Yamnuska programguide2017

ADVENTURES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

Scrambling in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada Photo Credit: Connor Young

WHO WE ARE Yamnuska Mountain Adventures Since 1977 Yamnuska Mountain Adventures has been the leading provider of mountain adventure and training in Canada. From our beginnings as an adult wilderness program at the YMCA’s Yamnuska Center, we have grown to be recognized internationally for our superior guest service, exemplary safety record and the highest standard of program instruction. We are proud to call the climbing mecca of Canmore, Alberta our home but consider the mountains of western Canada our classroom and playground. Our internationally certified guides have experience climbing all over the world yet we find ourselves in the Canadian Rockies because there truly is no other place like it.

Our vision Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is passionately committed to providing mountain experiences and services in a sustainable and respectful manner with safety as our top priority.

Guest Service All of our guides are ACMG/IFMGA certified and in addition to their exceptional technical skill, our team is trained to give you the quality experience you deserve. Our passion for sharing the

mountain environment with others and providing unparalleled experiences is revealed on every program. We pride ourselves on setting the standard for staff training and guest service.

Our modern 4,000 square foot facility has a classroom, full service kitchen, and guide’s lounge for your comfort and convenience. We maintain an inventory of technical mountain gear for you to use on our programs.

Safety Your safety is very import to us at Yamnuska. While it is not possible to eliminate risk in any endeavour we have worked hard to reduce that risk to optimize learning and enjoyment. Yamnuska has developed a solid safety culture from program development through to delivery. Our operations and safety plans set industry standards and are constantly reviewed by the risk management team at Yamnuska. We have a full-time, on call Duty Manager ensuring that we are prepared to deal with any occurrence or program requirement. In addition, our operational team are certified Mountain Guides, Level Three avalanche planners and professionals who have developed our procedures and practices with everyone’s safety in mind.

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Sustainability We believe in self-propelled mountain experiences. With us, you “earn your turns” and we believe there is only one way to get to the top of a mountain or ski slope – you climb it. We are an active member of Leave No Trace and our guides act as custodians of our mountain parks and protected areas. Our respect for nature and the environment is deeply embedded in the core values of our organization, and we are committed to passing these values on to future generations of mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts.

200 - 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore, Alberta, Canada T1W 3E9 Toll Free North America: 1.866.678.4164 Phone: 403.678.4164 Fax: 403.678.4450 Email: info@yamnuska.com

BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE The road to professional guide certification is physically, financially and mentally committing. In addition to having the technical expertise, it is a passion for the mountains and a love of sharing the mountain environment with others that drives somebody along this path. Through years of experience and education (up to 10 years), guides are highly trained to manage the risks involved in hiking, rock, ice and alpine climbing as well as backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. Current certified guides are members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and/or International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA).

The years of experience to gain the skills to navigate in mountain terrain, make sound judgments on conditions and manage risk are the true cruxes of becoming a certified guide. These high standards are a mandatory part of a guide’s training, which help to ensure the safety of the guide and our guests.

There are two levels of examination for each discipline (Hiking, Rock, Alpine and Ski), the Apprentice and Full guide. For each level, the exam evaluates the aspirant guides in small groups, testing them on their technical and decision making skills while they lead examiners on difficult objectives. Days will often be 12 hours or more in the field and are physically and mentally demanding. Bottom line… guides are well-trained to provide a successful experience in the mountains. Guides are proud of their profession and you should expect a high quality of care and enjoyment in your mountain adventure.

Please find below a selection of some of our skilled guides.

OUR PROFESSIONAL GUIDES

Dave Stark Director of Operations

Dave Stark has been instructing and guiding in the mountains of Western Canada since 1981. As a certified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide, his climbing resume spans the globe with climbing and mountaineering experience on five continents.

He has guided groups on high alpine peaks in North and South America, Asia, and Antarctica. As the Director of Operations at Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, Dave is in charge of the guides and all aspects of the field programming. In addition to his supervisory and training duties, he still actively guides Yamnuska guests and mentors the next generation of aspiring guides.

Barry Blanchard Associate Director

A six month trip to the French Alps in 1980 set the course of Barry’s life: to climb the steepest and most complicated faces of the world’s great peaks. Barry moved to the Rocky Mountains in 1982 to pursue his mountain guiding career. Since then he has set a high standard of first ascents and pushed the boundaries of modern alpinism. He is a certified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide and has guided with Yamnuska for the majority of his career. Barry is an Associate Director of Yamnuska involved in the promotion of modern alpinism and mentoring our junior guides.

Jesse de Montigny Managing Director

Jesse moved to the Bow Valley in 1998 to take part in Yamnuska’s 3-Month Mountain Skills Semester program. Using this as a springboard for his skills development, he has travelled all over the world to climb, ski and pursue his passion to become an internationally certified Mountain Guide. He is now the Assistant Director of Operations for Yamnuska and uses his skills both in the field and in the office to provide you with the best mountain experience possible. Some of Jesse’s personal mountain achievements have included: a 175km ski tour through the spine of the Canadian Rockies from Jasper to the Columbia Icefields, climbing the north face of Mt Temple, and climbing 5.12+ routes around the world.

Paul Chiddle Program Director

Paul is Yamnuska’s Program Director and a fully certified international mountain guide originally from the UK. He has been active in the outdoors for over 20 years, during which he has climbed and skied extensively in all corners of the Alps, as well as the Himalayas, Norway, North America, Canada and Alaska. For more than a decade Paul delivered and managed all aspects of climbing, mountaineering and back country ski courses for the British Armed Forces.

Grant Meekins

Born and raised in the Yukon Territory, Grant transferred his focus from Nordic ski racing to backcountry skiing and climbing and has never looked back! After starting his guiding career in 1998, Grant quickly became respected as a clear, patient instructor, and as an excellent ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide. He has numerous first ascents to his credit, and has climbed several of the world’s most difficult mixed climbs. Bilingual in French and English, Grant has a calm, easy-going manner, and gets satisfaction out of helping people attain their mountain dreams.

Nick Sharpe

Nick moved to Canada in 2002 from the UK. As a key member of the Royal Air Force’s Mountain Rescue Service, Nick brings a wealth of professional mountain skills and over 22 years of rescue team training experience to Yamnuska’s guiding staff.

Throughout the 80’s and early 90’s, Nick was an extremely active climber, surprising the locals with on-sight ascents of some of the leading climbs of the day, both in summer and winter. He has many European Alpine seasons under his belt and has climbed around the world. Nick certified in the UK and Europe with the British Mountain Guides Association attaining the coveted IFMGA Mountain Guides certification. Now a full-time resident in Canmore, Nick climbs and guides year-round.

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OUR PROFESSIONAL GUIDES James Blench

Pat Delaney

One of the original “Yam” guides, James was involved in its founding and has been an active guide and instructor since the late ‘70s. To this day James is an active high-end climber and fully certified Mountain Guide (IFMGA).

Pat has been working for with Yamnuska for five seasons. As an ACMG full alpine guide he likes to help guests explore the possibilities for new climbing challenges and achieve and surpass their goals.

Carl Johnston

Jesse Petersen

Carl grew up scrambling rock outcrops in Ontario.

His fascination with big peaks was revealed while on a family vacation at age 12 when he attempted a spontaneous solo crossing of the Columbia Glacier.

Carl has enjoyed surprising people in the mountains ever since. Joining Yamnuska in 2000, Carl is also an ACMG instructor and a paramedic.

Born and raised in Calgary, Jesse started rock climbing at the age of 16 and shortly thereafter developed a passion for climbing and skiing. That passion has grown into a life style, which has taken him to many corners of the globe, including 4 continents and reaching altitudes of 19,000 feet.

Erica Roles

Brad Cooke

Takeshi Tani

Lisa Porter

Erica has been working for Yamnuska since 2006.

Born in the UK, she moved to Canada with her family and fell in love with the mountains of Western Canada. Initially she began her career as a Pro Ski Patroller. Wanting to share her passion for the mountains with other people led her to a career in guiding.

Takeshi moved to Canada in 2012 to climb. He has climbed several significant routes since then including Wild Things at 1400m M7 ED1, and Greenwood Locke 1200m M6 ED1 in winter conditions. Takeshi has completed a couple of first ascent in the Rockies and Bugaboos over the last few years. Takeshi is an Apprentice Alpine Guide.

Brad grew up within view of the Rockies. He began climbing and backcountry skiing while attending university. Not long after he began training for guides’ exams. Having climbed throughout Western Canada and North America Brad is an ACMG Apprentice Alpine Guide and CSIA-certified ski instructor.

While completing her Masters of Science Degree, Lisa began Ski Patrolling and working as an Avalanche Forecaster. She completed the Thompson Rivers University courses to become an ACMG certified Hiking and Ski Guide. Her passion for the mountains is infectious, and she makes it her goal to share the joy the mountains bring with everyone.

Richard Howes

Alison Cardinal

Darren Vonk

Adam Burrell

Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Darren started climbing at 17 years old and quickly progressed to the mountains. Travelling all over North America, he has climbed classic alpine routes in the Sierra’s, developed new routes in Alaska as well as extensively in his home range, the Canadian Rockies. Darren has achieved his Alpine Guide Certification.

Adam grew up in Thunder Bay and started his lifelong guiding career in Ontario as a sea kayak, whitewater canoe and rock climbing guide. He has since added hiking, backpacking, ski touring, heliskiing and mountain rescue, following his passions around the world. Adam has spent 7 years guiding and instructing ski touring, avalanche courses, rock climbing and backpacking for Yamnuska.

Darcy Chilton

Shaun King

Richard is perhaps our most cosmopolitan guide. An Australian/Canadian resident in Germany, Richard spends his northern summers guiding for Yamnuska.

Richard has been instructing rock and alpine mountaineering for Yamnuska for over 15 years. His primary residence is in Germany though you may also find him guiding in New Zealand. Richard is an Apprentice Alpine Guide.

After realizing that post secondary education might not be for him, Darcy opted for a job at a Ski Resort, and quickly realized he wanted a career surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. He then registered in Yamnuska’s Mountain Skills Semester and hasn’t looked back. He has been an ACMG ski guide since 2000 and feels fortunate to have worked throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Europe, and Japan meeting wonderful people and skiing great snow.

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Alison grew up in Northern Ireland, and after completing a geology degree, she spent every weekend climbing in the Scottish Highlands and in Europe. She then moved to Canada for our climbing and skiing and never went home. She decided to focus her professional career around guiding backpacking and skiing trips.

Originally from Ontario, Shaun completed the Adventure Guide Diploma at Thompson Rivers University. In 1997 Shaun became a member of the ACMG and is now a fully certified Mountain Guide.

He has been teaching courses for years and loves sharing his knowledge with keen learners.

SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT A

t Yamnuska Mountain Adventures we approach risk in a systematic manner. Our operations incorporate an overall philosophy, which shapes our policies, define our procedures and drive our practices. Risk is an inherent part of mountain activities and we can never totally eliminate it but we can reduce it and make wise informed decisions that will enhance our safety practices.

Three stages of risk assessment we use are Operational, Daily, and Dynamic.

Our operational structure has been set and refined to deliver programs and courses that are within our acceptable level of risk.

Daily assessments take into account weather, conditions, client profiles, energy and skill levels to choose appropriate objectives and routes.

Dynamic assessment is moment to moment with the guide making and implementing decisions to enhance safety and optimize the level of risk in the field.

Asessing risk is one of the most difficult tasks we all face in the mountain world.

We look at risk as being the culmination of many variables.

First off, we need to know what hazards we face. Some are obvious such as avalanches and some are less obvious because their frequency is so low we haven’t had much exposure to them.

Knowing the hazards then allows us to think about how we deal with them with our safety system in place.

The next step is to consider the likelihood of that event ocurring. This is definitely the hardest piece of the puzzle.

Determining likelihood of an event in the mountain environment is most certainly a subjective expert based assessment. Therefore, having a team of experienced guides working together, sharing conditions and information will de-bias the subjectivity. This allows our guides to better determine the likelihood of the event.

Step three is considering the consequence or severity of that event ocurring with our safety measures in place.

Would it be of minor consequence or severe?

Step four is looking at our overall exposure to the event. Are we in the avalanche path for 1 minute or all day?

Therefore we determine Hazard Risk = Likelihood x Consequence x Exposure.

So if we feel a risk is too high we can reduce this through eliminating or avoiding the hazard and or, reducing the likelihood and or, reducing the consequence and or reducing our overall exposure.

Critical to dealing with risk is having renowned guides and experts building on close to forty operational years of being the leader in Mountain Adventures. Guides at Yamnuska have undergone rigorous certification through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the Canadian Avalanche Association. Yamnuska has more certified Mountain Guides on staff than any other Mountain School in North America. We have over twenty-five CAA level 2 professional members and two Level 3 members in our staffing roster. All of our guides have a minimum first aid requirement of an 80-hour Wilderness First Responder course, recertified every three years.

In addition to this, Yamnuska conducts up to five different staff trainings every year. Staff training is a big commitment but we look at it as investing in the development of our guides and the safety of our guests. Training consists of reviewing emergency procedures, policies, risk assessments and technical training and development.

Certification is not all we look for in hiring guides. They must be personable and good educators, show good judgement and have exceptional decision making skills. We have strict hiring criteria and though many guides apply not all are chosen.

Risk management practices extend into all areas of our operation: Vehicles, food, gear and compliance with Land Managers regulations.

When a guest rides in a Yamnuska vehicle they can be assured that our vehicles are commercially licensed, inspected, insured for transporting guests and have all the necessary provincial and federal operating authorities. All of our drivers possess commercial class four operator’s licenses, are listed on our insurance, provide a yearly driver’s abstract and undergo a driving orientation. For the safety of our guests, we do not allow guides to transport guests in personal guide vehicles as those vehicles are not commercially licensed or insured.

Yamnuska’s Backcountry Kitchen is li-

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censed by the Province of Alberta as a commercial kitchen. This means we adhere to strict food handling and preparation guidelines. All of our key kitchen and operations staff have food safe certificates from the Government of Alberta. We have substantially revamped our food programs over the years to produce high quality dehydrated food prepared to industry standards.

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures works in partnership with some of the best gear manufacturers in the business. We have chosen to work with companies such as Petzl, Patagonia, Backcountry Access to name a few. Gear is rigorously maintained and serviced. Our rollover on gear is well within the manufacturer’s recommendations so that we may continue to provide quality gear in great condition well within its serviceable life. We track and cycle through our ropes to ensure we know the history and age of them. A rope is never in our system more than one year as a lead rope or two as a top rope.

The word ‘risk’ derives from the Italian word risicare which means to dare. The Yamnuska risk management program optimizes levels of risk to allow for positive outcomes and we strive to eliminate the negative. We are proud of our culture and we continuously are striving to maintain the balance of risk and reward. Our intent is to work in an environment with control, not to control the environment.

Dave Stark Director of Operations

PROGRAMS & COURSES MOUNTAIN SKILLS SEMESTER

07

MOUNTAINEERING

09

ROCK CLIMBING

15

ICE CLIMBING

18

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING

21

AVALANCHE AWARENESS

25

HIKING & BACKPACKING

26

CUSTOM ADVENTURES

30

BACKCOUNTRY FOOD SERVICES

31

DIFFICULTY RATINGS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

FITNESS LEVEL

1 Easy

1 Low

2 Moderate

2 Regular

3 Difficult

3 High

4

4 Excellent

Very Difficult

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MOUNTAIN SKILLS SEMESTER

T

he Mountain Skills Semester is designed from the cumulative experience of over 40 years of professional guiding in the Canadian Rockies and internationally. We have focused on the most important skills required to travel safely and confidently in the mountains. These skills are presented in a logical progression from basic safety protocols and technical gear handling to intermediate and advanced techniques that are constantly being reviewed and updated. The MSS program is almost entirely a hands-on technical skills course. Over 90 percent of the 3 month program is spent outdoors learning the skills and techniques to shape our students into competent recreational mountaineers in most terrain or conditions. This is reflected in the certifications that you receive upon completion of the semester including: 80-Hour Wilderness First Aid course, Canadian Avalanche Centre’s Avalanche Skills Training Level 2, ACMG Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1, Interpretative Guide’s Association Standard Interpreter, and of course the Yamnuska MSS Certificate. With these certifications and the wealth of experience that the MSS program provides, students can go directly into working in the outdoor tourism and recreation industry. It is also a great starting place for further training and career-tracking ACMG guiding certifications. In fact, many of our current guides started out with our semester and are now working for us as certified guides.

Yamnuska’s location in Canmore, Alberta, Canada is unparalleled for accessing some of the best rock & ice climbing, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering that can be found anywhere in the world! Our guides and staff live in this area because they are passionate about mountain sports and they are the perfect ambassadors to induct you into this elite community. Most field sites are within a 1 – 2 hour drive of our office, so we spend more time in the wilderness and less time in a vehicle.

All of Yamnuska’s guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and recognized by the IFMGA. They are professionally trained to teach mountain skills

and are selected for their ability to clearly convey the key skills in a fun and effective manner. We focus on the “hard skills” of mountain travel and safety and teach them in progression to form well rounded mountaineers.

Many other competing programs have more of a “soft adventure” focus and teach numerous days of theoretical skills in a classroom setting. There are also many other semester programs that have a large water component which involve either marine or fresh water paddle sports. In our opinion, the most important skills for safe mountain travel are gained from travelling and professional instruction in the mountain environment. Building on this base one can progress to advanced technical mountaineering, skiing, and climbing objectives. As with most athletics, building this core of safety, knowledge, and fitness will help students in whichever other outdoor sports they choose to pursue.

The reasons people take this program and their backgrounds prior to entering the semester are very diverse but the common end result is a life changing experience. Many of our students tell us the sense of accomplishment they feel at the end of the semester is unlike anything they have ever experienced.

The confidence that comes with this accomplishment lasts well beyond the three month semester and permeates into every aspect of day to day life after the program.

Our semester students become like our extended family and we aim to offer you as much support as we can. Secure storage, internet access, travel arrangements, messaging services, and advice on local attractions and destinations are examples of the support you can expect from our team of professional administrative staff here at the office.

We look forward to seeing you out in the mountains on this incredible adventure!

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07

MOUNTAIN SKILLS SEMESTER

Photo Credit: Chris Brinlee Jr

CURRICULUM: • Ice Climbing

• Mountaineering

• Mixed Climbing

• Advanced Hiking and Backpacking

• Avalanche Training

• Wilderness First Aid

• Downhill Skiing (Boarding)

• Rock Climbing

• Backcountry Skiing (Boarding)

• Trip Planning

• Ski Touring

• Wilderness Food Systems

• Glacier Travel

• Navigation & Weather

• Ski Mountaineering

• Group Management

• Crevasse Rescue

• Winter Camping Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 2

(ski skills required)

Duration: 3 months

08

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MOUNTAINEERING Yamnuska’s mountaineering programs are world famous. The Canadian Rockies provide a perfect testing ground for aspiring mountaineers and allow for incredible personal challenge and growth. Many successful mountaineers have taken their first mountain training with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.

Photo Credit: John Price@johnpricephotography

Intro to Mountaineering

Women’s Intro to Mountaineering

For over three decades, our Intro to Mountaineering program has produced many dedicated mountaineers and has been the catalyst to long-term climbing friendships. This comprehensive program is specifically designed for hikers or other outdoor enthusiasts with little or no mountaineering experience who wish to learn how to approach more challenging mountain objectives.

This beginner course mirrors the curriculum of our Intro to Mountaineering program but is for women only and taught by one of our highly skilled female guides. This fun week is ideal for adventurous women who prefer to learn and experience the mountains with other women. This program is notorious for being a fun, relaxed and challenging week that is filled with laughter, growth and achievement.

Based out of the Bow Hut on the spectacular Wapta Icefields, guests enjoy comfortable backcountry hut accommodations while learning the basic skills of mountaineering. The glacier will be our classroom for the week and newly learned skills will be tested directly on the peaks that tower over the icefield around us. The Bow Hut has ideal beginner terrain while being challenging and diverse enough to allow for a comprehensive curriculum. Throughout the course of the week students will often be at the front of the rope making decisions on route selection and glacier navigation while under the tutelage of seasoned Yamnuska guides.

Youth Intro to Mountaineering

We provide the food and technical equipment for this expedition-style program so the only thing you need to bring is your personal gear, your desire to learn and your sense of adventure. As a graduate of this program you will have the basic skills for many easy mountain peaks as well as the knowledge and training to advance to more complex mountain objectives with us on scheduled or private programs.

Our extensive experience training youth and army cadets is applied to this fun and challenging week of mountaineering instruction. Being exposed to the mountain environment and developing skills at a young age typically leads to a lifelong love of the mountains and outdoor pursuits. Our curriculum is tailored to the learning styles and needs of active teens and our guides are outstanding personal coaches and teachers who present these skills in a fun and interactive manner. Our youth program is unmatched by any other and is a thrilling experience for fit and adventurous teens..

This course meets the criteria of high altitude expedition companies who require participants to have basic mountaineering skills prior to being accepted for a climb.

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Experience Required: Fitness Level:

1 2

Duration: 6 days

09

MOUNTAINEERING Snow & Ice Long Weekend

Yoho Peaks

Mountaineers tend to have a reputation around the world as high risk takers and extreme athletes. Although many people aspire to experience the sights and thrills of mountaineering, for many of us the sport may seem a bit “out there”. The Snow and Ice Long Weekend is an excellent, low commitment introduction to the mystical world of mountaineering and mountain climbing. As our most popular summer program, many of our guests choose this course as their first taste of the sport without having to invest a lot of time or money. From here you can decide if mountaineering is for you and take one of our longer programs. The only thing you need is a hiking level of fitness and a sense of adventure. We provide all of the technical equipment and base the course on the world famous Columbia Icefields where we teach you a curriculum that has been developed from over 30 years of experience. After two days of training on snow travel and ice travel techniques, you will be confident at using the technical equipment and proficient with the safety systems that allow us to traverse glaciers and conquer peaks. On the third day we put it all together with a summit attempt on one of the surrounding peaks. The Columbia Icefields is ideal for this weekend course due to its proximity to the highway, abundance of beginner terrain and the many accommodation options within minutes of the training sites. Each year thousands of visitors to the Columbia Icefields drive by the peaks and glaciers snap a few pictures and say they were “in the mountains”. Come experience the mountains the way they were meant to be enjoyed!

The Little Yoho Valley in Yoho National Park is home to some of the most incredible scenery and terrain of any one place in the Rockies. This guided program is based out of the historic Stanley Mitchell Hut and aims to have intermediate mountaineers add three or four more peaks to notch on their belts! We aim for a number of summits including the President, Vice President, Mount McArthur, Mount Kerr and Isolated Peak. This program is a great next step from the Snow and Ice Long Weekend or our Intro to Mountaineering courses.

Experience Required:

1

Fitness Level:

2

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 3

Duration: 4 days

Duration: 3 days

Intro to Alpine Rock in the Bugaboos The towering tooth like spires and broken glaciers of Bugaboo Provincial Park make this iconic alpine climbing zone the perfect venue for an intro to alpine rock course. The Bugaboos Intro to Alpine Rock has been designed for people with basic mountaineering and rock climbing skills who would like to progress towards climbing more challenging alpine rock objectives. With the low guide to guest ratios on this mountaineering program you can expect intensive personal instruction tailored to both your ability and objectives. This program is based from the Kain hut in the world famous Bugaboo Provincial Park, British Columbia.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 3

Duration: 6 days

10

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MOUNTAINEERING Intro to Alpine Ice

Bugaboos Granite

The great peaks of the Columbia Icefields rise abruptly next to the Banff-Jasper Parkway. Heavy glaciation means alpine ice climbing, not only for experts challenging famous routes such as the ‘Andromeda Strain’ but also for those wishing to learn and to experience for the first time the visceral excitement that alpine ice provides.

The ‘Bugs’ are one of North America’s most famous climbing areas. This world renowned alpine paradise with its awesome granite spires, beautiful glaciers and lush green valleys, attracts alpinists from around the world. The objective of this program is simple: climbing and instruction on the area’s famous classic rock routes. In addition to Bugaboo, Pigeon and Snowpatch Spires, there are many enjoyable routes on other nearby spires.

We build technical skills over the first three instructional days and put all of them to use on an alpine ice mountain route for the final day. The skills learned will provide the necessary base for advanced summits such as Mt Robson. The icy peak of Athabasca is a great classroom and its steeper routes great objectives for this program.

This program is designed for intermediate rock climbers who also have some mountaineering experience.

Designed for intermediate mountaineers with some peak experience, this program is a great progression from our Lake Louise Classics trip.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 3

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

Duration: 4 days

3 3

Duration: 5 days

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MOUNTAINEERING Lake Louise Classics

Canadian Rockies 11,000’ers

The mountains surrounding Lake Louise, Alberta are the birthplace of Canadian mountaineering. Often referred to as the “Classic Peaks” of the Canadian Rockies, Mt. Victoria, Lefroy, and Fay are rich in Canadian mountaineering history and tie deeply into our cultural history and mountain traditions. From the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, lofty glacier capped peaks soar into the sky making this one of the most picturesque spots in the park. This program is a perfect extension of our Intro to Mountaineering or Yoho Peaks programs as you need to have some basic mountaineering skills and some peak ascents under your belt. We spend the first three days based out of the second highest permanent structure in Canada, the historic Abbot Hut. From here we set our sights on the classic mountaineering objectives of Mt. Lefroy and Mt Victoria and build your experience from basic to intermediate level.

Each year, Yamnuska’s guiding staff puts together a target list from among the highest mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Based on our experience and what our guests tell us they would like to climb, we pick peaks that soar over 11,000ft and set our sights on the summit. Whether your plan is to summit all 54 peaks or climb a favorite, our experienced guides will improve your chances of being successful.

The second half of the trip begins at Moraine Lake where we enter the Valley of the 10 Peaks and make our way up to the highest habitable structure in Canada, the Neil Colgan Hut. From this base we will attempt climbs on Mt. Fay and Mt. Little as well as any other peaks that time and energy allow for.

This program is suited for people with a basic mountaineering course and a high level of fitness who want to continue their skill development with hands-on experience of classic peaks.

Enjoy the company of other guests who are like minded and share the success of your first intermediate level mountain experience. Many of our past guests have gone on to climb together and become life-long climbing partners.

The experience level required varies depending on the objective but fitness is critical in summiting any of our 11,000ft peaks. The Canadian Rockies aren’t the highest mountains in the world, but those of us who climb them know they offer some of the best alpine objectives of any continent. The rugged Canadian landscape and heavily glaciated peaks make for one of the last few remaining pristine landscapes in the world.

You won’t find gondolas or hundreds of other climbers on our mountains. Enjoy the solitude and challenge of climbing to the highest points in Canada with our guides who call these mountains home. Beginner and expert climbers alike will find a challenge that suits their skill level and objectives.

We also offer private guiding trips for any mountaineering objective you have. Please refer to our Custom Adventure section.

Experience Required:

3

Experience Required:

Fitness Level:

4

Fitness Level:

Duration: 3 or 6 days

12

2 4

to

Duration: variable

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4

MOUNTAINEERING Fast & Light Series Our ‘Fast and Light’ series climbs are an exciting addition to our long list of trips. They have been designed for experienced climbers who are looking for classic objectives requiring a short time commitment. Climbs in this series have been selected for their quality and aesthetics and should be on all mountaineers’ tick lists. Objectives include Castle Mountain, Mount Louis, Bugaboo Spire, Mount Sir Donald, Mount Aberdeen, Mount Andromeda, Mount Fay and the East Ridge of Mount Temple.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 4

to

Duration: variable

4

Summer Mountaineering Semester This condensed and intensive high-end program is designed for those who cannot take three months off to do our semester skills course. It focuses on the skills required of the summer mountaineer: climbing alpine rock, snow and ice, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, technical rock climbing, mountain living plus navigation and route finding.

These skills are presented in a logical progression from basic safety protocols and technical gear handling to intermediate and advanced techniques that are constantly being reviewed and updated by our professional guides.

Many of our summer students go on to pursue a career in the outdoor recreation industry and use this program as a springboard to advance their technical skills and improve their overall knowledge and fitness. With a strong focus on the fundamentals of outdoor leadership, this is a fantastic program for anyone wishing to feel confident and secure in most any terrain and condition that can be found in the summer mountain environment.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 2

Duration: 1 month

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Mt Assiniboine & Mt Robson Yamnuska offers private departures to these popular and magnificent Rockies peaks.

Mt Assiniboine is often referred to as the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies. This intermediate alpine rock route is visually stunning as well as physically demanding. Access is by helicopter and climbers typically spend between 2 – 4 nights at the Hind Hut high in the alpine.

At 3954 meters, Mt Robson is the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies and for that reason is a much sought after test piece for experienced mountaineers.

This summit is more of a classical glaciated peak with steeper snow and ice slopes that must be climbed to reach the peak. This is a fantastic objective for those with alpine ice experience and a number of intermediate summits under their belt.

Experience Required:

4

Fitness Level:

4

Duration: 3 to 8 days

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THE CALLING • Barry Blanchard of the mountain, piling onto us, burying us. Desperate and profane objections were torn from my lips, then muffled and swept off down the mountain. I thought that I would never see my wife again. I knew that I could lose love and life here. I started to plead, to pray, “No. Please, no.”

PHOTO Peter Gianoccarro

Barry Blanchard is an Associate Director and Senior Guide of Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. He guides exclusively for Yamnuska and is actively involved in the mentoring of junior guides.

Canadian Mountain Guide and alpinist, Barry Blanchard, was born in Calgary in 1959. Twelve years later three boys navigated the Bow River through the western side of the city on a raft of nailed together railway ties, Barry was at the helm steering the adventure. He found mountain climbing in the books of his high school library, some of which are still in his possession. A six month trip to the French Alps in 1980 set the course of Barry’s life: to climb the steepest and most complicated faces of the world’s great glaciated peaks. Barry has enjoyed some success: the first ascent of The Andromeda Strain, 1983; the North Ridge of Rakaposhi, 1984; the first ascent of the apocalyptic North Pillar of North Twin; the West Ridge of Mt Everest, 1986; surviving the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat, 1988; a solo first ascent on the North Face of Kusum Kanguru, 1991; an attempt on K-2, 1993; first ascents in the St Elias mountains; M-16, a first ascent -in winter on the East Face of Howse Peak, 1999; the third ascent of the Infinite Spur on Mt Foraker, 2000; the first ascent of Infinite Patience on the Emperor Face of Mt Robson, 2002.

More importantly, Barry has enjoyed all of his outings, even the ones not included in the narrow definition of “success”.

Barry moved to the mountains in 1982 to pursue his Mountain Guiding career (he is an internationally certified -IFMGA- mountain guide) and has included

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making Hollywood features in his professional life.

Having ‘found’ mountain climbing in books, it is most fitting that Barry’s first full-length novel recently became published. Well-known for his passionate storytelling, ‘The Calling: A Life Rocked

By Mountains’ is a memoir about Barry’s life, his climbing, his partners and the moments they have shared.

The Calling - Excerpt I saw the avalanche coming. It charged over the step of dirty brown ice above us like a breaking wave of black water, then it was airborne until it hammered back down into the gulley, driving into us like the fist of god. I screamed. The avalanche slapped my crampons out from under me, and I was folded in half. I believed I was going to die. The animal in me fought to force my hand into the torrent, to grab something solid. My crampons raked over the ice as I stumbled, thrusting my knees into the pressure of the onslaught, trying to get my feet under me. I shouted and I thrashed and the surging snow pushed my arms down at the same time that it swept my feet out to flap like rope anchored logs in a strong current. My anchor leash was as tight as cable; it hummed with the resonance of a standing wave and that frequency was transmitted into my bowels along the waist-belt of my harness. My senses where overcome, I didn’t know which way was up. I was terrified. The avalanche surged onto any surface that opposed it and I felt the power and the weight of it. It felt like hundreds of tons of sand pouring through the hourglass 1.866.678.4164

The avalanche, and the weight of it, began to pulsate. My right hand found my locking carabiner. My fingers wrapped into it and the muscles of my hand bulged into a firm hard fist. My left crampon scratched into the ice. I slammed its metal spikes in four times and forced myself upright into the flow. I sensed Ward to my left, had felt the knocking of his body against me and heard the rip of his screams like the tearing of air from an open window when trains pass. I looked up and saw the hazy warmth of his yellow jacket like the flash of a fast moving hull from deep underwater. There was no air. Because I’d leveled my face to the avalanche’s flow, an ice cold seal of moving snow pressed over my face until I panicked and thrust my head down to create a channel in which to breath.

The avalanche continued, for minutes, and the rushing snow drummed like a waterfall onto the taut fabric of my hood, stretched tight over my helmet.

There were surges and with each surge I quivered and prayed that there would be no chunks of solidly bonded snow.

I knew the impact of any firm mass would snap the single 9/16-inch loop of webbing that the three of us were anchored to. I did not want to die. I wanted my life. Ward was still beside me, and left of him I assumed, and prayed, was Kevin. Marc had been on rappel, last man down, when the avalanche hit. I did not know about Marc. “Please, please let Marc be alive, please.”

ROCK CLIMBING Yamnuska Mountain Adventures’ rock climbing programs provide progressive training from beginner level to advanced. Instructors are certified guides and leading edge climbers who are selected for their teaching ability and dynamic personalities. Individuals, families and groups are all welcome!

Level 1 - Outdoor Rock Intro

Level 2 – Learn to Lead

Rock climbing is an exhilarating sport and the Outdoor Rock Intro course is a great way to get started. As the foundation for many other types of climbing, learning to rock climb properly is essential. And where better to learn than the Canadian Rockies! The Canadian Rockies surrounding Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise offer seemingly endless opportunities for beginner through expert climbers.

This is the Learn to Lead course! Level 2 focuses on the skills needed to progress to becoming a confident sport climbing leader. Using the local crags of the Bow Valley we will develop the technical skills required to belay, lead and clean single pitch sport climbs. We will also help you develop your movement skills to be able to efficiently move across the rock while leading. Many rock climbers have completed their first lead on this course.

The Outdoor Rock Intro course is designed for those who have never climbed before or who have done some basic climbing either in the gym or outdoors. In this course you will learn basic climbing movement skills and top rope techniques for rock climbing outdoors. An introduction to the skills necessary for seconding on both sport and ‘trad’ multi-pitch climbs is also included in the course. Developing these skills early on will allow you to progress at a quicker rate and you will likely find climbing much more rewarding. You will be taught and coached by our very talented and certified guides delivering our well established curriculum.

This course is designed as the next step for guests who have taken our Outdoor Rock Intro or for guests who have equivalent top roping experience either indoors or outdoors.

Sign up for our ‘Plus Day’ on the Monday where you can join a guide led team to climb one of the many great multi-pitch climbs in the region. An introduction to lead belaying and the multi-pitch system will be covered on this day before starting our climb.

Sign up for our ‘Plus Day’ on the Monday where you can join a guide led team to climb one of the many great multi-pitch climbs in the region.

Experience Required:

1

Experience Required:

1

Fitness Level:

2

Fitness Level:

2

Duration: 2 days

Duration: 2 days

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ROCK CLIMBING Level 1 & 2 - Rock Evolution Rock Evolution is an innovative and modern rock climbing development program designed for beginner to intermediate climbers.

This 5-day course incorporates elements from Yamnuska’s ‘Level 1 - Outdoor Rock Intro’ and ‘Level 2 - Learn to Lead’ programs, starting with the basics of movement, equipment and the top rope system and progressing onto learning to lead on bolted sport climbs. The course also introduces instruction on the multi-pitch system, traditional gear placement/removal, rope handling techniques and of course plenty of movement skill coaching and development. Our program is designed to accelerate the learning curve with the goal of having guests become competent and independent top rope and sport lead climbers.

Level 4 – ‘Trad’ Rock Leader

Progressing to the multi-pitch routes in the Bow Valley and beyond is the goal of many climbers. There are numerous lifetimes of multi-pitch climbing but it’s the additional skills and challenges that drive us to climb higher and higher.

The Level 3 – Multi-Pitch Climbing Course will focus on providing you with the skills to successfully and efficiently complete multi-pitch climbs at almost any rock climbing destination. Skill development will focus on: route selection, belaying methods in the multipitch setting, protecting both the leader and the second while climbing, anchor construction and considerations for multi-pitch climbing, route finding on route, rappel descents and emergency preparedness.

This course is the perfect progression for climbers who are leading Sport or Trad routes in the 5.7 range or harder and are looking to perform successfully and efficiently in the multi-pitch environment.

Experience Required:

1

Experience Required:

Fitness Level:

2

Fitness Level:

Duration: 5 days

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Level 3 – Multi-Pitch Climbing Course

3 2

Duration: 2 days

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The ‘Trad’ Rock Leader course consists of two days of intensive traditional rock climbing training with an optional “Plus Day” on an advanced multi-pitch climb.

This is an ideal progression from Yamnuska’s Level 2 - Learn to Lead, Level 1-2 - Rock Evolution or Level 3 – Multi Pitch Climbing Course or for guests with equivalent skills.

Climbing on ‘gear routes’ where you construct your own anchors and place your own protection is far more challenging than using bolts. You can’t afford to make mistakes, as the consequences have the potential to be serious.

If you’re currently leading sport routes outdoors in the 5.7 range or are leading at a 5.9 level in the climbing gym then you’re ready for this course.

The objective of this course is to work on natural (traditional) rock protection and belay systems and introduce traditionally protected lead climbing tactics on a variety of rock types. Considerations for multi-pitch gear climbing will be covered.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 2

Duration: 2 days

ROCK CLIMBING Rock Rescue & Advanced Ropework Three pitches up, the leader is thirty meters out on a fifty meter rope. They fall and are caught on a good piece of gear out of your view. You yell! No response. Do you know what to do? Could you deal with the technical aspects of a complex rope rescue? Be safe, be secure and be self-sufficient on your climbs.

Learn the basics of self and partner rescue on rock. Rescue for Rock Climbers will give you these tools so that you can be more confident in dealing with an emergency situation in the rock climbing environment.

Our course is designed to introduce or refresh the skills of Rock Rescue and will allow you an opportunity to practice these skills in a controlled environment.

This is a must-have course for any active rock climber.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 3

Duration: 2 days

‘Hot’ Rock

‘Ghost’ Rock

One of our most adventurous climbing programs will see you seconding some of the most picturesque and towering multi-pitch routes that can be found in the Canadian Rockies. The limitless sport and long multi-pitch routes combined with low instructor ratios will ensure you’ll get totally pumped. We approach this program as a rock climbing safari. A flexible agenda, personalized coaching and lots of climbing make this program a rock climber’s dream trip.

The Ghost Valley is a hidden gem of classic gun smoke colored limestone cliffs. Difficult access and the remote nature of the area make this a secluded place for both single and multi-pitch rock climbing. There is an excellent mix of both bolted and naturally protected routes to choose from in the area that will provide high quality climbing for the program. The low instructor ratio will ensure a flexible agenda with personalized coaching and lots of climbing.

The objective of this program is to get in as much climbing as possible from our camp in this beautiful area.

The Canadian Rockies have an abundance of varied and challenging climbing ranging from limestone sport crags to fabulous quartzite and long multipitch routes. The objective of this program is to get out and climb it all!

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 3

Duration: 3 days

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Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 3

Duration: 5 days

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ICE CLIMBING The Canadian Rockies boast some of the best ice and mixed climbing in the world. Easy to access canyons and massive multi-pitch frozen waterfalls provide almost unlimited challenges for beginners to elite climbers alike. Many of Canada’s top ice climbers call Canmore their home, and many of them guide for Yamnuska.

Level 1 - Basic Ice Climbing

Level 1 & 2 – Ice Evolution

Experience and enjoy this exhilarating sport on our introductory ice climbing course. We have decades of experience delivering courses and teaching beginners. Many of our students have become highly skilled and accomplished ice climbers.

The Ice Evolution technical ice climbing course mirrors development for the average person in the sport of ice climbing over a period of 5 days. First we instruct and coach you on ice climbing movement skills. You will make full use of modern ice climbing equipment in this course and get instruction on current ice climbing standards. Quickly improving, you’ll find yourself climbing steeper and steeper ice as the course progresses. You’ll also experience the excitement of climbing a classic multi-pitch ice climbing route on the 3rd day. Ultimately you will finish the course where the sport is now - mixed climbing on rock and ice, using ‘leashless’ tools.

A strong base of skills will be developed on the Basic Ice course so you will be able to use the top rope belay system efficiently and understand the use of personal ice climbing equipment.

Personalized instruction in this course will help you to develop your climbing technique - the signature of a good ice climber.

We will also introduce you to the basics of ice screw placement and anchor construction; the next step in your ice climbing progression. Our easy access to some of the best venues for learning the sport means the bulk of the weekend course is spent ice climbing. We will teach you how to ice climb efficiently while having an unforgettable experience. With the enthusiastic and dedicated ‘Yam Ice Team’, comprising of top Canadian Rockies ice climbing guides, you’ll experience an unforgettable weekend of learning, challenge and exhilaration!

No experience is necessary, leave that to us!

This innovative and modern ice climbing development program is taught in the Canadian Rockies by instructors who are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and on the cutting edge of modern climbing. It is suitable for fit beginner climbers and is also a great transition program for rock climbers. Five days of focused instruction is designed to accelerate your ice climbing experience and ability.

Our two day learn to ice climb course includes the use of all the technical gear you need to get started ice climbing. In addition to taking this beginner ice climbing course check out the ‘Plus Days’ add-on option and you’ll be just blown away by what you can accomplish.

Experience Required:

1

Experience Required:

1

Fitness Level:

2

Fitness Level:

2

Duration: 2 days

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Duration: 5 days

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ICE CLIMBING Level 2 – Top Rope Management

Level 3 – Ice Leader

Now you are hooked on ice climbing and you would like to go out on your own.

Continue your learning progression by joining our Top Rope Management course where you will learn the skills required to set up top rope ice climbs.

Using the local climbing areas we will cover anchor positioning, construction and cleaning, placing ice screws as directionals, belayer positioning and anchoring, rappelling and general hazard management for single pitch ice climbing areas. Of course we will continue to build on and improve your climbing technique with personalized coaching so you can excel while climbing.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 2

Duration: 2 days

Transitioning into lead climbing on ice is a big step. It requires commitment and the right skill set to move safely over the ice in an efficient manner. It’s essential to be able to place solid protection and construct ‘bomb proof’ anchors both while ice climbing in control. The Ice Leader course is designed to give you the skills to become a confident lead climber on single pitch ice climbing routes.

Based out of Canmore we will use the world class ice climbing venues in the area to give students the exposure and experience to be more confident leading and seconding on ice.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 2

The Canadian Rockies are considered one of the best places to multi-pitch ice climb on the planet. This comes from the huge variety of routes and the long ice climbing season. If have progressed as an ice climbing leader, your sights have likely moved to some of the classic multi-pitch ice routes in the area.

Having the skills and confidence to lead climb a multi-pitch ice route comes much easier with professional training.

The Multi-Pitch Ice Leader course will build on your skills as a leader while teaching you the fundamental skills required to multi- pitch ice climb.

Experience Required:

3

Fitness Level:

2

Duration: 2 days

Duration: 2 days

Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Photography/Paul Zizka Photography

Level 4 – Multi-Pitch Ice Leader

Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Photography/Joel Hendrickson Photography

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ICE CLIMBING Rampart Creek Ice Camp

‘Ghost’ Ice Climbing Camp

Mixed Ice Climbing

Along the remote Icefields Parkway north of Lake Louise lies multiple lifetimes of ice climbing adventure. Routes in the area range from long, difficult and multi-pitch to low commitment single-pitch venues. The Rampart Creek Hostel is positioned perfectly for an ice climbing adventure in a wilderness setting. The objective of the camp will be to build a solid ice climbing foundation and experience this areas single and multi-pitch climbs.

The Ghost River Valley has one of the highest concentrations of high quality ice climbing routes in the Canadian Rockies. “The Ghost” also has a reputation for difficult access which keeps all but the most motivated away. Those who spend the effort to ice climb here are rewarded with long multi-pitch routes and great single-pitch venues of all grades. New for the 2014/15 winter season we will be offering this multiday ice climbing program which will be camp-based in the Ghost Valley. We will have large and heated communal tent for cooking, eating and drying gear after each day.

Mixed climbing has emerged as the new frontier of technical climbing.

Many of our guides are leading this charge and have several first ascents of mixed routes.

We will climb as many routes as we can over the course of this camp.

Experience Required:

2

Experience Required:

Fitness Level:

3

Fitness Level:

Duration: 3 days

3 3

Climbing on rock and ice using ice tools in a method known as ‘dry tooling’ and this combination of techniques allows for some amazing routes to be climbed.

Success on mixed climbs, even more than on regular ice climbs, depends on really good movement skills. Development of these skills is the primary objective of this mixed climbing camp.

In addition to intensive coaching on movement skills there will be instruction and review of all other aspects of rock and ice climbing techniques.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

Duration: 5 days

3 3

Duration: 2 days

‘Hot’ Ice The Canadian Rockies have the best ice climbing in the world with reliable conditions, lots of areas and routes offering a complete range of difficulty and challenge. The ‘Hot’ Ice program takes full advantage of this, pairing experienced climbers with top ice guides on the classic multi-pitch routes of the area. Each winter provides a different set of challenges for returning guests with unique freeze/thaw cycles creating a virtually infinite array of surface conditions on even the most well-known climbs. With a 1:2 instructor ratio we can expect to meet the objectives of most climbers.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

Duration: 3 days

Photo Credit: Chris Brinlee Jr

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3 3

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BACKCOUNTRY SKIING The heart of the Canadian Rockies provide a base for almost limitless backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering objectives. Learn the skills required for this incredible winter sport on one of our comprehensive courses and then join us on one of our exciting multi-day backcountry trips.

Level 1 – Intro to Backcountry Skiing

Level 2 – Leading Day Trips

With unlimited potential for ski descents, the backcountry is where the heart of every true skier resides. The shift from resort skiing to the backcountry has taken off in recent years and our beginner backcountry ski course will give you the foundational skills you need to get out of the lift lines.

The mountains of Western Canada are home to endless possibilities for backcountry skiing. We are known as one of the best locations in the world for backcountry skiing meaning skiers come from worldwide to experience the scenery, challenge and deep powder. If you’ve already had an intro to backcountry skiing course, we would like to further develop your skills to progress confidently in this amazing winter sport. This course will develop your leadership skills for travelling in nonglaciated backcountry terrain. You will learn what is required to be a recreational backcountry skiing day trip leader.

Our certified ski guides will teach you to use the gear, travel on ‘skins’ and to backcountry ski on this course. Whether your objective is to ski untracked backcountry powder or to experience the beauty of alpine ski touring, this weekend course will introduce you to one of the fastest growing winter activities in the world.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 2

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

Duration: 2.5 days

2 2

Duration: 2 days

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BACKCOUNTRY SKIING Level 3 – Winter Camping for the Backcountry Skier

Intro to Ski Mountaineering

We are fortunate to have vast expanses of wilderness that are just waiting for first tracks and backcountry ski adventures. If you are able to ski further into the mountains, the skill to complete multi-day trips opens up a world of opportunity for the backcountry skier. Possibilities include remote ski camps and ski traverses that are beyond the popular day trip areas. Spending a night in the backcountry during winter can be an amazing experience. Backcountry Ski Skills 3 will continue to refine the travel and leadership skills developed on the Backcountry Ski Skills 2 course but will focus on building the competencies required to camp, live and cook in a winter environment. This is a hands-on and practical course that will put students in leadership positions wherever possible during the field portion of the program. This course is suited for those recreationalists or professionals who need backcountry winter camping skills..

Ski mountaineering is one of the most incredible ways to enjoy the mountains in winter. With snow-covered approaches and rapid ski descents, it is easier to cover more ground and potentially summit more peaks than on a similar summer mountaineering trip.

This week-long comprehensive course covers all of the basic skills required of the winter mountaineer. Although the concepts and systems are similar, managing terrain in a deeper snow pack and on skis often requires a different approach from general mountaineering.

Based out of the Bow Hut on the Wapta Icefields, we will explore the numerous snow covered peaks and ski the slopes of fresh Rockies powder! This course is the best of both worlds since the focus is on developing the skills to summit mountains while skiing down big glacier lines.

Experience Required:

3

Experience Required:

Fitness Level:

2

Fitness Level:

Duration: 3 days

22

2 2

Duration: 6 days

1.866.678.4164

11’000ers Ski Mountaineering – Mt Hector Along the Icefields Parkway, just North of Lake Louise, this majestic peak was the second Canadian Rockies 11,000er to be climbed. Standing on the summit of Mt Hector you will be following in the footsteps of some of the Canadian Rockies’ most famous mountaineers: Charles Fay, Charles Thompson, and Philip Abbot. You will enjoy amazing panoramic views of the Lake Louise group and the Wapta Icefields on this ski trip.

This is a great spring ski mountaineering objective on a tall peak! Beautiful views and a long glacier ski run will be the reward for our efforts on this 11,000 foot classic.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 2

Duration: 1.5 days

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING Mount Columbia Ski Expedition

Rogers Pass Ski Camp

The Columbia Icefields is home to 225 square kilometers of glacier ice that is in places over 350m thick. The area hosts 11 of the 54 highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies and is arguably the best location in the Rockies for ski mountaineering. Mt Columbia, the highest peak on the icefield and in Alberta, will be the main objective of this ski expedition.

The seemingly limitless views of the Rocky and Selkirk Mountains will form the backdrop for this trip.

This trip is an excellent choice for adventurers looking to learn the skills involved in successfully planning and completing ski expeditions. Ski mountaineers on this trip should have previous winter camping and glacier travel experience and have a high level of fitness.

Are you a Powder Hound? Roger’s Pass in the Selkirk Mountains west of Golden, BC is widely known as Canada’s backcountry skiing and ski touring Mecca, where it never seems to stop snowing. With steep slopes and complex terrain, the area can be intimidating and most people prefer to ski it with a ski guide. Advanced skiers will be introduced to touring and skiing ‘The Pass’ by one of our certified ski guides who will show you the classic ski tours and lines in the area. Glaciated ascents, wide open bowls and fantastic treed and glade skiing await the fortunate skier in Roger’s Pass.

This trip is the natural extension of our Wapta Traverse or Ski Mountaineering programs. Crossing from Banff to Yoho National Park, we will ski from the Bow Hut to the Little Yoho Valley. The reward for this East to West traverse of the Wapta Icefields will be three exquisite days of powder skiing based out of the historic Stanley Mitchell Hut. This is a classic ski traverse popular with our guides and the combination of glacier skiing, potential for peak ascents, and terrific ski touring days out of the Stanley Mitchell Hut are all too much to resist!

Can’t make our weekend ski trip dates?

Our certified ski guides are available for private ski guiding in Roger’s Pass and surrounding areas.

Experience Required:

3

Experience Required:

3

Fitness Level:

4

Fitness Level:

3

Duration: 6 days

Bow to Yoho Advanced Ski Week

or

4

Duration: 3 days

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Experience Required:

2

Fitness Level:

3

or

3

Duration: 6 days

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BACKCOUNTRY SKIING Wapta Traverse

International Trips

The Wapta Traverse is known around the world for being one of the true classic hut to hut ski tours. The glaciers that form the Wapta Icefield sit atop the continental divide North of Lake Louise and provide the perfect snow highway for adventurous backcountry skiers. With elements of ski mountaineering and the potential to reach the summit of one of the many peaks along the route, this is an ideal trip for fit intermediate downhill skiers looking to expand their skills into the backcountry.

Yamnuska currently offers international ski trips to The European Haute Route, the Berner Oberland Traverse and Rishiri Isand Japan.

The huts along the traverse are maintained by the Alpine Club of Canada and are comfortable spots to prepare our delicious meals and socialize with new friends in the evening. We offer both a 4-day and 6-day option for the traverse where guests can choose to do a shorter trip or experience the entire North to South itinerary from Peyto to Scott Duncan Huts.

4 DAYS Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 2

Duration: 4 days

6 DAYS Experience Required:

2

Fitness Level:

3

Duration: 6 days

The Alps are the birthplace of modern alpinism and are filled with European culture. The world famous Haute Route connects the mountain towns of Chamonix and Zermatt by a series of high glaciers and passes broken by beautiful mountain towns. This is an extended version of the Haute Route in which we will visit out of the way monasteries, quiet villages and huts. Join us as we ski through France, Italy and Switzerland.

The Berner Oberland is one of the must do European ski traverses. It travels through some of the largest glaciers in the Western Alps and is considered to have some of the best ski descents and summits in Switzerland. Starting in the beautiful Interlaken area, we will use the famous Jungfrau Railway to gain the peaks and glaciers that mark the start of this exciting trip. The 6 day traverse will see us summiting peaks, skiing long descents and traversing hut to hut.

Backcountry skiing in Japan has become known as one of the best places on the planet to ski deep powder snow. With an average of 15 meters of annual snowfall, plenty of natural hot springs to soak in and excellent food to enjoy this is an amazing area to experience for any avid backcountry skier. From famous deciduous tree skiing to skiing into a volcanic crater, this trip will be an excellent blend of deep powder skiing and Japanese culture.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 3

Duration: variable

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1.866.678.4164

Bugaboos to Rogers Pass Ski Traverse The Bugaboos to Roger’s Pass Grand Traverse is regarded as one of the top ski traverses in Canada. Crossing the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains, the traverse travels through the jagged granite spires of the Bugaboos as it works its way north through the large connected path of glaciers and summits. Where conditions and trip progress warrant, we will look to bag some of the many summits along the way. The journey ends in the skiing paradise of Roger’s Pass. It is truly a spectacular trip but one that requires a high level of fitness, winter camping skills and advanced skiing skills.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

4 4

Duration: 11 days

AVALANCHE AWARENESS AST 1 for Ice Climbers ‘Avalanche hazard is the most significant threat to ice climbers in the Canadian Rockies. The vast majority of routes are exposed to avalanche hazard - often for extended periods. The simple fact that water flows and freezes in gullies makes most ice climbing routes natural terrain traps. Climbing early in the season before the snow arrives may mean reduced avalanche exposure but may also mean increased technical challenge on partially formed falls. Some of the avalanche related challenges facing the Rockies’ ice climber include; complicated approach terrain requiring early starts; long exposure times climbing waterfalls threatened by overhead hazard; Potentially different snow and weather conditions affecting avalanche terrain above the route; climbing above cliffs, or between steep pitches on avalanche prone terrain; rapid temperature changes that trigger avalanches and topple waterfalls; shallow and weak snowpack conditions that prevail most of the winter’ - Parks Canada – Mountain Safety.

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is committed to leading the way in changing the culture of safety gear for ice climbing in avalanche terrain. Basically, in avalanche terrain, when a hazard exists, all of our guides and ice climbing guests carry a beacon, probe and shovel.

This is the same as we would do while backcountry skiing. Carrying this equipment is one thing, knowing how to use it is another! You will leave the course with an AST 1 Certificate.

Experience Required:

1

Fitness Level:

1

Duration: 2 days

AST 1 - Avalanche Skills Training 1

AST 2 - Avalanche Skills Training 2

Avalanches are the greatest hazard facing skiers and climbers in the backcountry. Enjoying the mountains during the winter months is an amazing experience and you can increase your awareness of avalanche hazards to more safely enjoy your surroundings. Venturing into avalanche terrain without proper training is an unnecessary risk and can easily be mitigated by taking this fun and informative weekend course.

Building from your AST 1 training, this course is based around three days of backcountry ski touring in Banff National Park. We will cover many of the skills required by the recreational backcountry user including terrain evaluation, snowpack stability tests and route finding. There will also be a day of classroom avalanche theory covering material to a more advanced level than that seen on the AST 1 program. During the course you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the avalanche phenomenon and the types of triggers and events that cause them.

This course is recommended for those who spend a lot of time backcountry skiing/climbing or are thinking of professional level training.

Canada is a recognized world leader in avalanche training, forecasting and research, and no one teaches more Avalanche Skills Training (AST) courses in Canada than Yamnuska. Our combination of classroom and field training will give you the basic knowledge to assess and recognize avalanche terrain and hazards.

Our courses follow the curriculum set out by the Avalanche Canada and are taught by instructors who are active guides and professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association. You will leave the course with an AST 1 Certificate.

For more advanced backcountry skiers, we also offer this course based out of 2 other locations: Roger’s Pass. and Purcell Lodge With more advanced terrain and easy access to excellent ski touring areas, these locations are ideal for the AST 2 program.

Upon completion of this course, you will be presented with an AST 2 Certificate.

Experience Required:

1

Experience Required:

Fitness Level:

1

Fitness Level:

Duration: 2 days

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2 2

Duration: 4or 5 days

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HIKING & BACKPACKING The Canadian Rockies surrounding Banff and Canmore, Alberta, provide some of the best hiking and backpacking that can be found anywhere in the world. Surrounded by towering peaks and with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, our trips strive to provide guests with an exceptional active mountain adventure.

Photo Credit: Travel Alberta/Anthony Redpath

Canadian Rockies Walking Tour Hiking in the Canadian Rockies is one of the best ways to enjoy an active vacation with you and your family! Surrounded by eight National and Provincial Mountain Parks, Canmore is blessed with some of the best and most scenic hikes of anywhere in the world.

The scenery is classically magnificent – steely grey limestone peaks are clothed in forests, waterfalls, craggy cliffs and, not far west of Canmore, glaciers. The forest cover of the valley floors is broken by frequent lakes, bubbling mountain streams and beaver ponds. Towards treeline the forest thins and alpine larches appear as the trees give way to flower-speckled alpine meadows.

Waterton Lakes Hiking Tour

Lake O’Hara Hiking Tour

Hidden in the far southwest corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park is a place of superlatives. The park has the highest yearly precipitation of any place in Alberta, and is also one of the province’s windiest places. Because of this unique climate, the Waterton area contains an unusually rich and varied number of plants and animals for its size, many of which are rare or threatened. Upper Waterton Lake, the park’s southernmost lake and one which straddles the Canadian-American border, is the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies and all of Alberta. And above all that, we feel that Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking of all places in the province.

Lake O’Hara is a place where dreams are made. Its unmatched beauty is enhanced by the strictly protected fragile landscape and the abundance of wildlife that travel through it. Since the late 1800’s visitors have been exploring the areas numerous lakes and majestic snow-capped peaks leading to the development of one of the most extensive and well-maintained trail systems in the mountain parks.

This hotel-based hiking vacation will have you enjoying some of the best trails and sights that can be found in the area. We spend two nights in each of Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise hiking each day to different locations and exploring these wonderful mountains.

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Experience Required:

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Duration: 7 days

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The variety of breathtaking trails available makes this 4-day trip suitable for all levels. We’ll explore the valley basin, azure lakes, alpine meadows and mountain routes with vistas that will not only immediately impress you but leave you with memories to cherish forever!

Duration: 5 days

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Duration: 4 days

HIKING & BACKPACKING Mt Robson Hiking

Skoki Circuit

The tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies doesn’t need to be climbed to be fully enjoyed. The alpine meadows and stunning vistas that abound in Mount Robson Provincial Park offer some incredible hiking opportunities with the majestic peak as a constant backdrop.

The Canadian Rockies near Lake Louise is the birthplace of mountaineering in Canada. The Skoki region, lying just to the east, has been a favorite with mountain travelers for well over a century. This trip explores the flower speckled subalpine meadows and sapphire-blue lakes that fill the valleys between rugged peaks.

Our easiest backpacking program begins with a helicopter drop off deep in the park and away from the crowds. We spend two days sampling some of the excellent day hiking to be had in the region before shouldering our packs for the easy three day hike back to civilization.

With shorter distances and minimal elevation gain, the Skoki Circuit is a great trip for those wishing to get off of the crowded hiking trails, but do not want to partake in a strenuous backpacking trip.

Experience Required:

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Fitness Level:

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Duration: 6 days

Duration: 4 days

Tonquin Valley Hidden behind the popular Marmot Ski Hill in Jasper National Park lies stunning alpine valleys, intimate forests, expansive lakes, and towering peaks and turrets.

With evocative peak names like Paragon, Bastion, Drawbridge, Dungeon and Redoubt, this area is collectively known as the Tonquin Valley. American mountaineer and historian J. Monroe Thornington, who spent much of his life exploring the Canadian Rockies, wrote that the Tonquin valley “presents itself with a singular beauty almost unequalled in alpine regions of North America”.

Photo Credit: Kathmandu

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

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Duration: 4 days

Little Yoho / Iceline

Nootka Trail The West Coast of Vancouver Island is a special place. Hikers from around the world come to the area to explore and enjoy its spectacular natural beauty. The Nootka trail is a remote coastal hike that combines abundant marine flora and fauna, West Coast ruggedness and old growth forest. Long stretches of secluded beach, surf from the open Pacific Ocean and visits to First Nations historic sites are part of this adventure. Uniquely, the trail requires a scenic float plane ride to access the start point and the return trip is on a converted World War II minesweeper or water taxi.

When the Yoho valley was first explored in the late 19th century, it was reported to include an impressive array of glaciated peaks, vast ice fields and numerous stunning waterfalls. Indeed, the Yoho valley is worthy of its name, when translated it means “wonder” or “awe”.

Our trip begins under the dazzling 254 metre Takkakaw Falls and promptly switchbacks up the deservedly famous and popular Iceline Trail. From here we have access to many of the local trails: the Whaleback, Little Yoho Valley and Twin Falls, all outstanding trips in their own right. These interconnecting routes allow us to tailor the trip to suit the group’s fitness level and destinations we would like to visit.

No trip to the Rockies would be complete without a visit to Yoho National Park. Join us for an extended weekend as we discover this truly awesome and unforgettable area.

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Duration: 5 days

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Duration: 3 days

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HIKING & BACKPACKING Mt Assiniboine Backpacking Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park in British Columbia is one of the crown jewels of Canada’s mountain parks. Considered the “Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies, Mt Assiniboine dominates the skyline while we explore the meadows and valleys around the trout filled alpine lakes of the park.

We begin this adventure with a helicopter drop-off which takes us away from the busy trails and into the heart of the backcountry. After two days of hiking in the area, we don our backpacks and hike north into Banff National Park. This trip is great for those who love hiking and want to try out backpacking for the first time, or nature lovers who want to get a chance to see some wildlife and excellent scenery.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 2

Duration: 5 days

Wapta Ice Hike Looking for a completely different backcountry hiking experience with the thrill of hiking across a glacier? Our Wapta Ice Hike is an amazing hut-tohut adventure that will see you donning crampons and wielding an ice axe to traverse the Wapta Icefield. If you have never spent time on a glacier, it is an absolutely incredible experience. No trails, few people and excellent opportunities to scramble up peaks and stand on the top of the continental divide.

We spend one night each at the Alpine Club of Canada’s Bow and Peyto Huts which are situated on rocky outcroppings high in the alpine near the toe of the glaciers. This unique hiking program is perfect for fit hikers or first time backpackers who want to learn about basic mountain safety and are looking for a unique way to experience the mountains.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

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Duration: 3 days

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Rockwall Highline

Banff Highline

The Rockwall Highline in Kootenay National Park is a classic backcountry backpacking experience. As its name suggests, this trip follows the massive limestone wall of peaks that form the Vermilion Range of the Canadian Rockies. Climbing over high mountain passes and beside turquoise-blue glaciers, you will enjoy unmatched views of the main range of the Rockies as well as massive waterfalls and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

This program is designed for those who have some backpacking experience or who are looking for a longer and more challenging backpacking program over a mixed variety of mountain terrain.

One of our most popular hikes and for good reason! We picked the most beautiful and accessible sections of the continental divide and hike south though Banff National Park, across the famous Sunshine Meadows, and into Assiniboine Provincial Park over this weeklong adventure. This amazing trip crosses some of the most scenic passes and travels through some of the best hiking terrain that the Rockies’ has to offer.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 3

Duration: 7 days

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Mt Assiniboine stands dominating over the other peaks to the South and pulls us day by day towards our final goal. We have a lot of ground to cover and a high level of hiking fitness will enhance your enjoyment of this route that the early explorers of our land first traced.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

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Duration: 8 days

HIKING & BACKPACKING Jasper Highlands

Scrambling Skills

In the remote headwaters of Jasper National Park’s Brazeau River, where Poboktan and Jonas Creeks pass, there are huge expanses of alpine meadows that we call the Jasper Highlands! Our hiking journey circumnavigates much of this expanse in a huge triangular route also known as the “Brazeau Loop”.

The South Branch of the Brazeau River which we follow for the first two days is a very old trail long used by the indigenous people and later followed by European trappers and explorers. Now this trail is used by backpackers and wildlife, including wolves and the elusive mountain caribou. The ambiance of this valley is evocative of all that is wild, remote and beautiful in the northern reaches of the Canadian Rockies in what is one of our most challenging hiking trips.

There is a thin line between technical climbing and scrambling. We define scrambling as easy climbing requiring use of hands and feet but not usually ropes, belays and protection.

If you have already enjoyed the Mount Assiniboine Backpack or the Rockwall Highline this is a natural step onto another level of mountain adventure. It’s a more challenging and remote trip that should be on the list of any backpacking enthusiast.

Experience Required:

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Fitness Level:

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Duration: 6 days

The intent of Scrambling Skills is to give you the skills to safely climb the scramble peaks and not put yourself or partners at unnecessary risk. We will focus on the most important elements of scrambling safety: route finding, hazard assessment and movement skills on loose steep terrain and on snow and iced rock. Most scrambling accidents are the result of bad route choices and poor terrain assessment.

Kananaskis Highlands Kananaskis Country is a wilder, less travelled hiking paradise. It was given protected status in 1977 and is located in the Front Ranges of the Canadian Rockies immediately to the south of Banff National Park. It consists of over 4000 square km of foothills, valleys and mountains. In 1858, John Palliser named the area after a native Cree warrior called “Koominakoos”.

This is not a technical climbing course and no rope skills are taught.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

2 2

Duration: 2 days

Often referred to by locals as “K-Country”, this region of tightly folded limestone peaks and alpine lakes coupled with the abundance of wildlife makes this trip one of our more popular destinations. The grey of the mountains contrast sharply with the blue of their lakes and the conifer green of the forests cloaking the lower elevations.

Home to a large variety of wildlife including wolves, grizzly and black bears, elk, moose, deer and big horn sheep, this wild mountain landscape will leave you inspired to photograph and sit back to take in all its grandeur.

This five-day trip across the South and North Kananaskis Passes and through the Height of the Rockies Provincial Park offers varied scenery with lots of lakes, glaciers and spectacular canyons.

Experience Required: Fitness Level:

3 4

Duration: 5 days

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CUSTOM ADVENTURES Custom Adventures and Private Guiding Aside from our scheduled trips and programs, we run an extensive selection of private and custom departures.

Do you have a specific training objective in mind or your sights set on that peak you have always wanted to climb?

No problem, we can do it and you have the comfort of knowing that with thirty years behind us, we are a name you can trust. From one day programs to month long expeditions, our guiding team has climbed all over the Rockies and other parts of the world. Our experienced office team can arrange all of the logistics and the whole itinerary to make it a hassle free trip. All you have to do is take that first step!

Perhaps our dates don’t work for you or you have a group for which you would like to set up a private program. You can still enjoy the full variety of our trips but on a more exclusive basis.

Corporate Groups

Weddings and Groups

Whether you’re planning a corporate event or simply looking to recognize your employees for the contribution they make to the success of your business, we have an activity for you. While you are in the Rockies, get outside for a hike, some easy rock or ice climbing, or a fun yet challenging day on our ropes course and zip line. Our experience in process improvement, risk management, decision making and team building activities in the mountains is unmatched and we know our activities will be the highlight of your event.

Planning a wedding or a family reunion? Organize a fun and unique activity that your group will never forget.

We have organized activities for groups of up to 100 people and you know that when Yamnuska is organizing your event, safety and fun are our top priorities. We can offer a variety of activities from which your guests can choose. No experience? No problem! That’s where we come in. Our programs are suitable for all ability levels.

private guiding and custom adventures: • Mountaineering (including global expeditions) • Backcountry skiing and Ski Mountaineering • Ice Climbing • Rock Climbing • Hiking, Trekking or Backpacking • Avalanche Training • Wilderness First Aid • Skill specific training (Fall Protection for industry & Film) • Ropes course and zip line.

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BACKCOUNTRY FOOD SERVICES

Backcountry Kitchen and Meal Packages Food is an important component of every backcountry trip. It fuels our bodies and provides comfort in what can be at times harsh environments. Backcountry food needs to be lightweight, not take up much pack space and it should taste good.

Over the course of a couple of decades we have refined our food system to meet these criteria and more. All of our food is prepared in our provincially inspected restaurant facility. We are proud of our high quality and hand prepared meals made right here in Canmore, Alberta.

Yamnuska’s Backcountry Kitchen offers three main categories of prepared food: Meals that we supply on our programs, catering for personal or group trips, and individually packaged dehydrated meals available online, at our office and at select retail outlets.

trips but today we provide backcountry food service for many individuals and institutions. Our high quality and carefully planned menus are carefully designed to meet any budget and caloric requirements. In addition to mountain adventures, our food travels well on river trips, horse packs, military exercises and industrial projects.

Individual Dehydrated Meals: Available online, at our office, and in select retail outlets, individual servings of our dehydrated meals are a great alternative to the mass-produced freezedried meals. Made from locally sourced ingredients and cooked right in our kitchen, our lightweight and delicious meals are an excellent addition to any backcountry adventure. Dinner options include vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free alternatives that are packed with calories and taste fantastic. Given them a try on your next trip!

When meals are provided for your Yamnuska trip or course, we take care of everything. Breakfasts, lunches, snacks, appetizers, beverages, main course, and desserts are all prepared and field packed for you prior to your trip. The menu is carefully planned, taking into consideration the location of the trip, participant allergies or food intolerances, the type of activity, the time of year and several other important factors. For food safety reasons we do not prepare raw meats in the field, but meat lovers will not go without delicious dehydrated or cured meats in their pack-outs. We can cater to most food preferences and restrictions.

Catering for a personal or group trip: Inspired by our success in catering for our own programs, we began offering full or partial catering for adventurers heading out on their own.

Our early food clients were all previous guests on Yamnuska

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Our Mission: Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is passionately committed to providing mountain experiences and services in a sustainable and respectful manner with safety as our top priority.

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200 - 50 Lincoln Park Canmore,AlbertaT1W3E9 Canada