This one-day course is designed specifically to teach mountaineers how to perform crevasse rescue in a mountaineering travel context. We will look at the tools that are available on the market today to make you an efficient rescue partner when travelling in the alpine. We will emphasize learning and practicing rescue techniques where you will understand what to do if one of your party does fall into a crevasse, how to secure the rest of the group, set up a belay using your ice axe and ice screws, and the different systems for pulling someone out. This will include load transfers, use of gear, attaching equipment to the rope, setting up a rope to walk on a glacier, and raises using a mechanical advantage.
Agenda
This is a classroom and field-based program. We will not be on glaciated terrain for this course.
Meet at the Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office at 8:00 am. Coffee and tea will be available. There will be a short introduction and a discussion of the goals and objectives of the day. You’ll then head to a local venue to cover the practical elements of this program. Please note this program is not delivered on glaciated terrain.
Goals and Objectives:
- Glacier travel & risk management in ascent/descent
- Ropework for glacier travel
- Building and looking at anchors that are applicable to snow and ice
- Crevasse self-rescue using shorter ropes
- Different haul systems (2:1, 3:1, 5:1, and 6:1)
Meeting Place & Time
Meet at the Yamnuska Office (200-50 Lincoln Park, Canmore) at 8:00 am on the day of the program. Please be dressed for the outdoors and have your gear handy so the instructors can check it with you.
Instructors and Group Size
Your instructors will be ACMG certified guides. There will be a maximum of 8 participants per instructor, a minimum of 4.
Transportation
To keep prices down participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore and during the program. Canmore is a 1 hour (100km) drive west of Calgary.
If you are flying from afar for the program we suggest that you rent a car for your visit. In addition to getting you to the climbing locations, it will allow you to explore our region afterward.
Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore.
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 & Meals
These are not included in the course fees. There are lots of options available including campgrounds, hostels, B’n’Bs, motels, and hotels.
Food is not supplied. Bring plenty to drink and lunch plus energy snacks.
Equipment & Clothing
Yamnuska will supply ropes and technical gear for the program. If you have your own personal gear please bring it as it is best to practice with. If you bring your own gear we recommend that it is marked with colour tape for easy identification.
You need to bring outdoor clothing suitable for standing around in cool, windy conditions or warm summer conditions and your crevasse rescue gear. Layers are best.
Equipment List:
You will need to bring:
- Daypack (35 litres or greater so as to fit spare clothes, water and gear.)
- Sunglasses
- Water Bottle or Thermos
- Lunch for the day
- Notebook and pencil/ pen
- Camera (optional but great for taking pictures of the system)
We can supply the following gear but if you have your own please bring it along.
- Rope: 30 meters in length minimum. We will be teaching systems that use 8mm to 6mm ropes but larger diameter ropes are fine.
- Harness: Sit Harness
- Locking carabiners (Minimum of 3)
- Non-locking Carabiners (minimum of 2)
- Sewn slings 120 cm or larger tape sling
- Prussik cord (Cordelette) (5mm to 7mm X five meters in length) X 2
- Prussik loop (or Hollow block loop) 1.5 meters in length X 1
- Petzl Micro traxion® or Petzl Mini traxion®
- Climbing rescue pulley
- Petzl Tibloc®
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment at the time of booking. Please read the attached 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.
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. For more information and to purchase a plan, visit the Simpson Group’s website.
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.
Dates:
PRICE:
$189.00 includes instruction and the use of technical gear. GST not included
Trip Cancellation Insurance is 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.
Is it for you?
Participants need to be already familiar with basic crevasse rescue techniques (can already tie a prussic and other knots, familiar with general anchor building principles). This is a great re-training program and keeps your skills current.
