Crossing high alpine passes and a vast glacial expanse, the Wapta Traverse is classic ski traverse and a journey in the truest sense. This iconic four-day adventure takes you hut-to-hut across the stunning Wapta and Waputik Icefields. Along the way, enjoy classic ski mountaineering summits and turns in a breathtaking backcountry setting. This traverse follows the classic north-to-south itinerary, beginning at Peyto Lake and ending near West Louise Lodge, with overnight stays at ACC alpine huts: Peyto (night 1), Balfour (night 2), and Scott Duncan (night 3).
This trip is designed for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers with solid fitness and prior ski touring experience. Participants should have at minimum their AST1, AST2 is preferred, and ideally you have some crevasse rescue training. If you’re ready for days out on glaciated terrain, eager to carry a moderate pack, and excited about the opportunity to summit peaks and ski in a true alpine environment, this course is for you.
The primary goal is to complete the Wapta Traverse, however there should be some flexibility to look at summiting objectives, depending on conditions and group interest/abilities. Potential objectives include Mount Rhondda (3,015 m), Mount Olive (3,130 m), Mount Gordon (3,203 m). When conditions align, areas like the Diableret Glacier near Mount Balfour can also deliver additional skiing opportunity.
Led by ACMG guide Brent Peters, this trip will include instruction and review of key glacier travel, ski touring, and mountaineering skills.
A mandatory pre-trip meeting will be organized about 10 days prior to the trip start for all participants to discuss the itinerary and trip planning.
Trip price includes 3 nights accommodation at ACC alpine huts but does not include food.
Dehydrated meals can be purchased for an additional price, at your option.
If I do not already know you, please send the following info to Kbmorianos@gmail.com
Describe your avalanche training, crevasse rescue and glacier travel experience. There are many opportunities in the calendar to learn/upgrade these skills this season! If you are looking for particular training that we are not offering or is already full, please let me know.
Describe your backcountry ski experience. Provide some examples of trips/summits you're doing this season and in the previous 2-3 years.
Describe your ski comfort level (e.g. OK on Blue runs, struggle on Black Diamonds, I do the Delirium Dive blindfolded, I'm new to this)
You will not be considered for this trip without sending an email with this info! Please send an email instead of using the built-in ACC notes page when you add yourself to the waitlist.
Required Items to Bring:
Gear List to follow
Notes:
Communication and Rescue
What are the Risks
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|
Hazard Mitigation
First Aid / Rescue Training| Satellite Communications |
Terrain
What are the Risks
Cornices | Crevasses | Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps | Cliffs | Creeks | Rocks and Boulders |Holes and depressions below the snow surface| Variable and difficult snow conditions |Snowcat roads and road ranks | Fences and other man-made structures | Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects | Encounters with domestic or wild animals | Loss of balance or control | Becoming lost or separated from the group | Slips, trips, and falls|
Hazard Mitigation
Mitigated by Trained and experienced Guide| Radios
General Hazards
What are the Risks
Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor| Equipment failure| Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact| Negligence of other persons, including other guests| Negligent first aid| Negligence of the guide Including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities|
Hazard Mitigation
Developed safety plans and procedures with decades of experience managing risk.
Rockfall and Icefall
What are the Risks
Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking)
Hazard Mitigation
Mitigated with certified and experienced guides, Helmets
Avalanche
What are the Risks
Avalanches can occur in the terrain you will be entering| Caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (skiing/snowboarding)| Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.|
Hazard Mitigation
Certified Guides with experience and training to manage this risk
Daily risk assessment processes
Guest training
Boots and Binding Systems
What are the Risks
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.
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.
Waiver and Membership Requirement
Participation in this activity is subject to you having a current membership and a current signed
ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”), which is signed in conjunction with purchasing/renewing your membership.
A separate Waiver is not required. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. If your
membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to the foregoing waiver terms. Bookings
without a current Waiver at the time of the activity will be cancelled.
The Waiver is a legal document by which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.
SIGN UP HERE
The trip coordinator needs to review and accept your application for this event. Add yourself to the waiting list here.