Rock Evolution

Course Agenda

Please note that this outline is a sample only as we may change locations and alter the progression of subjects to best adapt to weather conditions and student abilities.

Day 1: 8:00am At Yamnuska Office & Local Climbing Area

• Welcome, introduction, goals and agenda
• Issue gear
• Introduce movement on rock
• Review knots, introduce basic belay systems and belay calls
• Rappelling & lowering.
• Coached movement skill training on 'top-roped' climbs

Day 2:  At Local Climbing Area

• Bouldering warm up
• Review belay systems
• More climbs. Different movement skills are introduced and with careful coaching you will be surprised at what you find yourself climbing.
• Introduction to seconding sport and 'trad' climbs.

Day 3:  At Local Climbing Area

• Instructor led multi-pitch climb. The real thing! Ascend a rock face in the Banff, Canmore or Lake Louise areas

Day 4:  At Local Climbing Area

• Climbing warm-up
• Gear placements. Learn to place natural pro (camming devices etc)
• Belay anchor building
• Bolt clipping on lead
• 'Switchovers' on sport climbs
• Simulated leads

Day 5:  At Local Climbing Area

• Review climbing skills. Put all your new knowledge to the test. Challenge yourself on harder climbs.
• Course evaluation and wrap-up by 5:00 pm.

Locations

The Bow Valley is blessed with varied rock and lots of different climbing crags. Expect to climb on sandstone at Mt. Yamnuska Practice cliff, Limestone slabs at Wasootch Creek, quartzite at Lake Louise (one of Canada's greatest climbing cliffs) and at one or more of many other locations such as Grassi Lakes, Cougar Creek, Heart Creek, Kid Goat Buttress, East End of Rundle or Mt. Yamnuska. We will be based in Canmore but will travel each day to get the most from the variety of climbing available in the area. Your instructors are very familiar with rock climbs in the Bow Valley.

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

Enthusiastic and extremely talented, your instructors hold climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Our instructors are chosen not just for their technical climbing virtuosity but also for their ability to instruct and coach.

Instructor to student ratios range down from 1:6.  On the multi-pitch day 1:2 is the norm. Minimum group size is 3.

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 course. 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.

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 including GST with the balance due 8 weeks in advance of the course.  If booking less than 8 weeks in advance full payment is required.

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.

We also ask that all participants fill out our Mountain Experience Questionnaire.

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.