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Come alpine snow and ice climbing in the peaks and glaciers of the Columbia Icefield region!
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 Columbia Icefield region provides excellent access to some of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies.
There are many excellent routes and peaks to choose from.
There are routes here for beginners and experts alike.
Trip lengths range from 3 to 6 days, with 4 days being recommended.
Itinerary: (Trip length ranges from 3 to 6 days, with 4 days being recommended.)
Day 1:
On day one we will meet at the Columbia Icefield or Wilcox Creek Campground in the mid morning, allowing time for the 3-4 hour "approach" drive.
We can then complete a warm up day either on the Athabasca glacier, Mt Wilcox, Boundary Glacier or another close by venue.
Day 2 to final day:
Climbing days! On these days we will take advantage of the weather and conditions to climb the inspiring routes in the region. We can also take advantage of the venue to work on our crevasse rescue and ice climbing skills. Some good routes to consider are:
Mt Athabasca: Ramp Route or AA col (1:3 ratio)
Mt. Athabasca: Silverhorn, North Face, North Face Bypass or North Ridge. (1:2) ratio
Mt Andromeda: Skyladder, North Bowl (1:2 ratio)
A2 peak: (1:2 ratio)
Boundary Peak: (1:3 ratio)
Mt. Wilcox: (1:3 ratio)
Final day:
The final day of our trip we will pack up our camp and if energy allows make an ascent of one of the shorter routes in the region before heading home.
Logistics:
The maximum guest to guide ratio is 2:1 for technical routes requiring significant multi-pitch climbing.
The Maximum guest to guide ratio is 3:1 for less technical routes
Transportation
Usually it is best if guests provide their own transportation to the Columbia icefield.
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
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are provided during the trip.
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 Scarpa Charmoz boots. (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)
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 as needed):
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 tools
Climbing harness – seat harness only
Helmet
3 locking carabiners
1x120cm sewn sling
1 x belay/rappel device
Crampons – General Mountaineering style adjusted to your boots (1 pair)
Season and availability:
Late April - May: Early season conditions. Depending on the year there can be a lot of snow on the ground. This can be an excellent time of year for ski mountaineering!
June - August: Main season. Most routes will be in condition.
September - October: Fall conditions. Snow is more likely
Price estimate (Not including 5% GST):
3 day, 1 guest: From $2400.00
3 day, 2 guests: From $2700.00
3 day, 3 guests: From $3000.00
4 day 1 guest: From $3200.00
4 day 2 guests: From $3600.00
4 day 3 guests: From $4000.00
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