Learn and practice the craft of climbing alpine rock!
This is an expert level course geared toward climbers looking to take their rock climbing skills into the alpine.
With a focus on tricks and tips to help you move efficiently in alpine terrain, this course will be one you will not forget!
Our expert certified guides are able teach you the advanced skills required to move safely in dynamic alpine terrain.
The Bugaboos is world-renowned for its excellent granite alpine rock climbing.
On this course you can expect to travel on snow, ice and rock all in the same day, using all the skills of an alpinist to climb your chosen routes.
Due to the technical nature of the climbing required for this course participants must be experienced rock climbers.
In order to participate safely in this course participants should have prior experience and training in traditional multi-pitch climbing.
This is a 5 day intensive course that will push your limits as a climber.
Not ready for this course yet? Check out our Bugaboo Rock or Lake Louise Alpine trips. We add educational components to all of our trips!
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Day one we will meet up at 7am in Invermere and then head to a close by climbing venue to get our hands on the rock and review the fundamentals.
We will then drive to the trail head and then complete the hike to either Appleby Dome Campground or the Conrad Kain hut.
In the evenings we will review the day and prepare for the next day's climbing objective.
Day 2 to 5:
Alpine Climbing days! On these days we will take advantage of the weather and conditions to climb the inspiring routes in the region and hone our skills.
Course Outline
Allpine ice, rock, and galcier Hazard Recognition and risk management
Proper fitting and selection of climbing equipment
Essential knots alpine rock climbing
Review lead climbing techniques
Belaying a lead climber.
Belay considerations for multi-pich climbs
Direct anchor belay techniques for multi-pitch climbs
Climbing communication calls
Rope management on multi-pitch climbs
Anchor systems and direction of pull on multi-pitch anchors
Understanding fall factor
Making safe transitions at the anchor while multi-pitch climbing
Making transitions from pitched climbing to moving together
Techniques for 4th class terrain, short pitching and simul-climbing
Body belays
Terrain belays
Safe Rappelling techniques for multi-pitch climbs in alpine terrain
Safe retreating techniques for the leader
Movement skills training and development.
Introduction to rescue systems for multi-pitch climbers
Ice screw and rock protection placement, cleaning and anchor construction.
use of ice axe
self-arrest on snow
glacier morphology
Advanced glacier travel techniques
Rappel anchors
Advanced Rappel techniques
Logistics:
Porters will assist with moving the loads on day 1.
Transportation
High clearance vehicle is recommended for the drive in to the Bugaboos. Most SUVs and trucks are fine. We can also provide transport for up to 4 guests if you'd prefer.
Accommodation
We will utilize a "light mountaineering base camp" at the Applebee dome campsite for most trips in the Bugaboos.
If desired and available the Conrad Kain hut managed by the alpine club of Canada may also be utilized in the Bugaboos.
Meals
Meals are Light weight backpacking style meals. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are provided during the trip.
Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to the start of the trip.
Equipment List
Personal Gear
Boots – 3 Season Mountaineering boots. Waterproof and crampon compatible. NSM can provide boots if required. (Included - limited availability so let us know well ahead of time your shoe size!)
Rock climbing shoes - Comfortable for multi-pitch climbing. ( If you require Rock climbing shoes we can provide you with a set for the trip - Included).
Sleeping bag – good to approx. -5 or -10 degrees Celsius. (NSM can rent you this if you need it- Additional fee $10/day.)
Sleeping pad – Therm-a-rest style or closed-cell foam. (NSM can provide this if you need - Included)
Large Backpack – 40-80 litre capacity (NSM can provide this if you need - Included)
Summit-pack – 30-40 litre capacity (NSM can provide this if you need - Included)
Outer layer jacket with hood – Gore-Tex style
Lightweight outer layer waterproof pants – Gore-Tex style
Lightweight thermal layers – top & bottom, Polypro, Icebreaker, etc.
Climbing/hiking pants – nylon, fleece, Schoeller, etc. (1 pair)
Gloves (medium weight) – wool or poly-pro (2 pair)
Waterproof gloves or mitts (gloves work best) (2 pairs)
Warm parka/jacket – down, synthetic, fleece or pile (1)
Sweater or vest – wool, synthetic, fleece or down (1)
Socks – wool or synthetic blend (2-3 pairs)
Toque/warm hat – wool or fleece (1)
Sunglasses – UV block with good eye coverage (1pr)
Ski goggles
Headlamp with new batteries
Personal 1st aid (blister kit, toothbrush, blister kit, toilet paper, etc.)
Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
Sunscreen – minimum spf45
Water bottles/hydration system – minimum 1 litres
Walking pole(s) – Optional but helpful for the approach/descent
Gaiters (1 pair) – Optional if built-in paint gaiters or boot gaiters
Communal equipment (supplied by NSM):
Lightweight 2 to 4 person tents
Group tent / cooking shelter
cooking stove and fuel
Cooking sets
Personal eating utensils – cup, bowl, spoon
Compass and map
GPS
Rope, rock, snow and ice protection
Emergency shelter
First aid kit
Satellite communication device
VHF radio
Technical equipment (supplied by NSM if required)
Ice axe and technical climbing tool
Climbing harness – seat harness only
Helmet
3 locking carabineers
1x120cm sewn sling
1 x belay/rappel device
Crampons – General Mountaineering style adjusted to your boots (1 pair)
Season and availability:
Late June: Early season conditions. Depending on the year there can be a lot of snow on the ground. Some routes will be too wet or icy.
July and August: Main season. Most routes will be in condition.
September: Fall conditions. Snow is more likely
Price (Not including 5% GST):
$2150.00 per Guest