Hot Rock

Objectives and Agenda

Our objective is to get you as much climbing into 3 days as possible.  The itinerary is based on your climbing abilities and personal objectives.

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. Most people taking the program want to climb lots of good routes and learn/revise on the way.

Day 1 and Subsequent Days: After discussing our personal objectives the group will head out climbing.  Each day's program will be tailored to each individual participant's objective

• Get personalized coaching in movement skills
• Do some great multi-pitch climbs
• Climb sport and traditional gear routes
• Revise and learn anchors, gear placements
• An enjoyable rock climbing holiday in a terrific climbing area

These are all valid participant objectives for this program. With a 1:2 guide ratio we can maintain a high level of flexibility.

There are many different areas easily accessible from Canmore.  We have indepth knowledge of the best climbing routes but please feel free to research routes and bring your objectives to the program.

With the exception of Lake Louise, which has beautiful firm quartzite, most climbing is on limestone.

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

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. Then there is the instructors. Enthusiastic and 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 is required to run this program.

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

These are not included in the program. 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 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. Subject to availability.

Food is not supplied. You will need lunch and something to drink each day. Bring plenty to drink and a lunch plus energy snacks.

Equipment & Clothing

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

The weather encountered on this program varies greatly, with the courses at the beginning and the end of the season more prone to cold conditions. 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

• Lunch, snacks and plenty to drink
• Daypack (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & personal and group climbing gear)
• 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 35% deposit 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 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.