Three-Day Alpine Climbing Adventure – Valley of the Ten Peaks
Experience the thrill of Canada’s iconic alpine routes on this unforgettable three-day climbing program. Starting at the breathtaking Moraine Lake in Lake Louise, you’ll hike through the legendary Valley of the Ten Peaks to reach the Neil Colgan Hut, Canada’s highest permanent alpine hut at 2,957 meters. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by some of the Rockies’ most stunning peaks, including Mt. Fay, Mt. Little, and Mt. Bowlen, all offering classic climbs that are central to Canadian mountaineering history.
The Valley of the Ten Peaks has drawn climbers for over a century, with pioneers like Edward Whymper and Conrad Kain shaping the legacy of these mountains. This program combines technical climbing challenges with awe-inspiring alpine scenery, from glaciers and knife-edge ridges to summits that reward both skill and determination.
Whether ascending the 3,235-meter Mt. Fay or exploring the rugged peaks of Mt. Little, you’ll follow in the footsteps of mountaineering legends while building your skills and confidence on some of the Rockies’ most celebrated alpine routes. This is more than a climb—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the history, beauty, and adventure of the Canadian Rockies.
For those looking to climb Mt. Victoria, we offer an unforgettable ascent to the North Summit. This classic route provides stunning views and an exciting climbing experience on one of the Canadian Rockies’ iconic 11,000ers. More details on the climb can be found here.
Day 1: We meet at the Yamnuska classroom in Canmore at 7:00 am. After introductions, a review of goals and objectives, we drive towards Lake Louise and the approach to the Neil Colgan hut. After hiking around the shores of Moraine Lake, we climb through the quartzite and limestone bands of the Perren Route, where a final traverse of the glacier will bring us to the Neil Colgan Hut below Mt. Little. Those with energy left may have time to scramble up Mt Bowlen in the evening.
Day 2: Mt Fay is the prize for the day. With an early start, we will traverse the glacier to the base of the snow and ice slopes that lead to the rocky West ridge. Airy but easy rock climbing and scrambling will take us to the summit where we will have fantastic views of the surrounding peaks including Mt Temple.
Day 3: For those with energy to spare we will look at a morning climb of Mt Little behind the hut. We will return to the hut before heading down the Perren route rappels and retracing our steps around Moraine Lake where the program finishes.
The maximum guide to guest ratio on this program is 1:2. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures only employs qualified ACMG or IFMGA certified guides and assistant guides who are licensed to operate in the area by Parks Canada. The maximum group size is 6.
Logistics
The program begins at the Yamnuska classroom at 7:00 a.m. on Day 1. The Yamnuska office is located at #100, 50 Lincoln Park. See this map for location.
Transportation
Transportation while on the program is not included. We rely on guests’ personal vehicles to reach program locations. If flying, we recommend you rent a car from Calgary Airport. Park Entry fees are not included.
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
During the trip, we will be staying at the Alpine Club of Canada’s Neil Colgan hut.
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 accommodation well in advance as all levels of accommodation in the Bow Valley fill quickly.
Meals
All meals, snacks, and drinks are supplied from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3. Mountain meals are made from lightweight ingredients. 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, there is a surcharge. Our kitchen staff will assess your restrictions to inform you if the diet can be accommodated and what surcharge would apply. Vegetarian meals will not be surcharged.
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 significant 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
- Climbing harness
- Climbing helmet
- Belay device and pear-shaped locking carabiners
- Prusik cord, slings, carabiners, and gear (we suggest 2 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking carabiners, 1 ice screw, 1 x 120cm sewn sling, 2 x 5m by 7mm cord)
You will need to bring:
- Mountaineering boots* (must be crampon compatible)
- Rock shoes (optional – may be used in poor weather conditions)
- Multiday pack* (55–65 litres)
- Daypack (25-30 litres), (optional)
- Sleeping bag*
- Water bottle (1-2 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
- Camera
- Headlamp (with fresh batteries)
- Earplugs
- 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 price list
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
- 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
Guests registered in Yamnuska programs (4 days or less) can borrow outerwear from the Arc’teryx store in Banff at no cost. Available items include jackets, insulated layers, and bib pants (men’s & women’s sizes). Simply show proof of enrollment at the store.
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Alpha SV Jacket (Men’s & Women’s)
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Rush Jacket (Men’s & Women’s)
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Rush Bib Pant (Men’s & Women’s)
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Atom Hoody (Men’s & Women’s)
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Atom SL Hoody (Men’s & Women’s)
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Cerium Down Hoody (Men’s & Women’s)
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Nuclei Hoody (Men’s & Women’s)
Additional gear info:
Backpack: It is possible to use just one multiday backpack (55-70 litres) if it is comfortable enough to wear while climbing. If bringing an additional day pack, this should be light and compressible to fit inside the bigger pack on the approach.
Sleeping bag: We recommend a three-season bag rated to approximately -9° C. 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.
Mountaineering boots: A good pair of mountaineering boots is essential. One good option is leather or synthetic mountaineering boots with either a semi-rigid or a rigid sole that is crampon compatible. You are welcome to try the Scarpa Mont Blanc or Charmoz 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 crampons.
Mountaineering ice-axe: Your ice axe should be 55-70cm 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.
We require a 35% deposit including GST at the time of booking. The final balance is due 8 weeks before the program start date.
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.
Dates:
PRICE:
$1769 CDN includes guiding, 2 nights’ accommodation as outlined in the itinerary, meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3, Park Wilderness Pass, and use of technical equipment.
Not included: Canmore accommodation, Park Entry fees, Guide Gratuities & taxes.
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?
This is a challenging 3-day program that includes significant elevation gain—not only to surrounding peaks, but also to the Neil Colgan Hut, the highest permanent structure in Canada. Solid hiking fitness is essential, as you’ll be carrying a pack over glaciated terrain with sustained uphill travel each day.
Participants should have at least basic mountaineering experience, and some familiarity with rock climbing is recommended. Within the context of Yamnuska’s programs, we suggest you have completed our Snow and Ice Long Weekend or Intro to Mountaineering prior to joining this trip.