Intro Ice Weekends

Join us for a fun and adventurous weekend of learning to ice climb this winter! We will visit two spectacular ice climbing areas with a variety of different climbs to try each day.  The guide will provide lots of instruction while you learn to ice climb safely & enjoyably! This ice climbing course is suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness and a bit of determination, no previous climbing experience is required.  Instructors of this course are expert climbers, passionate teachers and fully certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

Ice climbing course at King Creek, Kananaskis, Alberta

DATES 2024/25:

  • Dec 14-15th, ’24 (1 spot left***)
  • Jan 11-12th (3 spots left)
  • Feb 8-9th (6 spots left)
  • Feb 22-23rd (4 spots left)
  • Mar 22-23rd (6 spots left)
  • Apr 5-6th (6 spots left)
  • CUSTOM DATES available December to March for groups of 1 – 8 people.
  • *** Remaining spots reserved for combining with Ice Skills Week

COST: $375 + GST per person

Max Group Size: 6

Prerequisites:  Enthusiasm and basic hiking fitness.  No previous climbing experience is required.

Meeting Place:  Canmore. AB

Book your spot: Please contact us at info@cdnalpine.com to get signed up!  You can join as an individual or as a group of up to six people.  A non-refundable deposit of $150 + GST is required to book your spot, with the remainder due 4 weeks prior to the start of the course.  Invoices will be provided with options for etransfer, credit card and PayPal.  Reading and completing a Waiver form is required to participate in all courses or trips.  A copy of the Waiver will be provided to you before booking and can also be downloaded here: CRAG Waiver Form.  Before booking you must acknowledge that you have read & agree to the Waiver form.  

Ice climbing lessons in Canmore
Ice climbing course near Banff

Agenda

Day 1 – After meeting in Canmore we will drive out to a nearby frozen waterfall and begin learning the art of climbing ice. Participants will first be introduced to the specialized gear and then spend the day learning how to use it. We will enjoy a full day of climbing with lots of turns for everyone!

Day 2 – Another full day of climbing! We will choose a location that has a number of routes of varying difficulties. Most participants find that their skill level increases dramatically on this second day of climbing and that they are now hooked on this fun sport. There may be the opportunity to try some mixed climbing on this day as well!

Optional Day 3 – Multipitch Ascent: Course participants can add on a day of multipitch climbing (longer climbs of more than one ropelength) in groups of 1 or 2 people. This is offered at a discounted rate for course participants of: $550 for 1 person or $300 each for 2 people. Please request this option in advance. See the ice page for more information on guided ascents. Note that you do not need any previous experience to enjoy this option, your guide will choose a climb to meet your abilities!

Gear List

All technical equipment is provided free of charge except for boots. However, if you have any of your own climbing gear, feel free to use it!  If you are unable to locate any of these items or have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time for assistance.

  • Ice Climbing Boots – can easily be rented in Canmore at GearUp Sports
  • Small Pack (about 30 litres) – available for loan
  • Crampons – provided
  • Ice axes – provided
  • Harness – provided
  • Helmet – provided
  • Belay Device – provided
  • Sweater/Fleece
  • Winter Jacket or Goretex/Softshell Jacket
  • Winter Pants or Goretex/Softshell Pants
  • Long Underwear
  • Gloves (2 pairs)
  • Toque
  • Water Bottle/Thermos
  • Lunch
Waterfall ice climbing near Banff