Trip details

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, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta, please refer to the COVID-19 travel guidelines for Alberta.

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:

• • An experienced, local ACMG / IFMGA Mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 3 or 4 days of ice climbing instruction and practice depending on your chosen itinerary
  • Use of group technical gear
  • For the 4-Day Advanced adventure: 3 nights’ accommodation in shared rooms at mountain hostels

Not included:

• • Transportation
  • Accomodations for the 3-Day Intermediate adventure
  • Personal climbing equipment (can be rented from your guiding service)
  • Boots
  • Meals and snacks

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.

In order to participate in these adventures, you need to have some prior ice climbing experience under your belt. 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 climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer. If this is your first time on ice, join a guide for a day of Intro to Ice Climbing.

Technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service for the Intermediate Ice Climbing Adventure, except for boots. Personal climbing gear 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 (for intermediate and advanced ascents)
  • 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 material, wool/nylon blend or fleece pants
  • Waterproof knee-length gaiters (that will fit over large boots)
  • Polypro, wool, capilene or fleece long top and bottom underwear
  • Wool/blend socks (clean socks for each day)
  • Sleeping bag for the hostels (for the Advanced Ice Climbing Adventure)
  • 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 prices:

• • • For these adventures, the usual guest to guide ratio is 6:1 (2:1 for multi pitch climbs).
    • Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
    • If joining alone, you’ll be placed with peers that share a similar level of experience.

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 ice climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

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.

• Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you.
• Once the dates for 2024 are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
• The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
• Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.

• The deposit is non-refundable once the trip has been confirmed
• 70% of the adventure price is refundable if canceled 59 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed
• 50% of the adventure price is refundable if canceled 30-59 days before departure
• 25% of the adventure price is refundable if canceled 16-29 days before departure
• 0% of the price of the trip if it is canceled 15 days before departure.