July 25 – 30/09 – Lake Louise Classics trip with Stevie B. and Mike Trehearne
“The Louise Classics itinerary includes some of the most beautiful peaks in the Rockies – namely Lefroy, Victoria and Fay. Mike Trehearne and I were joined by Claire, Steve, Nicola and Darren on this 6 day adventure which would include glacial travel, ice climbing and scrambling up and down exposed rocky ridges.
The weather was fair for our approach to the hut but warm overnight temperatures and no overnight freeze made us switch plans to climb Victoria the next day instead of Lefroy. We made it to just beyond the Sickle where we turned around because of deteriorating weather and returned to the hut in wet and stormy conditions.
The following day we tried again, leaving the hut at 4:30am and were on top of Victoria by 10:30am. This was my fifth attempt to climb Victoria so I was psyched as anyone to be on the summit. We descended to Lake O’Hara via the Huber ledges to complete a 12 hour day and a well earned beer at the Louise Hostel.
Day 4 allowed us a lie in… 7am… and then we departed for the Neil Colgan hut and an ascent of the West Ridge of Fay on day 5. The approach to the hut is an adventure in itself involving some rock climbing and ‘heaving’ on in situ chains on the Perren route approach.
The West Ridge route on Mt Fay is one of my favourite peaks to guide and involves glacial travel, ice climbing, rock scrambling, abseiling and down climbing – the full mountain experience. At last we had some reasonable weather and could relax on the summit for over an hour… enough time for one of the group (who shall remain nameless) to nod off and start ‘sawing some logs’.
The last day descent was down the Scheisser Ledges which takes you into some breathtaking and wild scenery and ends with a stroll through a beautiful alpine meadow next to the river before joining the hustle and bustle of the Moraine Lake tourist trail.
The Louise Classics trip, is as the name implies – Classic.”
Steve Blagbrough – IFMGA Mountain Guide
I have just completed the 6 day Lake Lousie Classic trip. It was the most amazing week of my life. Previously doing this had only been a dream. The reality of it is that it was even better than the dream! Everyday was different; routes were so varied with everything ranging from hiking/scambling to full on glacier travel, ice climbing and rock climbing. Days were full, challenging but most of all SO SO amazing and a fantastic experience. The scenery was incredible. Steve and Mike, my guides, were the best! I felt 100% safe in their hands, they comunicated everything clearly and ensured every client got the most out of the trip and achieved their goals. I wish I could turn back the clock and do it all again! Saying I had the time of my life is an under statement! If you are thinking about this trip and you have a good level of fitness and the relevant skills for alpine terrain and rock climbing, stop thinking and just do it. You will have the time of your life! – Nicola Oldham
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