Learn to climb ice with top climbers and professional guides with great teaching skills who bring enthusiasm, inspiration and personal attention to your introduction to this incredible sport! The Canadian Rockies are known to offer the best ice climbing in the world with opportunities for all levels of experience, whether beginner or advanced. This winter equivalent to rock climbing is, if anything, more spectacular and exciting! The blue ice with its fantastic forms and reflections contribute to an extraordinary ambiance and sense of beauty in a winter wonderland. Ice climbing with Yamnuska will be one of your more memorable experiences.
All of our guides are certified with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and are experts in their field. Beginner ice climbers will receive personalized instruction to develop technique and skill, with a focus on movement skills and simple rope handling techniques on short frozen waterfalls.
All guests will be set up with ice climbing and safety gear and equipment upon arrival at our office. A 10 minute drive to the climbing location is followed by a short hike with stunning views to the frozen waterfall. Guests will receive an introduction to movement on ice before we introduce basic belay systems and belay calls. . Everyone will climb to their capability and your skills will definitely improve. It will be an exhilarating day!
Meeting Place & Time
We will meet you at the Yamnuska office 12:00pm at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. See this map for location.
Transportation
Transportation is not included. Clients generally provide transportation for the guide. For insurance reasons guides cannot transport clients. We suggest you rent a car while in the area.
Accommodation
Most people stay in Canmore if here to ice climb, this is most convenient. Otherwise you can stay in Banff or Lake Louise.
What you need to bring
Lunch & Snacks
These are not included save by special arrangement. Make sure you bring plenty of high-energy snacks plus plenty to drink. A Thermos with a hot drink is a good idea.
Clothing & Equipment List
Technical equipment is included in the price.
There can be periods of inactivity in very cold temperatures. Don’t be afraid to bring too much! 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. We discourage cotton clothing as it causes rapid heat loss when wet. Ski wear works well.
We suggest you bring:
- Long underwear (top & bottom), synthetic or wool.
- Warm pants (pref. insulated or fleece)
- Warm shirt (not cotton)
- Fleece Jacket (heavyweight)
- Insulated jacket or vest
- Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or nylon)
- Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex or nylon)
- Socks (wool outer & polypro liner)
- Wool or fleece hat that will cover ears & fit under helmet
- Waterproof climbing gloves &/or mitts plus spares.
- Knee-length Gaiters
- Daypack (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & climbing gear e.g. rope & crampons).
- Sunglasses
- Thermos flask and/or water bottle (full!)
- Sun cream
If bringing your own gear you will need to bring: (We will supply if you do not have your own)
- Mountaineering boots (plastic or synthetic)
- Crampons (Must fit your boots or be easily adjustable)
- Climbing Harness
- Climbing Helmet
- Ice tools
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment on booking.
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 Travelers. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance.
Please note that this coverage is for Canadian residents only. For guests who are not from Canada and who are interested in the ‘Visitors to Canada’ insurance package please contact the Simpson Group directly at JSimpson@simpson-group.com and reference your Yamnuska Mountain Adventure’s trip.
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