Ski Mountaineering Expedition on Mt. Columbia

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 Mt. Columbia, Alberta, please refer to Canada’s COVID-19 travel guidelines and the Alberta Health Service’s COVID-19 travel restrictions.

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 you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local ski mountaineering guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 4 days of backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering
  • Tent accommodations during the tour
  • Food and snacks
  • Use of stoves and other group equipment

What’s not included:

• • Skiing and avalanche safety equipment
  • Transportation
  • Pre and post-trip accommodations

In order to get the most of this adventure, you need to have a decent level of fitness. You will be on your feet for 4 full days. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

This expedition is suitable for intermediate to advanced mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and boarders. 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 climbing the classic routes or best-hidden gems the area has to offer.

For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

• • Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
  • Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
  • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    • Lightweight snow shovel
    • Avalanche probe

For personal items, we recommend bringing:

• • Helmet
  • Sunglasses or ski goggles
  • Gloves and hat
  • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
  • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
  • Down jacket or vest
  • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear, and socks
  • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
  • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
  • Water bottle and 1L of water
  • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
  • Food you can eat on-the-go
  • First aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
  • 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.

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:

• • Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe can be rented in Banff
  • Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles can be rented in Banff

Ski rental locations are in Banff, Alberta, and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

Group sizes and prices:

• • The group size for these tours is usually between 1–4 people with one guide.
  • Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to mountaineer with friends and family.

Ski mountaineering in Mt. Columbia 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to mountaineer on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

To get to Mt. Columbia, most people fly into Calgary International Airport 1.5 hours from Banff, Alberta. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Banff. It’s an additional 2-hour drive from Banff to Columbia Icefields.

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’s Bunkhouse in Banff, in the Columbia Icefields, or in another predetermined location. From there, you’ll head to your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group.