Basics of Winter Mountaineering
Develop an understanding of mountaineering basics in the wintertime
Guided
Basics of Winter Mountaineering Overview
Mountaineering doesn’t have to be intimidating. Learn the fundamentals on the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course, an unforgettable adventure designed to teach you the skills you’ll need to conquer new mountains without previous experience required.
All you need to take this course is a solid level of hiking fitness. You’ll be taught from the ground up, learning about proper equipment use, movement skills, safety essentials, and on-mountain movement. You’ll do it all with the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies as your backdrop! If you’re wanting to further your mountain adventures, the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course is perfect for you.
Trip highlights
Start from the beginning to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering in a winter environment.
Learn from well-trained, certified guides who can provide enthusiastic guidance and feedback.
Build your confidence in alpine terrain with the stunning Canadian Rockies as your backdrop.
Complete this course feeling ready to advance your mountaineering skills and reach new heights.
Day By Day Itinerary
Begin your course by meeting at the Icefields Campground shelter. You’ll go over your equipment and fit your crampons, then head to a nearby training area. Learn knots and harness use, then begin learning the basics of movement on snow, ice axe use, self-arrest, and belaying on snow.
- Overnight Location:
- Not included in tour price
- Meals:
- None
Get ready to learn! Today will be spent at “ice school”, learning crevasse rescue, glacier morphology, crampon technique, low angle climbing, ice screw use, and axe use.
- Overnight Location:
- Not included in tour price
- Meals:
- None
To put your knowledge to the test, you’ll spend today ascending a suitable peak. The first choice is Mount Athabasca, but if that’s too much of a challenge for the group, an easier summit will be chosen. Get ready for an experience you’ll never forget!
After getting off the mountain, your adventure concludes.
- Overnight Location:
- Not included in tour price
- Meals:
- None
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 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.
- Crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, etc.
- Excess luggage storage
Not Included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- Canada Parks Entry Pass
- GST (5%)
Non-Standard Cancellation
- 60 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 10% of the total trip cost (at least $150 CAD).
- 59 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. While you don’t need any experience mountaineering, this tour is not recommended for beginner hikers. You should have experience hiking and a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour. If you’d like to climb Mount Athabasca at the end of the course, a high level of fitness will be required.
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. Please pack your own high-energy foods.
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.
The Icefields are located approximately 180 km north of Banff on highway 93.
Yes, you will be led by an experienced guide.
The tour ends after you complete your hike. You will be responsible for finding your own way back to the airport or your next destination after the tour.
You will be provided with crampons, mountaineering ice axes, climbing harnesses, helmets, and all other technical equipment. Please bring:
- Mountaineering boots (must be crampon compatible, rentals available)
- Daypack (30-40 litres, optional)
- Water bottle (1-2 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
- Camera
- Compass
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Blister kit
- First aid items (guides carry a first aid kit, but you may bring your own Band-Aids and anti-inflammatory medication if desired)
- Personal toiletries, including hand sanitizer
- Trekking poles (optional)
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 Rockies for this tour is between September and October when the snow conditions on the mountain are good but the weather isn’t too cold yet.
Why book Basics of Winter Mountaineering with 10 Adventures?
Small Group Adventures
Join like-minded travellers to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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