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Highlights
Learn the basics of ice climbing no matter your experience level
Dip a toe into the world of ice climbing, discovering the proper technique for scaling frozen waterfalls.
Learn or practise ice climbing fundamentals, including top rope belaying, knots, and equipment use.
Swing your axe and dig your crampons into the pale blue ice of gorgeous Kananaskis, Banff, or Canmore.
Enjoy the camaraderie of climbing with no pressure to know your stuff before you show up.
Ever looked at a frozen waterfall and thought, “I want to climb that?” You’re in the right place. The Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies tour is a foundational introduction to the thrilling world of ice climbing. This course is suitable for total beginners and experienced climbers alike- anyone curious about strapping on the crampons and donning the axe is welcome!
This course teaches you not only the basics of ice climbing equipment, but also focuses on proper technique to help you climb efficiently. You’ll build strong base skills to take you as far as you want to go in your ice climbing adventure. Since total beginners and climbers alike are welcome, you’ll be able to learn from each other and enjoy the camaraderie of climbing as you revel in the stunning ice of the Canadian Rockies.
Ever looked at a frozen waterfall and thought, “I want to climb that?” You’re in the right place. The Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies tour is a foundational introduction to the thrilling world of ice climbing. This course is suitable for total beginners and experienced climbers alike- anyone curious about strapping on the crampons and donning the axe is welcome!
This course teaches you not only the basics of ice climbing equipment, but also focuses on proper technique to help you climb efficiently. You’ll build strong base skills to take you as far as you want to go in your ice climbing adventure. Since total beginners and climbers alike are welcome, you’ll be able to learn from each other and enjoy the camaraderie of climbing as you revel in the stunning ice of the Canadian Rockies.
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Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies Itinerary
Day 1 Learning the Basics in Canmore
Your ice climbing course begins at the Yamnuska office in Canmore. You’ll spend the day learning the basics of ice climbing safety, tying knots, practicing basic ice movement, and learning about top rope belay and communication.
To end the day, you’ll complete a top rope climb in the Banff or Canmore area to warm up.
Overnight Location: Not included in tour price
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Getting on the Ice
Today, get on that ice in the Canmore, Banff, or Kananaskis area (depending on the conditions). You’ll warm up, review the fundamentals, and spend lots and lots of time climbing with a coach on steeper climbs. You’ll learn how to place and remove ice screws and learn the basics of anchor construction.
Today will pretty much be guaranteed to be one you’ll remember forever. Don’t be surprised just how far you can go with great technique and proper body positioning. Have fun!
Overnight Location: Not included in tour price
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 3 Optional Additional Climbing Days
Are you hooked (pun intended)? You can book additional days to keep climbing. Try some classic Canadian multi-pitch routes like Louise Falls, Professor’s Falls, and Cascade Falls. The student to guide ratio is kept very low on these days to facilitate learning. Please check ‘Optional Extras’ for the pricing.
Overnight Location: Not included in tour price
Distance: None
Meals: None
Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies Price and Dates
This guided skills training course is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you). Please note that due to very high demand and limited availability in campgrounds it is necessary to plan your trip a long time in advance. Important note: The tour becomes non-refundable when it's less than 60 days left to departure. If there are more than 60 days left, you'll receive the full refund minus the 100$ administration fee.Prices below are per person:
Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Sat, Nov 18
From Canmore
Sun, Nov 19
to Canmore
2 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$479
Sat, Dec 2
From Canmore
Sun, Dec 3
to Canmore
2 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$479
Sat, Dec 23
From Canmore
Sun, Dec 24
to Canmore
2 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$479
Wed, Dec 27
From Canmore
Thu, Dec 28
to Canmore
2 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$479
Accommodation on the Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies Tour
There are no included accommodations on this tour. You will be responsible for choosing and booking your own accommodations, although we are happy to lend a hand. Travellers taking this course can enjoy a discounted rate at Clique Hotels & resorts.
Night 1
Accommodation in Canmore
Accommodation on this tour is not included. A variety of accommodation options exist in both Canmore, Calgary and Banff, including campsites, hostels, all levels of hotels as well as condo-style accommodation with kitchens or suites. We recommend that you book your own pre and post-trip accommodations well in advance as all levels of accommodations in the Bow Valley fill quickly.
What’s Included in the Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies Tour?
Logistics, Meals and Accommodation
This training course doesn’t include any meals, transportation, or accommodation. If you need any help with booking your own accommodation, we are happy to assist you if needed. Travellers taking this course can enjoy a discounted rate at Clique Hotels & resorts. For meals, please pack your own high-energy meals and snacks for field days.
Included
- Use of boots, crampons, axes, helmets, harnesses, and other specialized equipment
- Certified and skilled instructors
Not included
- Flights
- Hotels
- Meals, drinks, or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Additional climbing days: CAD345 per person per day
- How hard is the Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Canmore to start this tour?
- Is the Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies tour guided?
- What should I bring?
- Daypack (30-45 litres)
- Lunch, snacks
- Thermos flask and/or water bottle (1-2 litres combined volume)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Boots (must be crampon compatible)
- Crampons
- Climbing harness
- Climbing helmet
- Ice tools
- Belay device, carabiners, slings
- Where does the Ice Climbing Basics in the Canadian Rockies tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
- When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. You don’t need any prior experience to enjoy this course. While some basic athletic ability is recommended, proper technique cuts down on the amount of brute strength you’ll use. You should be comfortable spending lots of time outdoors in cold weather.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
No meals are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Please verify that your insurance covers the included activities on this tour. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). We recommend renting a car if possible as you’ll need to find your way to Canmore and provide transportation during the course.
Yes, you will be learning from and supervised by an experienced guide.
The following will be provided for you at no additional cost:
The tour ends in Canmore. You will need to find your way back to the airport.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies for this tour is the wintertime between December and March when the ice is solid.
Customer Ratings
Located in Canmore, Alberta at the gates of Banff National Park, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is one of Canada’s premier providers of mountaineering, rock & ice climbing, backcountry skiing, hiking, and trekking experiences in the Canadian Rockies. For over 40 years, we have hosted thousands of clients from Canada and all over the world. Our brand is known for quality mountain experiences, safety, and well-organized itineraries. We have some of the best mountain guides and hiking guides in the industry. All Yamnuska Mountain Adventures climbing guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
