Intro to Alpine Ice at the Columbia Icefields

Our Approach: Objectives and Instruction

This course is designed to take your skills beyond beginner-level routes, preparing you to tackle steeper and more technical snow and ice climbs. The Columbia Icefields, home to some of the Rockies’ most iconic alpine routes, provides the perfect playground to push your abilities and experience world-class alpine terrain.

Many of the harder climbs are long and rewarding, with up to 14 hours of climbing and 1,450 m (4,800 ft) of elevation gain. To balance intensity and learning, we alternate these epic climbs with shorter climbs and focused instructional days, where you’ll practice advanced snow and ice techniques. When time allows, we also revisit general mountaineering topics to reinforce your skills.

Instructional days combine clear explanations, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, while climbing days let you apply those skills under the guidance of your instructor. You’ll gain insights into alpine systems, as well as the mental strategies, judgment, and drive needed to succeed in mountaineering.

To ensure the best learning experience and mountain safety, instructor-to-participant ratios are 1:2 on climbing days and 1:6 on training days, giving you plenty of personalized guidance throughout the course.

Sample Course Agenda

Day 1: Meet at 9:00 am at the Columbia Icefields campground cook shelter. We will issue and check equipment before heading out for advanced instruction on crampons, technical ice axe use, ice anchors and v-threads.  This is typically done on the Athabasca glacier or the lower glacial slopes of Mt Athabasca. 

Day 2: After discussing and completing a daily hazard evaluation we will walk to our instructional site. Today we will cover snow climbing techniques, snow anchors, belaying, and the multi-pitch system.  We will also discuss racking of equipment, route selection, and cover technical descent systems. 

Day 3: We will use all our skills on a long and classic alpine route. This is a guide-led day. Objectives completed on previous intro to Alpine Ice courses have been Mt Athabasca 3491m (11,454 ft.) via the Silverhorn route, the North Face By-Pass and Mt Andromeda 3500m (11,483 ft.) via the North Bowl or Athabasca/Andromeda Col. Expect to be on the mountain for up to 14 hours with over 1400m of elevation gain. 

Curriculum

There is considerable flexibility built into the delivery of this program. Snow and weather conditions dictate the order of presentation. Commonly climbed routes include the ‘ice apron’ on A2, Athabasca by ‘Standard’, ‘Silverhorn’, and North Face Bypass routes.  It must be emphasized that participants will not be taken on climbs for which the guides do not consider you to be ready for or where conditions present an undue hazard. 

Core Topics include: 

Ice Climbing Skills: 

• Crampon use (flat point, front point, combined) 
• Use of Ice Tools 
• Movement techniques on low, moderate & steep ice 
• Belaying on Ice 
• Placing ice screws 
• Placing protection 
• Anchor construction including V-Threads 

Belaying Skills: 

• Belay devices and techniques for lead climbing and following 
• Belay techniques for three-man ropes 

Hazard Evaluation & Route Selection: 

• Cornices, Seracs, Avalanche, Rock Fall, Bergschrunds 

Meeting Place and Time

The course meets at the Columbia Icefields Campground by the cooking shelters at 9:00 am on Day One. Please be ready to go and have your gear handy so the instructors can check it with you.

The campground is located 1km north of the “Wilcox Creek” Campground, and 1km before the Icefields Centre (Hotel, Info Centre, etc).

Location

The course is based at the Columbia Icefields on the border of Banff and Jasper National Parks, 205 km northwest of Canmore. It is ideal as glaciers, snowfields and peaks are right next to the ‘Icefields Parkway’, the scenic road linking Banff and Jasper. This allows us to stay at local roadside campgrounds, hostels, or hotels. The Columbia Icefields Campground is the preferred accommodation option as it allows for better communication amongst the group.  There is no cell service in the area.  On occasion, the final couple of days may be spent attempting some of the north face routes near Lake Louise.

Camping (preferred): There are two campgrounds in the area. Most climbers use the “Columbia Icefields Campground”, which is a first-come, first-serve system. In peak summer, it can be hard to find a place if you arrive late in the day. The other campground nearby is “Wilcox Creek” for RVs.

Glacier View Lodge: If interested in more upscale living conditions then try this hotel. To book call 1 877 442-2623. If staying at the hotel you will need to bring your own breakfast supplies for the ascent days as the hotel restaurant will not be open early enough in the morning.

Hostels: There are a couple of rustic hostels operated by Hostelling International within a 45-minute drive of the Icefields. Beauty Creek Hostel is quite a bit closer than Rampart Creek Hostel. You can make reservations by calling 1 866 762 4122.

Weather Note

Like any alpine region, this area is subject to extreme weather conditions. On days where high climbs are not possible, we will arrange instruction sessions.

Instructors and Group Size

Guide to student ratio will not exceed 1:6 on the first 2 instructional days. As you will be working in rope teams of 2 this will give the guide lots of time to focus on personal as well as group instruction. There will be a maximum of 1:2 ratio on the summit day. Our guides are certified by the internationally recognized Association of Canadian Mountain Guides or one of the other international member associations. They are also licensed to operate in the area by Parks Canada. The maximum group size is 12.

Transportation

The Icefields are located approximately 180 km north of Banff on Highway 93 (“Icefields Parkway”). During the summer months, the Icefields are serviced by a daily bus from Banff and Jasper (Brewster’s, 403 762 6700, 1 866 606 6700). They also provide a service to Banff/Canmore/Lake Louise from downtown Calgary.

It is necessary to drive a short distance each day between accommodations and climbing areas. Transport is not included. Park Entry Passes are not included in the program cost.

For those flying here for the program, we recommend flying to Calgary International and renting a car (major agencies). This will allow you to take your time getting to the Icefields so you can check out Canmore and Banff en-route as well as allowing you to check out the Icefields area (Jasper etc.) in the evenings.

Park Passes

Please note that program venues may be within National Parks and/or Kananaskis Country. For programs where transportation is not provided by Yamnuska/Canadian Rockies Hiking by Yamnuska, guests will be required to purchase their own pass.

National Park passes are available both online at https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admission and in-person at National park gates and some information centres.

Kananaskis Country conservation passes are available online at https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx

Accommodation and Meals

Meals are accommodation are not included.  You will need to bring all the food with you. Each day during the instruction and climbing you will require lunch and snack food. Bring plenty of high-energy snacks. Particularly on cold days, we may not stop for long lunch breaks opting for more frequent short snack breaks instead. You will also need to bring plenty of liquids, especially on peak days.

There are several accommodation options available. The instructors and most climbers stay at the “Icefields Campground”. Please see the information under the ‘Location’ information above for accommodation options.

Pre & post accommodation is not included. A variety of accommodation options exist in both Canmore and Banff. We recommend that you book your own pre and post-trip accommodations well in advance as all levels of accommodations in the Bow Valley fill quickly.

Equipment and Clothing

The equipment and clothing you bring to this course will play a large role in the quality of your experience. Read the following suggestions and lists carefully. If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to call or email.

Equipment

Group climbing gear such as ropes and hardware is provided, but we recommend bringing your own personal climbing gear. Please let us know if you would like to use the following Yamnuska gear:

• Crampons
• Mountaineering ice axe
• Technical ice tool
• Climbing harness
• Climbing helmet
• Belay device, 3 locking carabiners,  prusik cord, 120 cm sling

We recommend you bring:

• Mountaineering Boots* (must be crampon compatible)
• Daypack* (30-40 litres), (proper climbing pack with ice axe attachments)
• Water bottle (1-2 litres)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Camera
• Headlamp (with fresh batteries)
• Blister kit
• First aid items (Our guides carry a first aid kit, but you may bring your own Band-Aids and anti-inflammatory medication if desired.)
• Personal toiletries including hand sanitizer
• Trekking pole (recommended)

*These items are available for rent. Please advise us in advance. Gear rentals 

Clothing

When mountaineering, it is important to be able to adjust to the changing conditions. We recommend bringing clothing that can be layered to achieve comfort as you change from periods of activity to periods of rest. Cotton clothing is not appropriate as it causes rapid heat loss when wet.

We recommend you bring:

• Long underwear top and bottoms (lightweight synthetic or wool)
• Socks (synthetic/wool, at least two pairs)
• Light synthetic shirt
• Softshell pants and jacket
• Midweight synthetic or down jacket
• Heavyweight insulated jacket
• Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood
• Waterproof hardshell pants (should have a full-length side zip so they can be put on without taking off boots and crampons)
• Gaiters (big enough to fit over large boots)
• Waterproof mountaineering gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• Warm hat that fits under a helmet
• Sun hat

• Alpha SV Jacket (Men’s & Women’s)
• Rush Jacket (Men’s & Women’s)
• Rush Bib Pant (Men’s & Women’s)
• Atom Hoody (Men’s & Women’s)
• Atom SL Hoody (Men’s & Women’s)
• Cerium Down Hoody (Men’s & Women’s)
• Nuclei Hoody (Men’s & Women’s)

Additional gear info:

Boots: A good pair of mountaineering boots is essential. They need to be warm and crampon compatible. You are welcome to try the Scarpa Mont Blanc boots that Yamuska rents.

Crampons:  Mountaineering crampons should have anti-snow-balling plates, and need to be compatible with your boots. We use the Petzl Vasak.

Mountaineering ice-axe: Your ice axe should be 55-75 cm, and should be equipped with an adze. Yamnuska provides the Petzl Summit Axe.

Technical ice climbing tool:  It is important to have a tool with a curved hand grip at the bottom. Yamnuska uses the Petzl Quark.

Climbing harness:  Should be sized to fit over your cold-weather clothing. You will need to have a harness with a belay/rappel loop.

Helmet:  A comfortable, all-around climbing helmet that can fit over your winter hat.

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a 35% deposit including GST.  The final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the program. This must accompany your deposit.

If you would like the accommodation & food package please request when booking. Payment for this is due with the balance of course fees eight weeks before the start of the program.  Please read the information on booking conditions and cancellation penalties carefully before booking.

We ask that you familiarize yourself with our detailed booking instructions and conditions.

Risk is an inherent part of all mountain activities. We strive to manage and reduce it however, it is impossible to totally eliminate. Learn more about our safety and risk management approach here.  Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.

The Simpson Group offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical, and Personal Effect Loss for both Canadian and International Travelers. Other providers offer similar services and we encourage you to select an appropriate level of coverage. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance to cover and protect you against unforeseen events. The two basic types of insurance that most travellers need to consider are Medical and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

Insurance Risk 
One of the ways to mitigate risk is by purchasing appropriate insurance. Simpson Group Insurance Services who are travel & health risk specialists, work with technical and high-risk insurance solutions both in medical and non-medical spheres.  We highly recommend that you review your insurance needs to cover and protect you against unforeseen events. It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip. Simpson Group have a team standing by to answer any of your questions.

Emergency Medical Evacuation
While there is typically no charge for search & rescue in the National and Provincial Parks for active pass holders, costs such as air & ground ambulance after the rescue are not covered by your park pass. The chance of a large bill associated with this risk is a real possibility.

For Canadians
A common myth is that healthcare across provinces is fully covered. There are many things which do not carry interprovincial agreements. Ambulance services, medical evacuation, and some services which one province charges more than another you’d be responsible to pay the difference.

For Internationals
A common myth is that healthcare in Canada is free. Although it is less expensive than US healthcare, charges for non-residents can still be very high. Proper medical health insurance is essential if you were to get injured. Most coverages exclude rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, backcountry skiing and the like. Simpson Group can make sure all those risks are well covered.

Trip Cancellation/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, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment. We can assure you that circumstances do arise that prevent guests from participating in trips or courses and trip cancellation & interruption insurance is a relatively easy way to manage your level of risk of unforeseen events.

For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend Simpson Group Insurance Services.  For more information and to purchase a plan, visit Simpson Group’s website.