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Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Backcountry Skiing

  • Avalanche
    • Avalanche Skills Training 1 – Canmore/Calgary
    • AST 1 (Classroom Webinar/Rockies Field Day)
    • Avalanche Skills Training 1 for Ice Climbers
    • Avalanche Skills Training 1 Refresher
    • Advanced Companion Rescue 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
      • Moraine Lake Alpine Classics
      • Rogers Pass Alpinist Camp
      • Bugaboos Granite
      • Tonquin Valley Alpine Climbing
    • Canadian Rockies 11,000ers
      • Mount Temple
      • Mount Willingdon
      • Mount Cline
      • Mt Woolley & Diadem
      • Mount Hector
      • Mount Athabasca
      • Mount Andromeda
      • Mt Joffre Expedition
      • Mount Victoria
      • Mt Edith Cavell
      • Mount Forbes
      • 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 Stanley
      • 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
    • Instructional Backcountry Skiing & Boarding
      • Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
      • Splitboarding Intro
      • Backcountry Freerider
      • Ultimate Steep & Deep Clinic
    • Guided Steep & Deep Programs
      • Rogers Pass Powder Skiing
      • Signature Series Splitboarding Camp with Justin Lamoureux
      • Kootenays Powder Adventure
      • Backcountry Powder Pass
    • Ski Mountaineering & Classic Traverses
      • Intro to Ski Mountaineering
      • Crevasse Rescue for Skiers & Splitboarders
      • The Wapta Traverse
      • Bow to Yoho Advanced Ski Week
      • Remote Ski Camp – Freshfields
      • 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 3 – Multi-Pitch Climbing Course
    • Rock Climbing Level 4 – Trad Rock Leader
    • Rock Climbing Level 5 – Rock Rescue
      • Foundational Rock Rescue
      • Advanced Rock Rescue
    • Signature Series Rock Leader with Sean Isaac
    • Hot Rock
    • Ghost Rock
    • El Potrero Chico Rock Road Trip
    • 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
    • Steep Ice and Mixed Climbing Clinic
    • Drytooling Clinic
    • Rampart Creek Ice Camp
    • Ghost Ice Climbing Camp
    • ‘Hot’ Ice Climbing
    • Signature Series Ice Climbing with Sean Isaac
      • Early Season Ice Camp with Sean Isaac
      • Ice Leader Camp with Sean Isaac
      • Mixed Master Camp
      • Steep Ice Clinic with Sean Isaac
      • Mixed Climbing Clinic with Sean Isaac
      • Ice Lead Clinic with Sean Isaac
      • Multi-pitch Systems Clinic with Sean Isaac
    • Southern Ontario Ice Climbing
      • Southern Ontario – One-day Ice Climbing Essentials
      • Southern Ontario Ice Leader
    • Avalanche Skills for Ice Climbers
    • Beginner Experiential Ice Climbing
    • Private Multipitch & Instructional Ice Climbing
  • Mountain Semesters
    • 3-Month Mountain Skills Semester
    • 1-Month Summer Mountaineering Semester
    • 1-Month Ski & Splitboard Semester

Climb Mount Robson

At 3,959m or 12,989 feet, Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Climbers come from around the world to attempt its icy flanks and summit. The Robson Massif creates its own climate and with all of the world’s great peaks, the summit is never assured but is always an adventure. Mt Robson is a much sought-after test piece for experienced mountaineers.

This is a truly challenging objective for those with a number of intermediate and advanced peaks under their belt. Reaching the summit of Mt Robson is for many the ultimate Canadian Rockies mountaineering objective.



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The Peak

Mt. Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and its summit elevation is 3959m. It’s located on the western edge of the range, 100km west of Jasper in British Columbia’s Mount Robson Provincial Park. Its massive bulk, the first massif that moist westerlies hit after crossing B.C. results in a moist local micro-climate. At its base is temperate rainforest more typical of the coast and its upper heights are cloaked in the massive glaciation that makes it such a beautiful and challenging climb.

We prefer to attempt the Kain Face on the N.E. side of the peak, it was the first ascent route in 1913. Now it is much steeper as the glaciers have changed. It is a serious climb involving some objective hazards and while the climbing is not extremely technical (45 – 550 snow and ice), conditions and weather can increase the challenge considerably. The summit day is often long and demanding and can take 14 hours or more. Even mid-summer can mean that avalanche risk and snow conditions put the peak out of climbing condition.

Other routes on the mountain include the Schwarz Ledges on the South Face. Overhung by unstable seracs this route is not very appealing. Harder routes include the North Face and the Fuhrer Ridge, these are routes we would only consider guiding with guests who have already built up a climbing relationship with our guides or have an extensive technical climbing resume.

Sample 5-Day Robson Itineraries:

Day 1:  We meet at noon (12:00 pm MST) in Canmore to review gear and make sure we’re prepared for the climb before driving via the Icefields Parkway and the Yellowhead Highway to Robson Provincial Park (4.5hrs).  We’ll set up camp at Robson Meadows for the night.

Day 2:   We fly by helicopter to the ‘Dome’ at 3000m. This is located just below the Kain Face and set up our base camp. Acclimatization and training day.

Day 3:  This is our first summit attempt day via the Kain Face route. Expect to be out for 14 or more hours. Leaving high camp in the very early hours of the morning we head to the base of the ‘Kain Face’ and commence 550m of climbing on snow, ice or both with angles reaching 50 degrees. From here the challenge continues. The route follows a beautiful snow and ice ridge that leads to the steep slopes circumventing the ‘Roof’ and, finally, the last section to the summit. To descend we reverse the climb!

Day 4:  Second summit attempt if poor conditions on day 3, or climb Mt Resplendent if conditions allow. Or, if weather permits and we were successful the previous day, we may fly out early and head to the Columbia Icefields for another climb on the last day.

Day 5:  Either fly out from the Dome or do a final climb in the Columbia Icefields. Return to Canmore where the trip finishes. This can be a long day, so make travel plans accordingly.

Costs

Private guiding options are available. Please contact us to discuss this option.

Trip Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group.

For guests with dietary restrictions, we can modify the program food pack to meet your individual needs.  As food pricing and preparation for these diets is more costly, a surcharge may 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.

 Notes on hiring a guide

When hiring a guide we quote you guide fees plus expenses. Expenses you will incur include the cost of transportation for yourself and the guide to Mount Robson, camping and/or mountaineering gear rentals if applicable, Provincial Park fees and meals (for the guide also). In addition, there is the cost of any helicopter flights.

Transportation

We do not supply transportation and you are responsible for the guide’s transportation to the area and back to Canmore. Should you not be able to provide transportation we can arrange this at an extra cost. Please let our office know at the time of booking your trip.

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

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Weather and Alternates

Mount Robson is known for its variable weather and it is important to realize that reaching the summit is very weather dependent. We have experienced a 50% success rate over the years. This is a realistic and competitive success rate. Be wary of those advertising higher success rates.

Any booking made for a Mount Robson trip cannot be cancelled at short notice due to weather or climbing conditions. This is because in accepting a booking on Mount Robson other guiding work will have been turned down. Should Mount Robson be unsafe or the weather unsuitable then the guides will organize alternate climbs in the region or elsewhere.

Thus participants must not only be in excellent shape for high climbing they must also be willing to adapt to whatever the weather forces upon us.

Guides and Guide Ratios

The guides assigned to lead Mount Robson climbs are fully-certified Mountain or Alpine Guides. They have been certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or by other member countries of the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA). Where numbers warrant a second guide, he or she could also be an ACMG Assistant Alpine Guide. Yamnuska’s guides operate within the official terrain guidelines of the ACMG and Yamnuska also is licensed to operate on the peak by Mount Robson Provincial Park.

The maximum ratio on a Mount Robson climb is 1:1.

Getting to Mount Robson

Mount Robson is located in Mount Robson Provincial Park which is 100km west of Jasper on Highway 16. For ease of logistics, we suggest you arrive via Calgary, travel 120km to Canmore where you can overnight then in the morning meet the guide pick up the supplies and gear before driving north to Mount Robson via the Icefields Parkway and Jasper. If flying to the region we would suggest you pick up a rental car at Calgary Airport that you can use for the trip.

Pre & Post Trip Accommodation

Accommodation in Canmore pre and post-trip 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.

Equipment and Clothing

We supply group camping and climbing gear and suggest you bring your own personal climbing gear (e.g. harness, helmet, ice axe, ice tools), clothing and general equipment. We can lend you a harness, helmet, ice axe, ice tool and crampons if required. Let us know, in advance, what you will need.

The equipment and clothing you bring with you will play a large role in the quality of your experience. It should be lightweight, durable and in good condition. You must be familiar with the function of your equipment. Make sure that it fits and that it works with other items of your equipment before you come. You don’t want it to let you down at 12,000ft.

Read the following suggestion list carefully. If you have any questions or need clarification don’t hesitate to call or write. There is room for substitution and changes but if you have any doubt, do contact us.

CLOTHING LIST

We suggest layers of light, easily carried clothing that allows for fast and easy adjustment to best suit fast changing temperature conditions. We discourage cotton clothing as it causes rapid heat loss when wet. Feel free to call us if you have any questions about what to bring.

You will need to bring:

  • Wool/blend socks – 2-3 pairs synthetic or wool
  • Underwear – 2-3 pairs
  • Long underwear – top and bottom – synthetic or wool
  • Softshell climbing pants – these should be windproof nylon/synthetic blend mountaineering pants
  • Outer pants – waterproof and preferably with side zips on legs (Gore-Tex)
  • T-shirt – synthetic or wool
  • Mid-weight top – synthetic or wool
  • Softshell jacket – this should be a windproof nylon/synthetic blend jacket
  • Outer jacket – waterproof with a hood (Gore-Tex)
  • Insulated jacket – synthetic or down
  • Gaiters – must fit over mountain boots
  • Mountaineering gloves – lightweight
  • Mountaineering gloves – medium to heavyweight
  • Hat – synthetic or wool that covers your ears and fits under a helmet
  • Sunhat – with a wide brim

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT LIST

You will need to bring: You must give us plenty of notice if wanting to rent or loan gear.

  • Mountaineering boots – You will need mountaineering boots with rigid soles. Mountaineering boots are made from leather or plastic, but leather is recommended. The most important feature of a mountaineering boot is comfort. Different brands seem to suit different feet. If buying try a few different pairs and if they are not comfortable don’t buy them. There are many good brands. They include Asolo, Kayland, La Sportiva and Scarpa.
  • Large backpack – 60-75 litre capacity. Internal frame with accessory straps that is big enough to carry your personal gear and clothing plus your share of group camping gear and food.
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Ice axe  – mountaineering axe (minimum 55cm in length)
  • Technical ice tool
  • Crampons
  • Belay device
  • Pear-shaped biner – 1 lightweight
  • 5m x 7mm prussik cord – 2
  • 120cm sewn sling – 1
  • Locking biners – 2 lightweight
  • Non-locking biners – 2 lightweight
  • 16-22cm ice screw – 1
  • Sunglasses – with 100% UV protection
  • Sun cream – extra strength
  • Lip cream – with UV protection
  • Headlamp – with fresh batteries
  • Waterbottle
  • Blister kit – ‘moleskin’, ‘second skin’ etc.
  • First aid items – keep this small (band-aids, ibuprofen & aspirin/Tylenol, etc.)
  • Camera
  • Trekking pole – must be collapsible (recommended)
  • Bowl – unbreakable, large plastic
  • Mug – lightweight
  • Spoon – plastic
  • Pocket knife – lightweight
  • Sleeping bag – lightweight and rated to approximately -10ºC
  • Sleeping pad – ‘Thermarest’
  • Toilet items – personal items, keep as light as possible
  • Stuff sacs – light (optional)

Please contact us directly, by email or phone to arrange a climb. Once a date and guide can be confirmed we will require a deposit of 35% of the cost. Full payment will be required 8 weeks in advance of the climb.

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.

If you need any rental gear please let us know early to ensure its availability.

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. In Mount Robson Provincial Park there may be a charge for rescue if you need to be evacuated by professional services.

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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PRICE:

Private guiding options are available. Please contact us to discuss this option.

Cancellation Insurance available through the Simpson Group.

Please note you will be required to sign the Yamnuska Release of Liability, and Waiver of Claims prior to commencing the program. Please review the sample waiver prior to booking and call us with any questions.

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Is it for you?

You must have a resume of prior mountaineering experience which includes glacier travel and climbing on steep ice and snow. This is one of our most demanding and challenging climbs. You will also need to be in excellent condition. If you have insufficient experience for this climb, consider taking our advanced Alpine Ice Climbing Training Course or arrange for at least 4 days of training with our guides beforehand.

If it becomes obvious that you are either not fit enough for the climb or lack the mountaineering skills needed then the guide will organize alternatives if possible. We, unfortunately, will not be able to provide refunds in this situation as we will have already committed resources.

Time Needed

We require a commitment of at least 5 days for attempts on the Kain Face. This allows a reasonable amount of spare time in case of bad weather which may delay access to and from the peak and limit summit opportunities. Should bad weather further prolong the trip guide fees will be charged for extra days. It is possible that we summit the peak in less than 5 days and fly out early, in which case you and your guide will climb another objective along the Icefields Parkway or in the Bow Valley to complete the additional days of the trip. No refunds will be given for completing the trip early.

Climbing Season

The snow on the upper peak tends not to stabilize until mid-July. The optimal season is usually mid-July through the 3rd week of August. Some years you can climb right into September but there is a risk that the mountain might be out of condition due to late-season storms.

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