Ice Climbing Client Testimonials

Here’s what people are saying about Yamnuska’s Ice Climbing Courses:

“The bonus ice day was great. The trip was challenging for me but I didn’t feel that I was pushed beyond my abilities – which is very important. I appreciate the approach of providing me with as much explanation as possible as to what we were doing and why. However, sometimes it was overwhelming but only due to my inexperience with multi-pitching. I would like to complain, however, that due to quality of the instruction and overall program experience I am now hooked. The constant distraction of thinking about how I can get out climbing again is affection my work and personal life. I may lose my job. kidding of course. I just want to think both guides for a fun course and a great weekend. I will be back.” – Christine from Calgary was on our Basic Ice program with Guides Patrick Delaney and Grant Meekins.

“I have just completed the Basic Ice Climbing course on December 27-28, 2008 with Pat Delaney and Grant Meekins. I would like to express my sincere thanks for the professionalism, competence, and patience of both instructors that made this first “feet-on” ice event for me a positive experience. I am looking forward to other future courses with your excellent organization.” – Stephan from Edmonton

“Both guides on the course were fantastic. Abby tended to be with me more during the course… and she is wonderful. Her teaching style matched my learning needs/style. Her experience is obvious, but she is able to not only teach the basics well, she has the ability to quickly see what I was doing wrong, and gave me advice on how to change/improve. Both guides were approachable, and gave us all constant encouragement throughout the course. They are both worth their weight in gold!” – Lucille from Edmonton was on our Basic Ice course with Abby Watkins and Mike Stuart.

Do you have an interesting story or comment you would like to share about your Yamnuska experience? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Matt Mueller and I climbed Louise Falls on Dec. 29 on a gorgeous wintry day – big soft snowflakes and mist over the lake. We were the 4th party to arrive, but managed to work in with the other climbers and complete the route.

This is the 4th time I’ve climbed the Falls, and each time it’s different. On this climb, instead of the usual cave and sheet of ice on the 3rd pitch, we had only a skinny pillar to climb and traverse around on to the ledge.

I’ve been guided by Matt before, and we had a splendid and brilliant day of laughter, conversation and outstanding climbing. I felt secure and well looked after at every point on our route (including the chest high snow we battled on the descent route).

Congratulations to Matt, and all the outstanding Yam guides who provide a valuable and much needed service. For those of us who live in the flatlands, having professional and well trained mountain guides makes THE critical difference between a fun and fulfilling day versus a frustrating and potentially precarious mountain adventure.

As always, I’ll be back! I’ve been a loyal Yam client since 2003.

Happy New Year to all and blessings for safe and fun mountain adventures. – Margaret Imai-Compton

I just returned from three days of guiding with Patrick Delaney. Pat is very professonal and lots of fun to climb with. The climbs were well chosen and fun,just challanging enough but not stressfull. Overall a great experience! – Tim Tischler

I just got back from my third ice climbing trip with Yamnuska.
Patrick Delaney guided me on Guiness Gulley on February 13th/09. Three great pitches of beautiful ice and we had it all to ourselves. As always, Patrick was professional and good company on the ice. He does a nice job of picking a climb that pushes but does not exceed my skills. I am already looking forward to next year! – Jerry Blanchard

Bryce Jardine, Brian McCrindle and I just wrapped up a 5 day privately guided ice climbing adventure with Steve Holeczi and Grant Meekins. Having been on numerous Yam courses and expeditions, we are the “hopelessly addicted” that return season after season for thrills and chills. Given the extreme avalanche warnings throughout the week we were somewhat restricted in our choice of routes but Steve and Grant ensured that all of us got new climbs in the Ghost and Kananaskis. We felt both challenged and fulfilled, even on routes that were repeats!
Thanks to Grant for his precise instructions and to Steve for his spirited guiding style. Of course, there’s no question we’ll be back!
Margaret Imai-Compton – Toronto
p.s. Bryce’s professional pics are forthcoming!

I was very pleased with both guides on this course (Dec. 27th/08 Basic Ice). I learned a lot and felt extremely safe. They made the whole group comfortable and seemed more than capable of ensuring that everyone received what they needed. As with all the other courses that I have taken from Yamnuska I was once again more than satisfied with the instruction. I will be back for more ice climbing and look forward to engaging Yamnuska agin in the future. Thank you! – Leslie Thomas