Alpine Climbing in 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, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Canadian Rockies, please refer to the official Alberta website and official Province of British Columbia website.

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 in this adventure:

• • Experienced ACMG/IFMGA certified local rock-climbing guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  • One day of alpine rock climbing
  • Group technical gear
  • Pre climb logistics and planning

What’s not included:

• • Guide expenses
  • Accommodations
  • Alpine kit rental, crampons, harness, axe and helmet $20.00/day
  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Accommodation

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.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Fleece or wool hat
  • Neck gaiter
  • Face mask
  • Lightweight and midweight gloves
  • Hardshell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
  • Lightweight wind shell
  • Down or synthetic jacket with hood
  • Long-sleeved base layer
  • Long base layer pants (tights work well in the summer)
  • Hardshell pants
  • Softshell pants (wind-proof or wind-resistant)
  • Leg gaiters (ankle to mid calf height works best in summer)
  • Liner socks and wool socks
  • Underwear
  • Mountaineering boots that work with crampons (can be rented)
  • Rock shoes (can be rented)
  • Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (around 40L)
  • Sunglasses or a visor hat
  • Headlamp
  • Ice axe (can be rented)
  • Crampons (can be rented)
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Food you can eat on-the-go
  • Bowl, mug, and spork
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, blister kit, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Pee bottle — optional
  • Camera — optional

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:

• • Helmet
  • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device and chalk bag
  • Ropes
  • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

Group sizes and prices:

• • For the private alpine climbing adventure, client to guide ratio is 3:1 and cost is per person.
  • Costs per person decrease as the group grows, making it a perfect opportunity to go climbing with your friends and family.
  • Prices subject to increase with increased commitment and objectives.

If you are traveling with a bigger group, let us know and we will make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.

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.