“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure." - Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild
Scrambles are non technical ascents to high peaks via generally 3rd class terrain. On these routes careful route finding and technique are required to ascend high peaks with minimal use of a rope for protection.
We offer guided scrambles in the Invermere area as well as in Bugaboo provincial park, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Glacier National parks.
Some Classic trips around Invermere include Mt. Nelson, Chisel peak, Mt Tegart, Mt. Aeneas, Pinto Mountain, Sultana Peak, Mount Whymper and Mount Storm.
For a given trip a scramble will be selected based on the seasonal conditions and the desires and abilities of the group.
We can provide equipment and expertise for anything from day trips to epic multi day adventures.
Itinerary: (Can vary slightly depending on the destination.)
For scrambles in the Invermere area we will meet up at a pre-determined location at 700am. (Ideally one that serves coffee!) We will then head up to our chosen scramble for the day after going over your gear to ensure that you are fully prepared for the day ahead.
Most scrambles require around 1000m-2000m of elevation gain over rough terrain, so days can be long, sometimes in the neighborhood of 12+ hours round trip.
Multi-Day scramble options are available on some peaks as an option. Please contact us to learn more about multi-day options to include a mountain Bivy in your trip!
Logistics:
The maximum Guest to Guide ratio on most scrambles is 1:6
Transportation:
On some routes 4x4 or high clearance vehicles may be required. This will be discussed prior to your trip. NSM can provide transportation for up to 4 guests.
Meals:
Lunch for the day is provided
Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions in advance
If you have food allergies it is recommended to pack your own lunch.
Equipment List
Personal Gear
Boots – 3 Season Mountaineering boots or sturdy hiking boots. Waterproof and crampon compatible preferred. NSM can provide boots if required. (Included - limited availability so let us know well ahead of time your shoe size!)
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 (1 pair)
Waterproof gloves or mitts (gloves work best) (1 pairs)
Warm parka/jacket – down, synthetic, fleece or pile (1)
Sweater or vest – wool, synthetic, fleece or down (1)
Socks – wool or synthetic blend
Toque/warm hat – wool or fleece (1)
Sunglasses – UV block with good eye coverage (1pr)
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 litre
Walking pole(s) – Optional but helpful
Gaiters (1 pair) – Optional if built-in paint gaiters or boot gaiters
Communal equipment (supplied by NSM if required):
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
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:
May-Mid June: Early season conditions. These can be excellent conditions for scrambles as snow can make travel much more pleasant in the right conditions. Peaks closer to the Columbia Valley come into condition first.
Late June to September: Main season for Scrambling, many routes and peaks will be in condition.
October: Late season conditions, snow will begin to accumulate in the mountains, routes will begin to go out of condition.
Price: (Not including 5% GST)
$175.00 per guest (Group of 4)
$117.00 per guest (Group of 6)