• 1 403 678 4164
  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Calendar
  • Booking Info
  • Location
  • Contact
  • Blogs & Videos
    • Guides Talk Video Series
    • Tech Tips Video Series
    • Trip Reports
    • Gear Reviews
  • Group/Corporate
    • Movie and Film
    • Youth and School Groups
  • Photo Submission

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Backcountry Skiing

  • Avalanche
    • Avalanche Skills Training 1 – Canmore/Calgary
    • AST 1 (Classroom Webinar/Rockies Field Day)
    • AST 1 (Classroom Webinar/Rogers Pass Field Day)
    • Avalanche Skills Training 1 for Ice Climbers
    • Companion Rescue Refresher Course
    • Avalanche Skills Training 2 – Canadian Rockies
    • Avalanche Skills Training 2 – Rogers Pass
    • Avalanche Skills Training 2 – Purcell Lodge
  • Mountaineering
    • Beginner Programs
      • Scrambling Skills and Safety
      • Snow and Ice Long Weekend
      • Intro to Mountaineering
      • Women’s Intro to Mountaineering
      • Youth Mountaineering Course
      • Wapta Ice Hike
    • Intermediate and Advanced Programs
      • Yoho Peaks
      • Intro to Alpine Rock in the Bugaboos
      • Intro to Alpine Ice at the Columbia Icefields
      • Lake Louise Classics
      • Rogers Pass Alpinist Camp
      • Fairy Meadows Granite Base Camp
      • Bugaboos Granite
    • Canadian Rockies 11,000ers
      • Mount Temple
      • Mount Willingdon
      • Mount Cline
      • Mt Woolley & Diadem
      • Mount Hector
      • Mount Athabasca
      • Mount Andromeda – Skyladder
      • Mt Joffre Expedition
      • Mount Victoria
      • Mount Forbes (Fly in and Send)
      • Mount Assiniboine
      • Mount Robson
    • Fast and Light Series
      • Castle Mountain
      • Mt Louis Kain Route
      • Bugaboo Spire – North East Ridge
      • Mt Sir Donald – Northwest Ridge
      • Mt Aberdeen
      • Mt Fay – West Ridge
      • Mt Temple – East Ridge
    • One-Day Crevasse Rescue for the Alpinist
    • Navigation 1 (Back to Basics with Map & Compass)
    • Navigation 2 (Digital Trip Planning & Electronic Navigation)
    • One Month Summer Mountaineering Program
    • Private Mountaineering and Guiding
      • Climb Mount Athabasca
      • Bugaboos Climbing Guides
      • Climb Mount Assiniboine
      • Climb Mount Robson
  • Skiing
    • Icefields Parkway Day Touring
    • Rogers Pass & Revelstoke Day Touring
    • Backcountry Skiing and Splitboard Touring Programs
      • Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
      • Intro to Backcountry Skiing at Purcell Lodge
      • 2-Day Backcountry Freerider Camp
      • Backcountry Belles – Women’s only Free Rider weekend
    • Steep & Deep Programs
      • Lift-Assisted Backcountry Skiing at Lake Louise
      • Rogers Pass Powder Ski Camp
      • Ultimate Steep & Deep Camp
      • Signature Series Splitboarding Steep & Deep Camp
      • Remote Ski Camp – Freshfields
    • Ski Mountaineering & Classic Traverses
      • Intro to Ski Mountaineering
      • Crevasse Rescue for Skiers & Splitboarders
      • The Wapta Traverse
      • Bow to Yoho Advanced Ski Week
      • Yoho Ski Safari
      • Bugaboos to Rogers Pass Ski Traverse
    • 11’000ers Ski Programs
      • Mt Hector
      • The Lyells & Mons Ski Descents
      • Mt Columbia Ski Expedition
    • International Ski Trips
      • Troll Peninsula, Iceland Ski Safari
      • Rishiri Island Skiing in Japan
    • Navigation 1 (Back to Basics with Map & Compass)
    • Navigation 2 (Digital Trip Planning & Electronic Navigation)
    • One Month Backcountry Ski Program
    • Private Ski Guiding & Splitboarding
  • Rock Climbing
    • Rock Climbing Level 1 – Outdoor Rock Intro
    • Rock Climbing Level 2 – Learn to Lead
    • Rock Climbing Level 1 & 2 – Rock Evolution
    • Rock Climbing Level 3 – Multi-Pitch Climbing Course
    • Rock Climbing Level 4 – Trad Rock Leader
    • Rock Climbing Level 5 – Rock Rescue & Advanced Ropework
    • Skaha Rock – 5-day Progression
    • Hot Rock
    • Ghost Rock
    • El Potrero Chico Rock Road Trip
    • Mature Movement 50+ Rock Climbing
    • Beginner Experiential Rock Climbing
    • Multipitch & Instructional Rock Climbing
  • Ice Climbing
    • Ice Climbing Level 1 – Basic Ice
    • Ice Climbing Level 2 – Top Rope Management
    • Ice Climbing Level 1 & 2 – Ice Evolution
    • Ice Climbing Level 3 – Ice Leader
    • Ice Climbing Level 4 – Multi-Pitch Ice Leader
    • Drytooling Intro
    • Rampart Creek Ice Camp
    • Ghost Ice Climbing Camp
    • Hot Ice Climbing
    • Beginner Experiential Ice Climbing
    • Private Multipitch & Instructional Ice Climbing
    • Southern Ontario Ice Climbing
      • Southern Ontario – One-day Ice Evolution
      • Southern Ontario Ice Leader
  • Mountain Semester

Intro to Mountaineering

This is Canada’s premier beginner mountaineering instruction course.  For almost four decades our course has produced many dedicated mountaineers and has been the catalyst to life-long climbing friendships. Based out of the Bow Hut on the Banff National Park Wapta Icefields this comprehensive course is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to learn to mountain climb. The glacier and surrounding peaks will be our classroom for the duration of this course. Unlike other mountaineering classes, we provide food, hut accommodations, transport to the trailhead and group/technical gear – all you need to bring is your adventurous attitude!

Our introduction to mountaineering course curriculum is constantly updated to reflect the most current mountaineering standards and practices. Our climbing guides are passionate mountaineers and educators who are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

During the day, build your skills and climb high mountain peaks. In the evening, share stories and lessons with your fellow mountaineers while relaxing in the comfortable Bow Hut.

This Canadian Rockies introduction to mountaineering class meets the prerequisites of most high-altitude expedition companies who require their participants to have a basic mountaineering course prior to being accepted for an expedition.

“I can’t praise this course enough – clearly Yamnuska is a premier outfit from excellent guides to a thorough understanding of how to introduce a beginner to this incredible environment – everything was top notch and highly professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the program to anyone. It is clear that your staff possess a passion for the mountains, an exceptional level of knowledge, a lack of ego, and patience with those of us who are just learning that inspires confidence and lays a foundation for a lifetime of adventure. Thank you so much!.” Marnie, August 2012

  • Itinerary
  • Logistics
  • ☟
  • Gear
  • Booking Info
  • Insurance
  • Gallery

Course Agenda

Day 1: We meet at the Yamnuska Office in Canmore at 8:30 am for introductions, a review of course goals and itinerary and an equipment check. After packing up, it’s an hour and a half drive north to Bow Lake where we commence the hike to Bow Hut, which is located at 2350m on a shoulder adjacent to the snout of the Bow Glacier. This will take us between 3 and 5 hours. We travel 7km and climb 400m.

Day 2 – 5: The Bow Hut is our base for the week. Its proximity to the glaciers and to several peaks makes it easy for us to get out on to suitable instruction terrain every day. It’s a perfect area for instruction. We may spend nights in one of the other huts in the region. Peaks often climbed on the course include Mt. Olive (3110m.), Mt. St. Nicholas (2900m.), Mt. Gordon (3200m.), Mt. Thompson (3050m.) & Mt. Rhondda (3110m.)

Note: From Day 2 the course agenda and the amount of time spent on each subject will depend upon conditions in the program area, the weather, group and individual abilities and learning speeds.

Day 6: Final day. An opportunity to review techniques before we hike back down to Bow Lake and return to Canmore in the late afternoon.

Curriculum

There is considerable flexibility built into the delivery of this course, no course is exactly the same. Snow and weather conditions will dictate the order of presentation to some degree given we are based on a glacier for the week. The course may also move over to other huts. Key topics will be constantly revisited during the program.

Topics include:

  • Snow School: Movement on snow – Use of Ice Axe – Self Arrests – Snow Anchors
  • Ice School: Walking with Crampons – Ice Anchors
  • Glacier Safety: Glacier Morphology – Choosing a Safe Route – Rope Use for Glaciers – Crevasse Rescue
  • Navigation: Map and Compass Use – Whiteout Procedures – Route Planning
  • Safe Movement: Trail Techniques and Pacing – Use of Rope on Snow, Ice and Mixed Terrain
  • Accident and Emergency Procedures
  • CLIMBS!!! ‘Introduction to Mountaineering’ is a ‘hands-on’ course. Skills are explained, demonstrated in the field and then put into practice by participants during glacier crossings and peak ascents. Expect to be sharing the lead, solving route finding problems and fully involved in decision making.

Instructors and Group Size

Great people to spend a week in the mountains with, your instructors are certified by the internationally recognized Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and licensed by Parks Canada. There will be a maximum of 6 participants per instructor.

Meeting Place and Time

The program begins at the Yamnuska office at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore, at 8:30 am on the first day. Map . We are located one hour west of Calgary and 5 minutes east of Banff National Park.

Location

The course is based out of Bow Hut on the Wapta Icefields just north of Lake Louise. The peaks range from 2900 meters to 3200 meters in height and are of just the right difficulty for instruction. The extensive glaciers are ideal for gaining experience in both safe travel among crevasses and in whiteout navigation when the weather turns bad.

Transportation

Participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore which is a 1 hour (100km) drive west from Calgary.

Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Banff Airporter is the best way to get between Calgary Airport and Canmore/Banff. When you book with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures you will receive a 15% discount on Banff Airporter Scheduled Services.

To reach Bow Lake participants may use personal vehicles or we will arrange a minibus at no extra cost to you.

You should plan to arrive in Canmore the day before the course.

Accommodation and Meals

During the trip, we stay in alpine huts operated by the Alpine Club of Canada. Sleeping areas are communal and facilities are basic. Bow Hut is equipped with indoor propane lighting and cooking facilities. The hut has a wood stove for heat. Outhouses are standard and large enough to offer privacy for personal washing. There are no showers or flush toilets.

Accommodation in Canmore is not included. A variety of accommodation options exist in both Canmore and Banff, including campsites, hostels, all levels of hotels as well as condo style accommodation with kitchens or suites.  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.

Yamnuska guests receive exclusive rates with Clique Hotels & resorts upon booking an adventure with either Yamnuska Mountain Adventures or Canadian Rockies Hiking by Yamnuska.  (Please note that some rates are non-refundable)

Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office during the trip.

All meals, snacks and drinks are supplied from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6. Mountain meals are made from nutritious, healthy ingredients and are cooked and dehydrated in our own kitchen by our chef.  For guests with dietary restrictions, we are able to modify the program food pack to meet your individual needs.  As food pricing and preparation for these diets is more costly, we have implemented the following surcharges.  For vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, soy-free, nut-free or any similar type of single restriction menu requests, there will be a $17/day surcharge. For a diet requiring any 2 restrictions a $26/day surcharge will apply.  For any 3 restrictions, a $31/day surcharge will apply.  Vegetarian meals will not be surcharged.

For more complex diets our kitchen staff will assess the restrictions to inform you if the diet can be accommodated and what surcharge would apply. Please let us know the details by filling out a Food Questionnaire when you sign up for the program.

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

Yamnuska provides the following personal technical gear. Please feel free to bring your own items if desired:

  • Crampons
  • Mountaineering ice axe
  • Climbing harness
  • Climbing helmet
  • Ice screw
  • Prussic cord, slings, carabiners

You need to bring:

  • Mountaineering Boots* (must be crampon compatible) – rentals available from Yamnuksa (Scarpa Mont Blanc)
  • Multiday pack* (60–75 litres)
  • Daypack* (30-40 litres), (optional)
  • Sleeping bag*
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
  • Camera
  • Compass
  • Headlamp (with fresh batteries)
  • Earplugs
  • Blister kit (moleskin, 2nd skin, duct tape)
  • 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 (optional)
  • Music player and lightweight reading material (optional)

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

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 or ice climbing gloves (at least two pairs)
  • Warm hat that fits under a helmet
  • Sun hat
  • Running shoes or sandals (for hut use)

There is no running water at the huts but participants can use heated water for ‘birdbath’ type hygiene throughout the week. Baby wipes are also great for personal hygiene and to freshen up during the week.

Additional gear info:

Backpack:  It is possible to use just one multiday backpack, as long as it is comfortable enough to wear while climbing. If bringing an additional day pack, this should be very light and compressible in order to fit inside the bigger pack on the approach hike.

Daypack:  For single day climbing trips your pack should be 30–40 litres.

Sleeping bag: We recommend a three-season bag rated approximately 0 to -7 Celsius. A down bag will be lighter and more compressible for the weight than a synthetic bag. A compression stuff sack is recommended to reduce volume.

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 Yamnuska 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.

Climbing harness:  Should be sized to fit over your cold-weather clothing. It is recommended 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. A  35% deposit (including GST) is required at the time of booking. The final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the program.  We accept Visa, Mastercard, Canadian Cheques, Money Orders and Bank Drafts.  Credit card payments are easiest, especially for international travellers.

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.

There are two basic types of insurance that most travellers 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.

  • Summit attempts
  • Roped travel
  • Alpenglow in the mountains

Dates:

PRICE:

$1795 Canadian includes instruction, hut accommodation, Park Permits, out-trip meals, local transfer to trailhead and use of technical gear.

Not included: Canmore accommodation, boot rentals (if required), Gratuities & 5% GST.

Trip Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group.

Button_GiftCertificate

Beginner Mountaineering Course Pre-requisites

  1. You will need to have the physical fitness to a multi-day hiking program standard. We will travel several kilometres spanning 8-10 hours a day across glaciers, uneven terrain and through the snow. You will gain and lose up to 4,000 feet per day. Any training you can do in advance will enhance your overall experience.
  2. Be able to complete the above with a full day pack. On day 1 you will carry all of your personal items into our base camp. The remaining days will be your lunch and personal equipment/clothing.
  3. Be an experienced hiker or mountain traveller. There are no technical pre-requisites for this course and no prior mountaineering experience is needed. Leave that to us to teach you!
  4. An adventurous spirit and willingness to learn. The peaks attempted on this course are of moderate difficulty and it is often appropriate near the end of the course to allow students the lead.

ACMG_logo_RGB

Partners

Patagonia

Sponsored By

K2

Sponsored By

Julbo

Sponsored By

Dynafit

Copyright © 2021 · Education Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in