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Highlights
Develop an understanding of mountaineering basics in the wintertime
Start from the beginning to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering in a winter environment.
Learn from well-trained, certified guides who can provide enthusiastic guidance and feedback.
Build your confidence in alpine terrain with the stunning Canadian Rockies as your backdrop.
Complete this course feeling ready to advance your mountaineering skills and reach new heights.
Mountaineering doesn’t have to be intimidating. Learn the fundamentals on the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course, an unforgettable adventure designed to teach you the skills you’ll need to conquer new mountains without previous experience required.
All you need to take this course is a solid level of hiking fitness. You’ll be taught from the ground up, learning about proper equipment use, movement skills, safety essentials, and on-mountain movement. You’ll do it all with the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies as your backdrop! If you’re wanting to further your mountain adventures, the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course is perfect for you.
Mountaineering doesn’t have to be intimidating. Learn the fundamentals on the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course, an unforgettable adventure designed to teach you the skills you’ll need to conquer new mountains without previous experience required.
All you need to take this course is a solid level of hiking fitness. You’ll be taught from the ground up, learning about proper equipment use, movement skills, safety essentials, and on-mountain movement. You’ll do it all with the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies as your backdrop! If you’re wanting to further your mountain adventures, the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course is perfect for you.
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Basics of Winter Mountaineering Itinerary
Day 1 Meet and First Lessons
Begin your course by meeting at the Icefields Campground shelter. You’ll go over your equipment and fit your crampons, then head to a nearby training area. Learn knots and harness use, then begin learning the basics of movement on snow, ice axe use, self-arrest, and belaying on snow.
Overnight Location: Not included in tour price
Meals: None
Day 2 Ice School and Mountaineering Techniques
Get ready to learn! Today will be spent at “ice school”, learning crevasse rescue, glacier morphology, crampon technique, low angle climbing, ice screw use, and axe use.
Overnight Location: Not included in tour price
Meals: None
Day 3 Peak Ascent
To put your knowledge to the test, you’ll spend today ascending a suitable peak. The first choice is Mount Athabasca, but if that’s too much of a challenge for the group, an easier summit will be chosen. Get ready for an experience you’ll never forget!
After getting off the mountain, your adventure concludes.
Overnight Location: Not included in tour price
Meals: None
Basics of Winter Mountaineering Price and Dates
This guided mountaineering tour in the Canadian Rockies is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you). Please note that due to very high demand and limited availability in campgrounds it is necessary to plan your trip a long time in advance.Prices below are per person:
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Accommodation on the Basics of Winter Mountaineering Tour
There are no included accommodations on this tour. We recommend that you book a spot at the Icefields Campground for the duration of your tour, which is where the guides normally stay. We can assist you with this if desired.
What’s Included in the Basics of Winter Mountaineering Tour?
Logistics, Meals and Accommodation
This training course doesn’t include any meals, transportation, or accommodation. If you need any help with booking your own accommodation, we are happy to assist you if needed. Travellers taking this course can enjoy a discounted rate at Clique Hotels & resorts. For meals, please pack your own high-energy meals and snacks for field days.
Also Included
- Crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, etc.
- Excess luggage storage
Not Included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- Canada Parks Entry Pass
- GST (5%)
- How hard is the Basics of Winter Mountaineering tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Basics of Winter Mountaineering tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Icefields Parkway Campground to start this tour?
- Is the Basics of Winter Mountaineering tour guided?
- Where does the Basics of Winter Mountaineering tour end?
- What do I need to bring?
- Mountaineering boots (must be crampon compatible, rentals available)
- Daypack (30-40 litres, optional)
- Water bottle (1-2 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
- Camera
- Compass
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Blister kit
- First aid items (guides carry a first aid kit, but you may bring your own Band-Aids and anti-inflammatory medication if desired)
- Personal toiletries, including hand sanitizer
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
- When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. While you don’t need any experience mountaineering, this tour is not recommended for beginner hikers. You should have experience hiking and a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour. If you’d like to climb Mount Athabasca at the end of the course, a high level of fitness will be required.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
No meals are included. Please pack your own high-energy foods.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Please verify that your insurance covers the included activities on this tour. Get your Travel Insurance.
The Icefields are located approximately 180 km north of Banff on highway 93.
Yes, you will be led by an experienced guide.
The tour ends after you complete your hike. You will be responsible for finding your own way back to the airport or your next destination after the tour.
You will be provided with crampons, mountaineering ice axes, climbing harnesses, helmets, and all other technical equipment. Please bring:
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to visit the Rockies for this tour is between September and October when the snow conditions on the mountain are good but the weather isn’t too cold yet.
Customer Ratings
Located in Canmore, Alberta at the gates of Banff National Park, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is one of Canada’s premier providers of mountaineering, rock & ice climbing, backcountry skiing, hiking, and trekking experiences in the Canadian Rockies. For over 40 years, we have hosted thousands of clients from Canada and all over the world. Our brand is known for quality mountain experiences, safety, and well-organized itineraries. We have some of the best mountain guides and hiking guides in the industry. All Yamnuska Mountain Adventures climbing guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
