Basics of Winter Mountaineering
Group of climbers resting surrounded by snowy peaks while on ice and snow training course in the Canadian Rockies

Basics of Winter Mountaineering

3 days

Group of climbers resting surrounded by snowy peaks while on ice and snow training course in the Canadian RockiesAthabasca Yam Group, snowy mountains near AthabascaSnow and Ice training in the Canadian RockiesGroup of people on Athabasca IcefieldSnowy slopes near AthabascaHiker during the sunsetGroup of hikers walking on a snowSnowy terrain near Athabasca in the Canadian RockiesPreparing to ascend the snowy slopeAscending the slipery slope while on a training course in the Canadian RockiesSteep ascend on the snow in the Canadian RockiesWalking with a guided group in the Athabasca RegionGroup of climbers in Athabasca RegionWalking along the ridge near AthabascaCrossing the crevasseGroup of climbers learning to cross the crevasse

Develop an understanding of mountaineering basics in the wintertime

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.

Highlights of the Basics of Winter Mountaineering

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.

Prices

From $750USD
3 days
Difficulty
Guided
Camping
  • No Booking or Credit Card Fees
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Basics of Winter Mountaineering

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

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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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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%)

Frequently Asked Questions about Basics of Winter Mountaineering

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.

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Map of Basics of Winter Mountaineering Tour

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Is this tour for me?

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.

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Got any questions regarding the tour? Interested in promotions for groups or want to customize this tour to fit your needs? We are here to help you!
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