With good avalanche conditions and good weather (so far) it's time to pay a visit to the Columbia Icefields and attempt some easy 11000ers.


For safety reasons we'll likely approach the icefields via Saksatchewan Glacier, a longer approach but safer... However the option for Athabasca Glacier is still open if the team is strong and experienced and wants to try it.
To be discussed with the team.

Meeting place and start time will be decided later with selected participants but expect very early starts.

If we go for SnowDome/Kitchener the total length of the climb is 54km and 2155m of elevation in 2 days. If we go for Castleguard the total length of the climb is 37km and 1450m of elevation in 2 days. Keep in mind we'll have heavy backpacks. Also we'll need to do alpine starts every day. (So keep that in mind especially if you drive from Calgary)

Here are the mandatory requirements to be considered for this trip:

- You should be able to ski a long distance with heavy packs. (Good fitness)
- It should not be your first ski mountaineering trip. For example if it's your first season or you just took your ski mountaineering training this season there are plenty of other objectives more suitable to get some experience before attempting this trip. Please send along with your application a list of notable ski mountaineering/glaciers you have done in the past.
- You should have winter multi days ski expeditions experience. (Build a camp, Camp in winter conditions... More info about gear in the next section)
- Glacier Travel/Crevasse Rescue training is mandatory. Here is a non exhaustive list of what you need to be comfortable with: self arrest techniques, build winter anchors (both snow and ice), build a 3:1 hauling system, know how to self rescue yourself out of a crevasse with pulleys/prussiks if for whatever reason the team can't haul you out of a crevasse...
- You should have AST1 or higher.
- It's not a guided trip so at anytime you may have to switch your position on the rope and lead/break trail on the glacier. Glacier travel experience is required.
- Your risk tolerance must be high enough for this trip. We'll always err on the side of caution but even if conditions are perfect there will always be steep parts to climb , some serious exposure, crevasses, seracs... etc

You will need:

- Skis or splitboard (with skins) (MANDATORY)
- Helmet (MANDATORY)
- Avalanche kit (Transceiver (digital 3+ antennae), shovel & probe) (MANDATORY)
- Headlamp (MANDATORY)
- Harness (light alpine harness if possible) (MANDATORY)
- Belay device, carabiners (MANDATORY)
- Glacier travel kit including pulleys, at least one ice screw, prussik, slings and everything else you need to perform any crevasse rescue (MANDATORY)
- Crampons that work with your skiing boots (MANDATORY)
- General mountaineering ice axe (MANDATORY)
- Enough food and snacks for 3 days (2 days + 1 extra day) (MANDATORY)
- Winter camping gear (-20C sleeping bag, liner etc). (Tents, winter stoves, fuel can be shared. To be decided with selected participants). (MANDATORY)
- Extra batteries (or at least check you transceiver batteries)
- Ski goggles
- Ski crampons (optional but can be useful)
- InReach or similar device (if you have one)
- Camera
- Sunscreen, Glasses
- Layers (for wind, snow, cold...)
- Hot Drinks for the breakfast :)

The trip leader will bring glacier ropes, some climbing gear, 2 radios, a tarp, first aid kit and emergency blanket...
Please try to keep a little bit of space in your pack so we can share the load

What could prevent the event to happen ?

To be arranged with the group if needed. Note that I live in Canmore so people coming from Calgary or Cochrane will need their own transportation.

If we haven't skied/climbed together before please send an email (you'll find it at the bottom of the page) and describe:

- Your ski mountaineering experience
- Your avalanche training level (AST1, AST2, Avalanche Op 1 etc)
- Your ski mountaineering training level (Glacier Travel, Crevasse Rescue etc)
- Your ski comfort level

Note that this is not a first-come first-serve trip. If you don't submit this information you will not be part of the trip.


Avalanche

Avalanches can occur in the terrain in which we operate and can be caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. skiing/snowboarding). What are the risks? Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.

Terrain

Cornice fall, crevasses, Cliffs, Trees, tree wells, forest deadfall, and tree stumps, Creeks, Rocks and Boulders, Holes and depressions below the snow surface, Variable and difficult snow conditions, Snowcat roads and road banks, Fences and other manmade structures, Snow immersion, Impact or collision with other persons vehicles or objects, Encounters with domestic or wild animals, Loss of balance or control, Slips trips and falls, Becoming lost or separated from one’s group

Communication, rescue and medical treatment

Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.

Boots and binding systems

· Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured. Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.

· Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.

Other

Slips, trips and falls both outdoors and indoors, Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact, Equipment failure, Negligent first aid, Negligence of other people.

Everyone attending this event will be required to sign the ACC Waiver at the beginning of the event. Read the waiver carefully to ensure you fully understand it. If possible, please print and fill it out except for the signature fields before arriving at the event.

Please review our participant responsibility guidelines!

If you have any questions or doubts feel free to send me an email at contact@candela-chris.com.
SMS or whatsapp: 514 632 4287