The mountains near Lake Louise are considered the birthplace of Canadian mountaineering. Since the establishment of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, the peaks that dominate the sky around Lake Louise in Banff National Park remain classic objectives for mountaineers and alpinists. The routes we chose for our Lake Louise summit mountaineering trip will test your skills and help you develop new techniques. The scenery is only outdone by the overwhelming sense of accomplishment you will undoubtedly feel after participating in this classic mountaineering trip.
Our alpine objectives this week are the spectacular summits surrounding Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, such as North Victoria, Unnamed, Aberdeen, and Mt. Hector. Between alpine climbing days, we will give the legs a rest and climb some multi-pitch alpine rock objectives such as the Tower of Babel and Takakkaw Falls. This is going to be a terrific week of alpine mountain climbing training. And, if you are pressed for time, you can join us for the first three days only.
Our goal is to enjoy a week of alpine rock and mountaineering objectives on the large peaks surrounding Lake Louise.
Day 1: We meet at the Yamnuska office in Canmore at 7:30 am. After introductions, a review of goals and objectives we drive to Lake Louise and start our hike up beyond the Plain of Six Glaciers to our bivy site (2400m) and prepare for our objective the following day.
Day 2: This summit requires an early start, and we will be leaving the bivy site at first light. From the bivy, we will quickly reach the toe of the glacier and ascend it to below the more technical portion of the climb. Crossing the bergschrund can often be challenging before we head up the steeper snow slopes leading to the rock band guarding the col between North Victoria and Mt Collier. Views of Mt Lefroy and the horizon are unmatched during sunrise. Depending on conditions we can either climb a short rock band or traverse around it until the snow ridge is regained. The Northeast Ridge leads us to the small, rocky summit and we head back to our bivy site for the night.
Day 3: Today we pack up our bivy site and climb a peak with no name- Unnamed Peak. Nestled between Mount Collier and Popes Creek, Unnamed Peak is a classic of the area. Although this peak has no name it’s certainly not one to miss in the Lake Louise Group. We will return to Lake Louise for the night.
Day 4: Today we climb an alpine rock objective to give our legs a little break. Some options include Takakkaw Falls a classic 5.7 route that climbs along the highest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies. Or Towel of Babel a 5.8 route that climbs the quartzite tower beside Moraine Lake. We will spend the evening at a campground near Lake Louise and prepare for our next alpine climb.
Day 5: We will start our day with a trek towards the second 11’000’er of this trip Mount Hector. We will set up camp at our bivy site. The initial approach will take us through creek beds, woods, and into the open slopes before hitting the peaks North Glacier.
Day 6: With expansive views of the Wapta we continue our ascent of Mount Hector. After summiting, we make our way back to Canmore where the program finishes, and you will have earned a much-needed rest day!
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 office at 07:30 am on Day 1. The Yamnuska office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park. See this map for location.
Transportation while on the program is not included. We rely on guest’s personal vehicles to reach program locations. If flying in we recommend you rent a car from Calgary Airport. You may be able to share the cost with other participants. Park Entry fees are not included.
Accommodation
During the trip, we will be camping at both bivy sites as well as a front country campground.
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)
Meals
All meals, snacks, and beverages are supplied from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on the final day of your program, with the exception of Dinner on Day 3 for those on the 6-day program. Mountain meals are prepared from lightweight wholesome 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, 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.
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
Group climbing gear such as ropes and hardware is provided, but we recommend bringing your own personal climbing gear. We will also supply tents, sleeping pads, and cooking equipment. 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
- Prussic 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 (optional)
*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
Additional gear info:
Backpack: It is possible to use just one multiday backpack (55-70 litres), 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.
Sleeping bag: We recommend a three-season bag rated to approximately -2° 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 boots that Yamuska 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 55-70 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.
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.
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.
Dates:
Please call our office to organize a custom program
PRICE:
Six-day program: $2550 CDN includes guiding, hut fees, out trip meals, Park Wilderness Pass, and use of technical equipment. Dinner (Day 3) at the Lake Louise Alpine Centre is not included.
Three-day program: $1380 CDN includes guiding, hut fees, out trip meals, Park Wilderness Pass, and use of technical equipment.
Not included: Canmore accommodation, Park Entry fees, Gratuities & taxes.
Trip Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group.
Is it for you?
This is a strenuous and demanding program involving lots of height gain, not only to the peaks but also to the huts. So you need to be in good shape as this program involves six consecutive days of high climbing. You need to have at least basic mountaineering experience. In the context of Yamnuska’s program, we suggest you have at least Snow and Ice Long Weekend or Intro to Mountaineering.
