Learn the essentials of glacier travel and crevasse rescue!
This 2 day course will teach you how to travel safely on a glacier and will develop the skills required to perform a rescue should you or someone else fall into a crevasse.
This course material is essential learning for anyone planning to traverse glaciated terrain in summer or winter.
Course venue is the Columbia Icefields
Other local options may be available - Contact us to learn more.
This is a multi-day course with tent based accommodation
Itinerary:
Day 1:
On day one we will meet at the Columbia Icefield Campground at1100am. If you require camping equipment NSM can provide this. (The driving time to the Columbia icefields is 3-4 hours from Invermere.)
Day 2:
We will meet up bright and early and then head out onto the Athabasca glacier for the day where we can practice glacier travel and crevasse rescue.
Day 3 Option:
You may add another day to the course to complete a traverse of a nearby glacier and gain more hands on practice putting your skills to use.
Course Outline
Mountaineering knots and harness use.
movement on steep snow
use of ice axe
self-arrest on snow
glacier morphology,
crampon technique,
low angle ice climbing,
ice screw placement,
roping up for glaciers,
crevasse rescue techniques,
ice anchors,
Transportation
Usually it is best if guests provide their own transportation to the Columbia icefield. Any car will suffice.
Accommodation
We will utilize a "light mountaineering base camp" at the Columbia Icefield or Wilcox creek campground. (Car camping)
If you have an RV you can sleep in that at the Wilcox creek campground.
If desired and available the Beauty creek wilderness hostel may also be utilized.
Meals
Lunch from day 1 through to Lunch on the final day are provided during the trip (And Smores on Day 1 evening).
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies please let us know prior to 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!)
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)
Tent 2-4 person. (NSM can provide this if you need - Included.)
Day-pack – 20-40 liter 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 liters
Walking pole(s) – Optional but helpful for the approach/descent
Gaiters (1 pair) – Optional if built-in paint gaiters or boot gaiters
Small “thermos” for hot drinks (optional)
Communal equipment (supplied by NSM):
Lightweight 2 or 3 person tent
Group tent / cooking shelter
Cook stove and fuel
Cooking sets
Personal eating utensils – cup, bowl, spoon
Compass and map
GPS
Rope, rock, snow or ice protection
Emergency shelter
First aid kit
Satellite communication device
VHF radio
Technical equipment (supplied by NSM as required)
Ice axe and technical climbing tools
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)
Ice Screws
Snow Anchors
Season and availability:
June - August: Main season.
September: Fall conditions. Snow is more likely
Price estimate (Not including 5% GST):
$750 per Guest
If adding the 3rd day + $375.00 per Guest