Ice Climbing

There is something incredibly rewarding about sinking the slender steel pick of an ice tool into a sheet of plastic ice with conviction. Unlike rock climbing which is dictated by the presence (or absence) of holds, crampons and ice tools allow us to penetrate this frozen medium under our own terms. Water is one of the most intriguing elements and it can form some incredible features when it freezes. From smooth sheets, ribbed columns, and icicle chandeliers, to malignant mushrooms, and hanging daggers, it can be a meter thick one year and non-existent the next.

Ice Climbing Courses

Intro Ice

Intro Ice

Welcome to the magical world of waterfall ice climbing.  This one day course takes place near Canmore, AB and will cover all the basics, providing you with a solid grounding for crampon footwork, efficient ice tool use, and stylin' movement skills.  There will be plenty of time for top roping ice routes and if you are entirely new to climbing we will cover safe belay techniques and all equipment usage.

Season: December to March

Pricing, Rentals & Contact info

Leading Ice

Intro Ice

Lead climbing on ice opens the doors to countless possibilities but learning good and safe habits is paramount. This day long course covers safe active lead belaying, effective gear racking, restful ice screw placements, anchor building, descending, Abalacovs, and tips to make your ice career a long, safe and happy one!

Season: December to March
Dates on demand
$160 / person (includes all technical gear)
You should be an experienced top rope ice climber.

Pricing, Rentals & Contact info

Guided Outings - Day Trips from Canmore

Ice Cragging

Haffner Creek

Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, single pitch ice crags are a great way to practice and hone your skills for the longer multipitch routes. 

The Canmore Junkyards, Grotto Canyon, Haffner Creek, Johnston Canyon, the Wedge Smear and King Creek are a few of the great local playgrounds for top roping on ice and mixed routes or learning to lead.

Season: December to March

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Multipitch Ice

Cascade Falls

The Rockies are home to some of the best multipitch ice routes in the world! Whether you are looking to try your first easy long route or you want to cut your teeth on some of the harder gems, there is something here for everyone!

Some of the classics are Cascade Falls WI3, This House of Sky WI3, Professor Falls WI4, Kidd Falls WI4, Guinness Gully WI4, Louise Falls WI4, Weeping Wall WI5, Whiteman Falls WI6, and Nemesis WI6.

Season: December to March

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Guided Multiday Trips

Rockies Ice Tour

Rockies Ice Tour

Basing out of the Alpine Clubhouse in Lake Louise or the Rampart Creek Hostel up the Icefields Parkway allows for daily forays into the ice mecca with minimal driving.  The options are endless. Come and enjoy the classics of the area on your own privately guided ice tour. Routes will be custom selected to suit your personal tastes and abilities.

Trip length: 3-5 days
Season: Mid November to Mid April

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