We'll head out to the Columbia Icefields for
the weekend to practice glacier travel,
crevasse rescue techniques, and general alpine
skills in a practical setting. Most likely the
objectives will be the Athabasca glacier and
Boundary Peak, but the final destination will
be influenced by weather,conditions, and the
skill level of the team. We might get to the
top of something this weekend, but that won't
be the main goal: we’ll be focusing on safe &
efficient tactics and methods of navigating a
glaciated alpine climb.
Some things we’ll practice will include:
when & how to rope up for glacier travel,
route- finding, identifying hazards, building
anchors & placing protection, and simple
crevasse rescue.
This trip is ideal for people who have
already had some level of training,
instruction, or practice with glacier travel,
and are looking get some practical experience.
It’s ok if participants are relative beginners
(or if their skills are a bit rusty), but they
should have a basic understanding of glacier
travel concepts and simple crevasse rescue
systems. A mix of skill and experience is
welcome so we can all learn from one another.
Susan and Vi are not professional guides and
this is not a course, but we are willing to
share what we know about safe travel over
glaciated terrain, and can facilitate a good
environment for everyone to practice & develop
their skills. Hopefully we can learn something
new from the participants as well!
We'll be camping at Wilcox campground
(first come-first served).
Please email a description of your alpine
skills training and relevant experience to both
Susan and Vi.
Required Items to Bring:
Camping stuff, helmet, harness, sunglasses,
sunscreen, belay device, ice tools, personal
prussiks, 3 lockers, 4 non-lockers, a 4-6m long
prussik cord, a double length sling, crampons
(Note: pre-fit your crampons to your boots to
be certain they will go on without problems
BEFORE the day of the trip), lots of
warm/waterproof clothes, and a backpack that
will fit everything plus a bit of group gear.
If you have any questions about gear email
Susan and she'll let you know if what you've
got is good enough. We also have some spare
gear if you are short on something, so no need
to rush out to the store right away if you are
missing an item on the list.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Ice screws, draws, pulleys, trekking pole, and any
other gear you'd typically bring (or would like to
try out) for a day on a glacier.
*Cancellation Policy*: If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Calgary Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.
Trip Feedback If you have any feedback, positive or negative, concerning this trip or any other, we want to hear from you!
Click here to be directed to our "Contact Us" page and contact the appropriate Chair person or the Section Chair. This is also a simple way to make your section executive aware of any praises, suggestions or problems you may have with any area of the Calgary Section of the ACC.
Thank you for your response.
Registration for this event closed on Wednesday, July 06, 2016 at 12:00 AM.