Gap Mountain - North Ridge - Trad/Alpine Climbing - 5.6 - Sunday, Jul 28, 2024

The Basics:
Event Type: Alpine 
Event Location: Gap Mountain - Kananaskis 
Event Starts:   Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 07:00 AM  
Event Ends:   Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 07:00 PM  
Registration Cut Off:   Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 07:00 PM  
Difficulty Rating:   D3 - See Conversion Chart  
Trip Coordinator(s):   Christopher Candela
 

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:   Members & Guests, 18 And Older Only  
Attendee Screening:   Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size: 3
Minimum Group Size: 2
Number Registered So Far:   3 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:   No

Itinerary:
We'll climb the North Ridge of Gap Mountain in Kananaskis. It's a trad/alpine multipitch rock climb (5.6). As there is not much beta available be prepared for some adventure/exploration.
Meeting place and start time will be decided later with participants.

Please read and follow the selection process section below.

Preview:


Frequently asked questions:

How long is it ?
The approach to the base of the climb is fairly short (about 1.5km) (300m elevation gain) on a mix of trail and scree. From there it's 2-3 pitches of climbing, then some exposed scramble and another 2 pitches of climbing before the summit.
The descent consists of one rappel then scree descent.

I'm not confident. Can I really do it ?
While the climb is technically easy it's different from climbing at the gym or at the local crag. Rock quality can be variable, exposure is more important, route finding can be tricky, sometimes there is no fixed gear or anchors and protection for leaders can be sparse and not always good.

For this trip we'll climb in a team of 3 (ideally) which means there will be only 2 spots available. 1 leader and 2 followers (we can switch leaders and followers at any time)

- The first spot will be given to a person who has already a trad/alpine climbing and multipitch experience. It's important to always have at least 2 experienced people in a team of 3. There is no obligation to lead but it's a possibility for this person if they want to as long as they have the required experience. We will use double ropes so it's important to know how to belay correctly with double ropes.

- The second spot will be given to someone less experienced that would like a chance to enjoy an alpine climb without any commitment. It's also a good opportunity if you are just looking to get into trad but not confident enough to lead or climb bigger objectives. We won't expect this person to lead or belay. But they will be responsible for taking nice pictures :p

That being said there are a few mandatory requirements to be able to join whatever your role is:

- It should not be your first rock climb. As long as you have already climbed at least in a gym (or if you are an experienced scrambler) you will be good to go. We need to maintain a decent pace so we need everyone to be confident climbers at the grade.
- You must know how to rappel. We can double check your system but we can't rappel for you.
- You must be comfortable with exposed scrambling on class 4th and easy class 5th (climber's scramble) without a rope as it might not be possible to use it for some exposed sections during the climb and/or descent.

If you an unsure feel free to send me an email (You will find it at the bottom of the page)

What gear should I bring ?
You will need:

- Harness. (MANDATORY)
- Helmet. (MANDATORY. No helmet, no climb)
- ATC belay device. (MANDATORY. Even if you are not planning to belay you will need it to rappel).
- Carabiners. (At least 3 or 4, MANDATORY)
- Prussik. (Even if you feel invincible and confident bring one... and use it).
- Approach shoes and/or rock climbing shoes
- Personal Anchor System (optional). If you don't have one bring a 120cm sling or let me know.
- Whatever it takes to build a solid 3 points trad anchors. (If you are planning to build one. Otherwise I'll bring extras)
- Camera
- Sunscreen, Glasses
- Inreach (if you have one)
- Layers (for wind, rain...)
- Snack/Lunch and enough water for the day (For a multi pitch it's always a good idea to have a camelbak system to minimize the risk of dropping something)

The trip leader will bring the ropes, trad gear, alpine draws, tap, pitons, radios...
Please keep some space in your backpack to share the common gear.

What could prevent the event to happen ?
The event might be cancelled or postponed if:

- The forecast shows possible rain or thunderstorm/lightning
- Some participants forget mandatory gear
- Unhealthy air quality (fire smoke)

Carpooling:
To be arranged with the group if needed.

Contact information:
If we haven't climbed together before, if you have questions or doubts feel free to send me an email at contact@candela-chris.com.
SMS or whatsapp: 514 632 4287

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
It is a recreational trip and NOT a guided trip. The trip leader is volunteering and is not acting in the role of a guide.
Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our participant responsibility guidelines!


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! You can send any feedback you may have to the Section Chair.

Registration for this event closed on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 07:00 PM.