Organizers: Brittany Colville and John Ding

Activity Type:  Ice Climbing
Difficulty Rating: Beginner and Intermediate

Itinerary: Let's start off 2022 with a weekend sinking our picks into some ice around Canmore/Banff. The crags chosen are all TR accessible with routes ranging from WI3-5 so there is something for everyone to get their laps in, practice their technique and have fun with the club!

Saturday, Jan 8: Bear Spirit (Banff National Park)

• We will be meeting at the trail head at 7am (we do not want to get scooped)

• To get to the trail head follow Hwy 1 to the turnoff for the Bow Valley Parkway. Take an immediate right-hand turn to a closed road. Park here.

Sunday, Jan 9: Tasting Fear (Kananaskis)

• We will meet at the Tim Hortons by the Esso off Hwy 40 at 6:30am to car-pool in vehicles with K Country passes (subject to changes in Covid-19 health guidelines). From there we will drive 30 minutes to the Galatea Creek trailhead 32 km south down Hwy 40.

• The approach is about an hour down a relatively flat trail leading to some steep WI5 ice.

other possible crags are The Junkyards or Haffner Creek

Prerequisites / Courses Required: 

• Must be able to safely TR belay

• Have access to ice climbing gear (Gear Up in Canmore does rentals for those needing equipment)

• Previous ice climbing experience or lots of stoke to learn!
  

Required items to bring: 

• Mountaineering boots, crampons, ice tools, helmet, harness and all personal climbing gear

• Warm Clothes (Bring layers)

  • Recommended top layers: Hard shell, insulated jacket, soft shell and base layer.

  • Recommended bottom layers: Hard shell, soft shell, base layer

• Extra socks, a few pairs of gloves

• Headlamp (we will likely be walking in and out in the dark)

• Food and water

• Optional: Hiking poles, hand warmers

As per club guidelines, participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and transportation.

This trip is subject to cancellation due to changes in weather conditions and/or Covid-19 health guidelines.

Health & Wellness Form: This document is to be completed by trip participants & trip coordinators the day of travel to an event as well as every morning of the event. 

All participants are required to review and comply with the updated GMMC Resources guidelines and the COVID-19 Policy.

Please refer to the GMMC Policies regarding Animals, Carpooling, Accommodation, and Cancellation.