Ice Climbing in the Canadian Rockies

Things to know

• Covid measures in the Canadian Rockies

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta and British Columbia, please refer to the COVID-19 travel guidelines for Alberta and COVID-19 travel guidelines for British Columbia.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on the private adventures and the multi-pitch ice climbing adventure:

  • • An experienced, local mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • A full day of ice climbing instruction and practice
    • All group technical gear
    • All technical ice climbing gear (helmet, harness, boots, crampons, ice axes) for Intro to Ice Climbing

  What’s not included:

  • • Personal climbing gear (can be rented from your guiding service)
    • Transportation
    • Accommodations
    • Meals and snacks

  Note: Some guide expenses may be charged for the private adventures and the Multi-Pitch Adventure, such as mileage, depending on location and objective.

• How fit do I need to be?

  If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up ice formations using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  The Canadian Rockies have plenty of options for beginner ice climbers. Whether you’ve never ice climbed before or are transitioning from rock to ice climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the ice formations, and most importantly, have fun!

  For intermediate to advanced climbers, the Canadian Rockies have loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while ice climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

• What about required equipment?

  Technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service for Introduction to ice climbing. Personal climbing equipment can be rented from your guiding service. If you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • • Helmet
    • Climbing harness
    • Mountaineering boots
    • 2 technical ice climbing tools
    • Crampons (12 point, must fit your boots)
    • Ice ax

  Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

  • • Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40-55L bag)
    • Warm hat/toque
    • Neck tube/balaclava
    • Waterproof mountaineering gloves or wool/fleece mitts/gloves
    • Waterproof over mitts (two pairs)
    • Lightweight winter ice climbing gloves (tight fit)
    • Outer waterproof jacket with hood
    • Heavyweight fleece or insulated down jacket with hood
    • Medium-weight fleece sweater
    • Wool or fleece long sleeve shirt
    • Shoeller and/or Gore-tex pants
    • Waterproof knee-length gaiters (that will fit over large boots)
    • Polypro, wool, capilene or fleece long top and bottom underwear
    • Wool/blend socks
    • 1-liter water bottle
    • Thermos with a warm beverage
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Sunglasses
    • Headlamp with fresh batteries
    • Pocket knife
    • Blister kit
    • Trekking or ski poles
    • Camera — optional

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For Intro to Ice Climbing, the group size is usually between 1–8 people with one guide, with a minimum of 4 participants per tour. Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
    • For the Private Ice Climbing Adventure, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
    • For the Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing Adventure, the max. guest-to-guide ratio is 2:1.
    • Costs per person decrease as the group grows for the private adventures, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.

  Ice climbing days in the Canadian Rockies can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors as young as 14 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
    • Children and minors younger than 14 aren’t allowed to participate in this tour.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the Canadian Rockies, most people fly into Calgary International Airport 1.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.