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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)
    • AST 1 (Classroom Webinar/Rogers Pass Field Day)
    • Avalanche Skills Training 1 for Ice Climbers
    • Companion Rescue Refresher 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
      • Rogers Pass Alpinist Camp
      • Fairy Meadows Granite Base Camp
      • Bugaboos Granite
    • Canadian Rockies 11,000ers
      • Mount Temple
      • Mount Willingdon
      • Mount Cline
      • Mt Woolley & Diadem
      • Mount Hector
      • Mount Athabasca
      • Mount Andromeda – Skyladder
      • Mt Joffre Expedition
      • Mount Victoria
      • Mount Forbes (Fly in and Send)
      • 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 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
    • Icefields Parkway Day Touring
    • Rogers Pass & Revelstoke Day Touring
    • Backcountry Skiing and Splitboard Touring Programs
      • Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
      • Intro to Backcountry Skiing at Purcell Lodge
      • 2-Day Backcountry Freerider Camp
      • Backcountry Belles – Women’s only Free Rider weekend
    • Steep & Deep Programs
      • Lift-Assisted Backcountry Skiing at Lake Louise
      • Rogers Pass Powder Ski Camp
      • Ultimate Steep & Deep Camp
      • Signature Series Splitboarding Steep & Deep Camp
      • Remote Ski Camp – Freshfields
    • Ski Mountaineering & Classic Traverses
      • Intro to Ski Mountaineering
      • Crevasse Rescue for Skiers & Splitboarders
      • The Wapta Traverse
      • Bow to Yoho Advanced Ski Week
      • Yoho Ski Safari
      • 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 1 & 2 – Rock Evolution
    • Rock Climbing Level 3 – Multi-Pitch Climbing Course
    • Rock Climbing Level 4 – Trad Rock Leader
    • Rock Climbing Level 5 – Rock Rescue & Advanced Ropework
    • Skaha Rock – 5-day Progression
    • Hot Rock
    • Ghost Rock
    • El Potrero Chico Rock Road Trip
    • Mature Movement 50+ Rock Climbing
    • 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
    • Drytooling Intro
    • Rampart Creek Ice Camp
    • Ghost Ice Climbing Camp
    • Hot Ice Climbing
    • Beginner Experiential Ice Climbing
    • Private Multipitch & Instructional Ice Climbing
    • Southern Ontario Ice Climbing
      • Southern Ontario – One-day Ice Evolution
      • Southern Ontario Ice Leader
  • Mountain Semester

Yoho Peaks

The Little Yoho Valley in Yoho National Park is home to some of the most incredible scenery and terrain of anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. Based out of the historic Stanley Mitchell Hut, our aim of this guided mountaineering trip is to summit several intermediate mountaineering peaks throughout the four days.  Objectives include The President, The Vice President, Mt McArthur, Mt Kerr and Isolated Peak.

If you have completed our Snow and Ice Long Weekend Mountaineering Course for Beginners or Intro to Mountaineering Programs this trip will be a great next challenge for you. The objectives attempted on this mountain climbing course are excellent next steps for anyone with beginner-level training as it exposes you to more intermediate type terrain.

Thanks to @contactrudy for this incredible video sharing his experience on the Yoho Peaks trip in 2020.

  • Itinerary
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Program Agenda

Day 1:  Meet at our office in Canmore at 8:30 am. After issuing food and gear we pack up and then drive west to Takakkaw Falls near Field, BC (west of Lake Louise).

A pleasant hike up the Yoho Valley will bring us to the Stanley Mitchell Hut in the late afternoon. After settling into the hut, we’ll prepare ourselves for the next day’s climb.

Days 2-3: Each day we choose a suitable mountaineering objective. There are several large, glaciated peaks surrounding the upper valley, all of which are good intermediate peaks. These include: The President (10,295 ft., 3138m) on the south side of the valley is normally climbed via the north-facing President Glacier to the President Col and then following the East Ridge to the Summit. This peak can also be climbed via the SW Ridge. The Vice President (10,058 ft., 3066 m) is climbed directly from the President Col. Mount MacArthur (9,911 ft., 3021m) is on the north side of the Valley as is Isolated Peak (9,334 ft., 2845m). Both are reached via the MacArthur Glacier which is accessed below Isolated Col. At the head of the valley, above Kiwetinok Pass is Mount Kerr (9,394 ft., 2863m) which is more of a rock scramble involving route finding and terrain evaluation skills.

Day 4: After packing up we begin our egress along the scenic Iceline trail, following the contours of the Emerald Glacier. This return hike offers spectacular views of the Yoho Valley and the President Range.

Instructors and Group Size

The maximum guide to guest ratio is 1:4 although the ratio will often be less. Our guides are enthusiastic and extremely talented, holding guide certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and licensed to operate in the area by Parks Canada. The maximum group size is 8.

Meeting Time & Place

The program begins at the Yamnuska office at 8:30 am on the first day. The Yamnuska office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park. See this map for location.

Transportation

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

Transportation while on the program is not included. We rely on guest’s personal vehicles to reach program locations. Park Entry Passes are not included in the program price and are the responsibility of the guest.

It is wise to arrive in Canmore the day before the course (see “accommodation” below).

Accommodation and Meals

During the program, we will be staying in the Stanley Mitchell Hut which is operated by the Alpine Club of Canada. Set in the meadows below the peaks, this is one of the Club’s most scenic huts. A log cabin built in the 1930s, it features communal sleeping and living areas. Cooking and lighting are propane-fueled and water is hauled from the nearest creek.

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)

Excess luggage can be left either at your hotel or our office.

All meals, snacks and drinks are supplied from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4. 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, 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.

Clothing and Gear

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

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

  • Crampons
  • Mountaineering ice axe
  • Climbing harness
  • Climbing helmet
  • Ice screw
  • Prussic cord, slings, carabiners

We recommend you bring:

  • Boots* (must be crampon compatible)
  • Multiday pack* (60–75 litres)
  • Daypack* (30-40 litres), (optional)
  • Sleeping bag*
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
  • Camera
  • Compass
  • 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)
  • Music player and lightweight reading material (optional)

*These items are available for rent. Please advise us in advance. Rental Gear

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, 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 hike.

Daypack:  For single day climbing trips your pack should be 30–40 litres.

Sleeping bag: We recommend a three-season bag rated to approximately -7 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.

Boots: A good pair of boots is essential. They need to be warm and 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 55-75 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. A 35% deposit (including GST) is required at the time of booking. The final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the program. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Canadian Cheques, Money Orders and Bank Drafts. Credit card payments are easiest, especially for international travellers.

We ask that you make yourself familiar 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, 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.

Dates:

 

PRICE:

$1350 CDN includes guiding and instruction, hut accommodation, out-trip meals, Park Permits, and use of specialized group climbing gear.

Not included: Canmore accommodation, Park Entry Passes, Gratuities & 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST).

Trip Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group.

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Is it for you?

Participants need prior basic mountaineering experience. You must be fit and in good physical shape. This program is ideal for alumni of our Snow and Ice Long Weekend and Beginner Mountaineering Course. The targeted peaks are not overly technical but we will have long days on varied terrain.

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