Day 1: Meet us at our office in Canmore at 8:00am for introductions, trip review, and backcountry skiing equipment check. After discussing trip objectives, reviewing avalanche bulletins, and meeting the group, we will head out to the day's touring location. This could be any number of excellent backcountry ski sites in Kananaskis country or Banff National Park.
Day 2: We will either meet at our office in Canmore or we can meet at the trailhead for today's objective. We typically try to get out making tracks by 9am.
Touring Locations: The Canadian Rockies around Canmore and Banff provide endless opportunities for different types and levels of ski tours. The specific locations for each weekend will depend on the conditions and the group's experience. Some popular spots where we often tour are:
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Black Prince
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Observation Peak
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Crowfoot Glades/Peak
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Trist Lake
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Cirque Peak
However, if you have already skied these areas feel free to bring your list of locations you would like to discuss with the guide. Weather and conditions play a significant factor in our destination decisions.
Instructors & Group Size
Your ski guides are certified by the internationally recognized Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and also licensed by Parks Canada. There will be a maximum of 8 participants per guide. There will be a maximum of 16 guests, minimum 4.
Program Logistics
We will meet the group at 8:00 AM on the first day here at our office in Canmore (Map). Please come prepared with all of your personal gear and clothing for a day out touring in the backcountry.
Transportation
Transportation is NOT included.
Participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore which is a 1 hour (100km) drive west from Calgary.
We rely on guest's personal vehicles to reach program locations.
Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. We can arrange airport shuttle for $55 one-way. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Bluebird day at Bow Summit! - photo Henry Vlaar
Accommodation and Meals
These are not included in the program fees. 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 nice facilities and reasonable prices. We recommend you stay in Canmore or Banff on the Saturday night.
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. Hostel accommodation is also available for $30 per night. Subject to availability.
Food is not supplied. Each day bring plenty to drink and a lunch plus energy snacks. We particularly suggest bringing a Thermos and hot drink.
Weather and Conditions Note
Weather and avalanche risk in the Rockies can vary from day to day. We will chose touring locations based on what is happening in the snowpack and in some cases may have to choose different objectives based on avalanche conditions. Regardless, expect the trip to be a great adventure in a beautiful area.
Equipment and Clothing
You will need to bring your own avalanche beacon, clothing, skis, poles, climbing skins and daypack. You can rent avalanche equipment from us.
The equipment and clothing you bring will have a big impact upon the quality of your experience. Please be sure to bring all items listed. If unsure about anything please don't hesitate to call and ask us!
Skis
There are two ski systems you can use: System 1: Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift while going uphill or across the flats and then 'locks down' to become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is not already an advanced telemark skier. System 2: Telemark skis. These should only be used for this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system is more difficult and less forgiving than the other.
Which should you use? If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine Touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier should you bring Telemark gear.
Snow Boards can be used on this program however, due to the number of flat areas you are better off on skis. If 'boarding' you need to be an advanced backcountry boarder and you need to be on a split board. Don't bring a board if you've never boarded in the backcountry before.
Both types of gear can be rented in Canmore or Calgary prior to the course.
Equipment List
You need to bring:
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Skis We recommend a short (160 - 185cm) wide ski designed for powder
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Climbing skins 'Stick-on type'
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Avalanche beacon (rentals available)
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Collapsible Avalanche Probe (rentals available)
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Avalanche Shovel (rentals available)
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Ski Poles
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Ski boots
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Ski Helmet (optional)
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Daypack (large enough for spare clothes, lunch & equipment)
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Sunglasses and ski goggles
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Thermos flask and water bottle.
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Sun block & Lip Cream
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Pocket knife
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Headlamp with fresh batteries
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Small Blister & 1st-Aid Kit
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Camera
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Family FRS radio (short range, multi frequency) (optional)
Clothing List
We suggest bringing light clothing of varying thicknesses that can be 'layered' to achieve comfort and versatility. The most important consideration for clothing is the ability to regulate temperature as you change from periods of activity to periods of rest and from the ascent to the descent.
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Polypro underwear (top & bottom)
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Warm pants (nylon blend, insulated or fleece)
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Warm shirt (not cotton)
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Medium weight fleece sweater
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Fleece Jacket
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Light insulated jacket or vest
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Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or nylon)
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Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex or nylon, with side zippers)
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Socks (wool outer & polypro liner), several sets
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Wool or fleece hat
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Waterproof ski mountaineering gloves or mitts
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Neck tube
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Sunhat
Rental Information
Skis, Boots, Boards, Skins & Poles can be rented from:
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Calgary: Mountain Equipment Co-op. - 830-10 Ave. S.W. Calgary (Tel: 403 269-2420)
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Canmore: Gear Up - 1302 Bow Valley Trail (403 678-1636)
Yamnuska has avalanche gear and day packs for rent. Rental Gear
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment on booking.
It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident while here. Obtain extra coverage if necessary. There is no charge for rescue so long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass which you can obtain on entry to Banff National Park (cost $9).
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.
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