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Descending the Sickle

Banff Alpine Skills Course in the Canadian Rockies

Join Jeff, an ACMG-certified mountain guide, for this informative, scenic and exciting 6-day Banff mountain climbing initiation course in the Canadian Rockies. Learn necessary technical and safety skills on the Columbia Ice field and around Lake Louise while getting the chance to summit Mount Athabasca.


TRIP TYPE

Private and Group

MOUNTAIN RANGES

Rockies

DURATION

6 Days

OFFER PERIOD

Jul - Sep

FITNESS LEVEL

Fit

SKILL LEVEL

Beginner

PAYMENT METHODS

Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

  • Enjoy the stunning scenery of British Columbia.
  • Get the chance to climb Mount Athabasca.
  • Learn necessary climbing and safety skills throughout the trip.

Description

Nestled into the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, a Banff mountain climbing initiation course is the perfect way to learn a new sport in some simply stunning surroundings!

Over the course of our 6 days together, we will take you from hiking and scrambling skills to some basic alpinist skills, which will allow you to ascend over tough rock, snow, and ice terrain.

The adventure begins on the Columbia ice field, where we will go over snow and ice climbing skills and crevasse rescue skills. Once we’re feeling comfortable with these, we will make a summit attempt of Mount Athabasca  (3,491 meters/11,453 feet).

For the second half of the trip, we will transfer to Lake Louise and embark on the rock climbing portion of the trip.  Over the following three days, we will make various single-pitch and alpine rock climbing ascents, selecting the perfect spot based on your climbing level.

By the end of the trip, you will be ready to take on further mountain climbing challenges and training. But before it’s all over, you’ll already be planning your next mountain climbing trip to Canada!

The skills we will cover in this course include:

  • Crevasse rescue

  • Steep snow and glacier ice anchors, v-thread, ice screw placements, and snow pickets and climbing

  • Gear prep for route selection, pre-trip planning

  • Rappelling on snow, ice & rock including multi-pitch rappelling

  • Rock anchors and lead climbing on bolts and traditional gear

  • Multi-pitch climbing skills, with climbing routes ranging from 5.5-5.10 depending on skill level

So what are you waiting for? Book now for this informative and scenic Banff mountain climbing initiation course in the stunning Canadian Rockies!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Rope

- Harness

- Helmet

- Crampons

- Ice axe

Price details

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Cost includes:

Guides - 3:1 ratio on Athabasca summit attempt, 2:1 on Alpine rock routes, 6:1 for instructional days

Group technical gear.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Mountain boots

Personal climbing equipment

Food

Transportation

Accommodation

Secure your spot with just 25% payment

48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking


Details

More info

Please contact me for a complete equipment list.

Meeting point

To be determined upon completion of booking.

Equipment you will need to bring

mountaineering boots

FAQs

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

Alpinism aims to be self-sufficient, which means you carry everything yourself and travel quickly and lightly. The best approach to getting ready for alpine climbing is to focus on your cardiovascular and muscular systems. Try to build up endurance in the same muscle groups that you'll be using, particularly your core and major leg muscles. By trekking uphill or downhill, scrambling, and trail running while carrying a burden, you can improve your general endurance. Training in flexibility and balance will also enable you to get the most out of the course. Start gradually rising earlier two weeks ahead to the course; for summits, it's common to rise between two and three in the morning.

What if I've never climbed before?

To participate in this course, you don't need any prior alpine climbing experience. You must, however, be in top aerobic shape and have previous mountaineering or scrambling experience.

Is gear included in the price, or is there specific gear I need for this?

All technical gear is included except crampons, harness, axe & helmet which can be rented from us. Alpine kits can be rented for $30.00/day/person. We also rent mountaineering boots for $20.00/day/person.

What's included in the price? What's not?

The guiding service and the group climbing equipment (rope, etc.) are included in the price.

The following items are not included in the price:

  • accommodations
  • transportation
  • food
  • your personal equipment. Part of it such as crampons, harness, ice axe & helmet can be rented with us.

What equipment should I bring with me?

We'll send you a detailed list of equipment to take after you book the tour.

What skills does this course cover?

Pre-trip planning, route selection, navigation, leadership, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, snow, using anchors, rappelling, and using crampons and ice axe.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Blackstone Mountain Lodge by CLIQUE Canmore Canada
See rooms
Solara Resort and Spa Canmore Canada
See rooms
Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre Canmore Canada
See rooms

About the guide: Jeff

Guide profile image

Jeff

4.70

(75)

Mountain Guide

Alpine Air Adventures is an independent mountain guiding business run by Jeff Bullock. I am a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide, with my training and certification through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

We specialize in outdoor Banff adventures including: rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, avalanche courses and improvised rope rescue courses.

Based out of Banff, Alberta, Canada in the heart of the rugged Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alpine Air offers everything mountain. My main emphasize is to offer safe and unforgettable Banff adventures to my guests. With the allure of the mountains right at my doorstep I am always keen to take on any adventure and I am excited to have you along. Contact me to begin organizing your dream mountain ascent or descent.

Languages

French | English

Certificates

ACMG | IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about Jeff

Sue

3.00

Our guide was Jason (not Jeff) and although he was a great guy, he appeared to not be very familiar with the location in which we skied. I was also surprised by the fact that he never asked us about our skiing abilities or the type of terrain we hoped to ski. Due to the avalanche conditions and snow cover, we were in terrain where the trees were too tight to ski and so we skied down an avalanche path (with minimal hazard from above) that was quite steep with a lot of exposed vegetation and small cliff bands. For two of the three of us, this terrain was at the edge of our comfort zones and so the ski down was not very enjoyable. Afterwards, I couldn't help wondering if we had been asked about our interests and skiing level, if we might have found lower angle terrain with a less dense forest cover. Having said all this, once Jason realized I was in a place I was not happy about, he was very attentive to assisting me through the terrain. In summary, the three of us paid a lot of money for a ski tour that was not great and we wondered whether it should have been cancelled if this was the best terrain to be found given the conditions.

Jason

5.00

Wonderful expedition in the Rockies! My guide Brendan taught me loads on ice climbing technique and now I feel reasonably confident to ice climb again! Word of warning though, it's very hard and the guide will push you to your limits if you have only done little bits of ice climbing in the past. I climbed on the inside of a literal ice palace at one point! I am happy that I did this course and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to really test what they are made of on the ice!

Scott

5.00

Jeff was a great teacher and learned way more than I expected. Will definitely go again.

Helen

5.00

Can someone please contact me regarding this tour. I have emailed explore-share and have also spoken to the tour guide regarding a refund. I have tried calling via a WhatsApp but couldn’t get through. Jeff Bullock has assured that you reply quickly and has also assured us a full refund due to extreme cold weather forecast. Please respond. Helen Pascoe

Eliza

5.00

Nolan was awesome! Great teacher and kept spirits high even in the rain!

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