness, helmet if you have them (we will supply these if necessary)

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a deposit of 35%  at the time of booking.  The final balance is due eight weeks before the program start date. We will also need you to complete the mountain experience questionnaire which can be found here.

We ask that you please 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.

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.