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Highlights
Develop an understanding of mountaineering basics in the Rockies
Start from the beginning to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering in a true mountain environment.
Learn from well-trained, certified guides who can provide enthusiastic tips and feedback.
Build your confidence in alpine terrain with the stunning Canadian Rockies as your backdrop.
Leave on the final day feeling ready to advance your mountaineering skills and reach new heights.
Are you a solid hiker looking to get to the next level? Learn the fundamentals of mountain navigation and movement on the Introduction to 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! On the final day, you’ll be given the chance to lead the group, putting everything you’ve learned into practice. If you’re wanting to further your mountain adventures, the Introduction to Mountaineering course is perfect for you.
Are you a solid hiker looking to get to the next level? Learn the fundamentals of mountain navigation and movement on the Introduction to 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! On the final day, you’ll be given the chance to lead the group, putting everything you’ve learned into practice. If you’re wanting to further your mountain adventures, the Introduction to Mountaineering course is perfect for you.
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Introduction to Mountaineering Itinerary
Day 1 Meet and First Lessons
Begin your course by meeting in Canmore. You’ll go over your equipment and fit your crampons, then head to Bow Lake. From here, you’ll hike to Bow Hut, where you’ll settle in for the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut in the Canadian Rockies
Distance: 3-5 hours
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2-5 Mountaineering near Bow Hut
Get ready to learn! The next three days will be spent learning crevasse rescue, glacier morphology, crampon technique, low angle climbing, ice screw use, axe use, and more. You’ll climb peaks like Mt. Olive, Mt. St. Nicholas, Mt. Gordon, and Mt. Thompson. When you’re ready, you’ll have the chance to lead the group on a climb.
Each evening, you’ll return to Bow Hut to rest up and relax.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut in the Canadian Rockies
Distance: Between 8-10 hours per day
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Technique Review and Return to Canmore
Take a final day to review your technique, then begin the hike back down to Bow Lake. Your tour concludes once you get back to Canmore.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 8km, 20m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Introduction to 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 Introduction to Mountaineering Tour
This tour is based in mountain huts. Sleeping areas are communal and the facilities are basic. There is no running water, but you will gather water as needed.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
There are no single rooms available on this tour as all accommodations are communal. There may be a minimum required group size, so please contact us about joining an existing group if you are a solo traveller.
What’s Included in the Introduction to Mountaineering Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included. If you have a special dietary requirement, please let us know. Additional charges may apply for dietary restrictions.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included on this tour.
Transportation During the Tour
This tour starts and ends in Canmore, from where all necessary transfers are included. You are responsible for getting to tour starting location yourself.
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
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Special dietary requirement meals
- How hard is the Introduction to Mountaineering tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Introduction to Mountaineering tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Canmore to start this tour?
- Is the Introduction to Mountaineering tour guided?
- Where does the Introduction to Mountaineering tour end?
- What do I need to bring?
- Mountaineering boots (must be crampon compatible, rentals available)
- Multiday and daypack
- Water bottle (1-2 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
- Camera
- Compass
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Blister kit
- Earplugs
- 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
- Plastic mug, bowl, and eating utensils
- 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 4/5. While you don’t need any experience mountaineering, this tour is not recommended for beginner hikers. You should have experience hiking and a high level of fitness to enjoy this tour, as you’ll be on the mountain for 8-10 hours each day completing high-elevation climbs.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements. Additional charges may apply for dietary requirements.
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.
Fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). We recommend you rent a car or book a shuttle as there is no included transportation between Calgary and the meeting point on this tour.
Yes, you will be led by an experienced guide.
The tour ends in Canmore. You will be responsible for finding your own way back to the airport 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 August and the end of September when the conditions tend to be the best.
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.
