Mount Forbes

Weather and Conditions Note:

Like any alpine region, this area is subject to extreme weather conditions. While we will strive to use the noted sites and climbs, weather and conditions will dictate our site selection. 

Day 1:  We will meet at our office in Canmore at 6:30 am.  After introductions, we will discuss trip objectives, review conditions, and complete an extensive equipment check.  From there we can leave immediately for the helipad in Golden.  Once we have arrived at our bivy site we will set up camp and get a good rest before our summit day.   

Day 2:  Summit day! With an alpine start, we will approach the West Ridge of Mt Forbes. The route will involve steep snow climbing of up to 40 degrees and occasional steps of easy rock scrambling. This will be done with the use of an ice axe and crampons. Reaching this rarely visited summit and enjoying the endless views in all directions will be a great reward. 

Day 3:  Today we’ll aim to head out at first light and tick off one of many other objectives in the morning if time permits.  The location will be based on conditions on that day.  Possible objectives include Mons Peak, Division Peak, or Mount Rosita to name a few.  From our objective, we’ll be able to walk back to our bivy before catching our return flight back to Golden. 

Instructors and Group Size

The guide to guest ratio on this trip will be 1:2. As you will be working in small rope teams, the guide will have lots of time to focus on personal instruction. 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 6, a minimum of 2. 

Program Logistics

We will meet the group at 6:30 AM on the first day here at our office in Canmore (Map).  Please come prepared with all your personal gear and clothing but leave enough room in your pack for some additional group gear and food as well. 

Transportation

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

We rely on guests’ personal vehicles to reach program locations. If you are flying here for the program, we recommend flying to Calgary International Airport and renting a car. 

The costs for the helicopter on this program account for travel to and from the location purchased with the trip.  When extra time is needed or delays occur with the helicopter for weather, environmental factors or any other unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control extra costs may be incurred.  In this event, the extra costs will be evenly distributed to all participants enrolled in the program.

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

On the trail, you will be staying in modern, lightweight 2 and 3-person weather-proof tents. We will be setting up communal camps each night and cooking over camp stoves.  Yamnuska will provide all group camping gear, however personal gear such as Sleeping Bags, Thermarests, and basic dishes will be required.

Dinner and accommodation on day 1 are NOT included.

On the trail, you will be staying in modern, lightweight 2 and 3-person weather-proof tents. We will be setting up communal camps each night and cooking over camp stoves.  Yamnuska will provide all group camping gear, however personal gear such as Sleeping Bags, Thermarests, and basic dishes will be required. 

All meals, snacks, and drinks are supplied from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last. Meals are prepared by our in-house chef from fresh, nutritious ingredients and then dehydrated to make them suitable for backcountry travel. 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, we have implemented surcharges.

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. 

Equipment and Clothing

The equipment and clothing you bring to this trip 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. 

You will be able to leave excess gear in Canmore while on the trip. 

Equipment

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

• Crampons 
• Mountaineering ice axe 
• Technical ice climbing tool
• Climbing harness 
• Climbing helmet 
• Ice screw 
• Belay device 
• Prussic cord, sling, carabiners 

We recommend you bring: 

• Mountain boots* (must be crampon compatible) 
• Daypack (30-40 litres) 
• Sleeping bag* 
• Sleeping pad* 
• Water bottle (1-2 litres) 
• Sunglasses 
• Sunscreen, SPF lip balm 
• Camera 
• Compass 
• Headlamp (with fresh batteries) 
• Earplugs 
• Pocket knife 
• 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 
• Lighter 
• Trekking pole (recommended) 

*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 (light weight synthetic or wool) 
• Socks (synthetic/wool, at least two pairs) 
• Light synthetic shirt 
• Softshell pants and jacket 
• Midweight synthetic or down jacket 
• Parka 
• 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) 
• Lightweight synthetic gloves 
• Warm hat that fits under a helmet 
• Sun hat 
• Face mask
• Running shoes or sandals 

Additional gear info: 

Backpack:  It is possible to use just one 40L backpack if 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. 

Sleeping bag: We recommend a three-season bag rated at approximately -9 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. 

Mountain boots: A good pair of mountain boots are 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 55-65 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. 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 deposit of 35% is required at the time of booking. The final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the trip.

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, 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 trip.