One of our most adventurous and advanced rock climbing trips will see you seconding some of the most picturesque and towering multi-pitch routes that can be found in the Canadian Rockies. The limitless sport and long multi-pitch climbing routes located in Canada, combined with low instructor ratios, will ensure you get totally pumped. A flexible agenda, personalized coaching, and lots of climbing make this program a rock climber’s dream trip.
Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise have an abundance of varied and challenging rock climbing ranging from limestone sport crags to fabulous quartzite and long multi-pitch routes. The objective of this program is to get out and experience all the trad climbing routes!
You will be climbing the best routes in the Rockies.
| ‘I really enjoyed my three days on the Hot Rock course. The guides were great and I especially wanted to commend them for being such attentive, helpful, and safe guides as well as being very enjoyable company…. I will be back for more. Thank you.’ Leslie B |
Objectives and Agenda
Our objective is to get you as much climbing in 3 days as possible. The itinerary is based on your climbing abilities and personal objectives.
Participants will be split into teams of 2 based on individual objectives and experience (teams may be changed day to day). Each team will work with its guide to establish each day’s objectives. Most people taking the program are looking not only to rock climb but also to learn or update their multi-pitch and movement skills.
Day 1 and Subsequent Days: After discussing our personal objectives the group will head out climbing. Each day’s program will be tailored to each individual participant’s objective which may include:
- Personalized coaching in movement skills
- Great multi-pitch climbs
- Sport and traditional gear routes
- Revise and learn anchors, gear placements
- Enjoy a rock climbing trip in a terrific climbing area
With a 1:2 guide ratio, we can maintain a high level of flexibility for both learning and climbing objectives.
There are many different areas easily accessible from Canmore. We have in-depth knowledge of the best rock climbing routes but please feel free to research routes and bring your objectives to the program.
With the exception of Lake Louise, which has beautiful firm quartzite, most climbing is on limestone.
More climbing: Yamnuska guides and instructors are also available for private climbing after the course. See details.
Meeting Time and Place
The course begins at the Yamnuska office at 8:00 am on Day 1. The Yamnuska office is located at #200 – 50 Lincoln Park. See this map for location.
Instructors and Group Size
What is great about this program is the extremely low instructor to guest ratio. This 1:2 ratio allows us to achieve so much. Then there are the instructors. Enthusiastic and extremely talented, they hold rock climbing and/or alpine certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to them. A minimum of 2 guests is required to run this program.
Transportation
Participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore and during the program. Canmore is a 1 hour (100 km) 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 a bit after program hours. For example, you can visit Banff and enjoy the hot pools and sample the numerous restaurants in the area.
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 and Meals
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.
Food is not supplied. You will need lunch and something to drink each day. Bring plenty to drink and lunch plus energy snacks.
Equipment and Clothing
The course fee includes the use of rock shoes and technical gear although you should feel free to bring any gear you already have.
The weather encountered on this program varies greatly, with the courses at the beginning and the end of the season more prone to cool conditions. The clothing list below covers all possibilities. Should sunny warm conditions be forecast some items may be unnecessary. Remember that weather can change quickly so even if the day starts out sunny you may still need rain gear in the afternoon. Conditions on the higher climbs on the multi-pitch days are often colder.
Clothing and Equipment List
- Lunch, snacks, and plenty to drink
- Day pack – 25-35 L (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & personal and group climbing gear)
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Rain Gear
- Clothing allowing for an easy and complete range of movement
- Warm weather gear
- Rock shoes (available for your use at no extra charge, please let us know in advance if needing to use these)
- Approach shoes or running shoes for the hike to the climbing area.
- Harness, helmet if you have them (we will supply these if necessary)
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a 35% deposit at the time of booking. The final balance is due eight weeks before the program’s start date. We will also need you to complete the mountain experience questionnaire.
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.
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:
$950 CDN covers guiding, instruction, and use of technical gear. Accommodation and meals are not included but low cost, easy options exist. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is extra. Gratuities 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?
This program is for climbers seeking fun, adventure, and great climbing. You must be comfortable seconding 5.7 and have a good level of fitness.
