The Canadian Rockies offer several hundred alpine climbs —enough to last a lifetime— featuring anything from glaciers, stunning lakes, rock, icefields, and peaks exceeding 11,000’. Straddling the continental divide between British Columbia and Alberta, the area is famous for its jaw-dropping panoramic views, spectacular geography, diverse wildlife, and alpine climbing routes for all ability levels. The Rockies are also home to four national parks — Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay — and encompass a wealth of the vast Columbia Icefield and the complex Castleguard Caves. Climb in some of the most famous locations, such as Mt. Athabasca (reaching a phenomenal 3,491m), Castle Mountain, Mt Louis, or Edith Cavell. Breathe the fresh alpine air, work on your skills, and make memories that will last a lifetime! Find out more about alpine climbing in the Canadian Rockies from ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Bullock!
Whether you want to reach a summit or simply work on your alpine climbing skills, the Canadian Rockies offer a myriad of options for everyone. The area offers so many classic Rockies high points — choose a route and let your guide lead the way! Spend a day on the rock, snow, and ice terrain acquiring new climbing techniques and skills important for alpine climbing. Get out of your comfort zone, step into the great outdoors, and do something you never imagined you could! Your guide will customize the day to fit your skills and objectives while making sure you are safe and have fun.
I went to Banff in early December and was able to enjoy this experience. It’s an early start to your day and requires a good hike but it’s worth the challenge. Yes there is plenty of sightseeing to be had in the area but if you’re looking to push yourself and to do it somewhere scenic in the Rockies, then this is it. I had no previous experience in climbing whatsoever and I still had a blast.
The small but dedicated team at Alpine Air Adventures is eager to make sure you get the adventure you are seeking. There are several guiding companies in the area and I reached out to them all when planning my trip to Banff. AAA was responsive, answered all my questions and provided additional details to help pick my route, and they were also among the most affordable. As a small shop, they can keep their costs down while their service remains high. My guide listened to what I wanted, used his local knowledge and expertise to pick out a climb that ticked all my boxes, then took me on an adventure that I won’t soon forget. What really made this a standout experience was he assessed my abilities and adjusted his methods accordingly. I have been climbing for years and do not need to be babysat on route, he quickly realized that and we got into a rhythm and it felt like I was climbing with an old friend rather than a guide. If you’re looking for a guide service in the Banff area, do youself a favor and give AAA a call.
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This alpine climbing adventure is ideal for beginner to experienced alpine climbers. You will need a good level of fitness as you will be moving for a minimum of three hours on the rocks plus some additional hiking. Even though rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength, a week in the alpine environment will test you. Be prepared for full days of strenuous climbing in cold temperatures and changeable weather conditions.
If you’ve never alpine climbed before, this private day of climbing with a guide is an ideal opportunity to learn the basics. Alpine climbing is not for first-time rock climbers, but if you have some experience in rock climbing, there are routes that you can successfully complete with the help of a guide. This course is meant to develop skills and techniques that will take your climbing to the next level. You will spend time on rock, snow and ice terrain to round out the skill set with guides that have years and years of mountain experience to share with you.
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
If you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. If not, you can rent crampons, harness, axe and a helmet for $20.00 per day. You’ll need:
Group sizes and prices:
If you are traveling with a bigger group, let us know and we will make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
One of your quickest options for getting to the Rockies is the Calgary International Airport, located just an hour and a half from Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies and and 4 hours away from Columbia Icefields. From there you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the Canadian Rockies.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. Depending on your wishes and objectives, fitness level, and previous climbing experience, your guide will choose the most appropriate location for alpine climbing.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.
