Columbia Icefields Ski Mountaineering (Training w/ Guide) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2026

The Basics:
Event Type: Skiing 
Event Location: Columbia icefield 
Event Starts:   Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 08:00 AM  
Event Ends:   Sunday, May 03, 2026 04:00 PM  
Registration Cut Off:   Thursday, Jan 01, 2026  
Difficulty Rating:   D3 - See Conversion Chart  
Trip Coordinator(s):   Katherine Morianos
 

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:   Members Only  
Attendee Screening:   Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size: 3
Minimum Group Size: 3
Number Registered So Far:   0 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:   No

Itinerary:

This is an Edmonton Section trip, they are looking for one additional participant.


Looking to further your skillset for ski mountaineering, glacier travel and winter camping? This trip is organized with a focus on developing skills with a guide (not just a guided trip), with objectives including:

-       Practice travel &/or leading on more complex glacier, trip planning, route finding

-       Intro/development of ski mountaineering skills

-       Practice winter camping skills

**dates/trip is tentative at this point – can only be confirmed once three participants have committed to the course**

 

An approximate outline:

Day 1: Approach via Saskatchewan Glacier (18km, +1200m) & setting up the high camp

Day 2: Crevasse Rescue Systems Refresher + Snow Dome / Castleguard

Day 3: Ski Mountaineering objective along the lines of Mt Kitchener, Stutfield Peak, Mt Columbia, North Twin, or South Twin (conditions-dependent)

Day 4: Return via Saskatchewan Glacier


Prerequisites: Ability to cover 15-20km in travel distance, with 1000-1500m of elevation gain; strong base of fitness (3-3.5km/h skin track pace with hourly breaks for 7-8 hours); ability to descend with confidence any black or double black rated terrain in variable snow conditions within the bounds of a ski resort; prior experience of travel in complex glaciated terrain; well-practiced crevasse rescue system (attendance on ACC practice nights or proof of equivalent training); prior experience with multi-day backcountry trips (summer or winter - key is ability to carry a heavy backpack and to set up camp)

 

Guide to Guest Ratio: 1:3 (due to complexity of tentative Day 3 objectives)


Cost: $1800 + GST (+ option for a pre-trip/route planning day via Zoom with the guide for $230/person – TBD between all participants)

Required Items to Bring:

TBC


Notes:
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. 



Payment Options:
  • Member $1800.00 CAD
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.

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.

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2 Days Before Event  
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