Introduction to Mountaineering
Develop an understanding of mountaineering basics in the Rockies
Guided
Introduction to Mountaineering Overview
Are you a solid hiker looking to get to the next level? Learn the fundamentals of mountain navigation and movement on the Introduction to 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! On the final day, you’ll be given the chance to lead the group, putting everything you’ve learned into practice. If you’re wanting to further your mountain adventures, the Introduction to Mountaineering course is perfect for you.
Browse all rock climbing tours on 10Adventures, or find more skills courses and mountain trips in Canada in the guided Canada tours collection.
Trip highlights
Start from the beginning to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering in a true mountain environment.
Learn from well-trained, certified guides who can provide enthusiastic tips and feedback.
Build your confidence in alpine terrain with the stunning Canadian Rockies as your backdrop.
Leave on the final day feeling ready to advance your mountaineering skills and reach new heights.
Day By Day Itinerary
Begin your course by meeting in Canmore. You’ll go over your equipment and fit your crampons, then head to Bow Lake. From here, you’ll hike to Bow Hut, where you’ll settle in for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Mountain hut in the Canadian Rockies
- Distance:
- 3-5 hours
- Meals:
- Lunch, dinner
Get ready to learn! The next three days will be spent learning crevasse rescue, glacier morphology, crampon technique, low angle climbing, ice screw use, axe use, and more. You’ll climb peaks like Mt. Olive, Mt. St. Nicholas, Mt. Gordon, and Mt. Thompson. When you’re ready, you’ll have the chance to lead the group on a climb.
Each evening, you’ll return to Bow Hut to rest up and relax.
- Overnight Location:
- Mountain hut in the Canadian Rockies
- Distance:
- Between 8-10 hours per day
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Take a final day to review your technique, then begin the hike back down to Bow Lake. Your tour concludes once you get back to Canmore.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- 8km, 20m elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included. If you have a special dietary requirement, please let us know. Additional charges may apply for dietary restrictions.
- Accommodations for 5 nights are included on this tour.
- This tour starts and ends in Canmore, from where all necessary transfers are included. You are responsible for getting to tour starting location yourself.
- 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
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Special dietary requirement meals
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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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 4/5. While you don’t need any experience mountaineering, this tour is not recommended for beginner hikers. You should have experience hiking and a high level of fitness to enjoy this tour, as you’ll be on the mountain for 8-10 hours each day completing high-elevation climbs.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements. Additional charges may apply for dietary requirements.
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 you rent a car or book a shuttle as there is no included transportation between Calgary and the meeting point on this tour.
Yes, you will be led by an experienced guide.
The tour ends in Canmore. You will be responsible for finding your own way back to the airport 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)
- Multiday and daypack
- Water bottle (1-2 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
- Camera
- Compass
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Blister kit
- Earplugs
- 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
- Plastic mug, bowl, and eating utensils
- 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 August and the end of September when the conditions tend to be the best.
Why book Introduction to Mountaineering with 10 Adventures?
Small Group Adventures
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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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