Experience alpine rock climbing and mountaineering in the paradise of the Bugaboos!
The goal for this adventure is to have a fun and safe trip climbing some of the most beautiful peaks in the world.
Our expert certified guides are able to guide and teach to the level of experience of you and your group, starting with the fundamentals all the way to advanced skills. This is your group's trip and it will be tailored to meet the needs of your group.
The Bugaboos is world-renowned for its excellent granite alpine rock climbing. After your first trip here, you will know why.
Here 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 in the Bugaboos, the maximum guide to guest ratio is 1:2
Trip length ranges from 3 to 7 days, with 5 days being recommended.
Itinerary: (Trip length ranges from 3 to 7 days, with 5 days being recommended.)
Day 1:
Day one will be an approach and preparation day. After we meet up in the morning and make any final adjustments to our gear we will drive in to the parking area on a gravel road. It is about 1.5 hours from Invermere to the trailhead.
The approach hike takes us through beautiful wildflowers and epic views. It is also a steep and strenuous trail with some exposure and even a ladder for excitement. The trail climbs 700m over 4.6km to reach the Conrad Kain hut, then continues steeply for another 1km and 250 m vertical to reach Applebee Dome Camping area at 2480m. This is a total trip of 950m vertical over 5.6km. The approach hike usually takes about 3- 4 hours. After we set up our camp (or move into the hut) we can review technical systems (Belaying, crevasse rescue etc…) and prepare for the next day's climbing.
Day 2 to 6:
Climbing days! On these days we will take advantage of the weather and conditions to climb the inspiring routes in the region. Some good routes to consider are:
Bugaboo spire (3204m): Kain route AD, 5.6 or NE ridge D- 5.8, 12P.
Pigeon Spire (3156m): West Ridge PD (5.4)
Crescent towers (2830m): Lions way PD+ 5.6, (6P) or Ears Between AD 5.8, (6P)
Crescent Spire (2842m): McTech Arete D-, 5.10-
Snowpatch spire (3084m): Surfs up D, 5.9, 9P, Snowpatch route D 5.8, 19P
Marmolata spire: East Ridge, AD, 5.6
Brenta spire (2958m): SE spur AD 5.6
Northpost spire (2919m): Crescent - Brenta - Northpost traverse D, 5.7
EastPost spire (2728m): SE ridge PD, 5.6
Final day: (Day 3-7)
The Final day of our trip we will pack up our camp and make the 3-4 hour hike back to our cars and head for a well-deserved ice cream in civilization. If energy levels allow a route close to camp may be attempted before the return hike.
Logistics:
The maximum guest to guide ratio is 1:2
Porters will assist with moving the loads for most trips longer than 3 days.
Transportation
High clearance vehicle is recommended for the drive in. Most SUVs and trucks are fine. We can also provide transport if you'd prefer.
Accommodation
We will utilize a "light mountaineering base camp" at the Applebee dome campsite for most trips.
If desired and available the Conrad Kain hut managed by the alpine club of Canada may also be utilized.
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 – 20-40 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 or 3 person tent
Group tent / cooking shelter
Single burner stove and fuel
Cooking sets (2 pots per 3 people)
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 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 estimate (Not including 5% GST):
3 day, 1 guest: From $2430.00
3 day, 2 guests: From $2740.00
5 day 1 guest: From $4075.00
5 day 2 guests: From $4600.00
7 day 1 guest: From $5705.00
7 day 2 guests: From $6440.00
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