Ice Climbing Camp: Columbia Icefields

Start Your Climbing Season Early

Columbia Icefields Ice Climbing Camp

 

Kick off the ice climbing season with two days of climbing and skills development in the Columbia Icefields. Based on the Athabasca Glacier, this early-season camp is designed for both beginners looking to get into ice climbing and intermediate climbers wanting to build on their existing skills.

Led by certified ACMG guides, each day is tailored to the experience and goals of the group. Beginners can learn the fundamentals of ice climbing, while more experienced climbers can work on technique, efficiency and technical systems.

Two-Day Early Season Ice Climbing Camp

 

Program Overview

 

This hands-on two-day camp is an opportunity to get on the ice early, build confidence and develop your climbing skills in the unique setting of the Columbia Icefields.

For first-time climbers, the focus is on learning the foundations of ice climbing, including movement, crampon technique, ice tool use and climbing safely on ice.

For intermediate climbers, the program can progress into more advanced movement, efficient climbing, ice screw placements, anchors, rappelling and other technical systems.

Your guides will adapt the program to the conditions, terrain and ability of the group, making the two days useful whether you are picking up ice tools for the first time or looking to sharpen your existing skills.

What You’ll Work On

 

• Ice climbing fundamentals and movement technique
• Crampon and ice tool technique
• Efficient climbing on varied ice
• Ice screw placement
• Building ice anchors
• V-threads and rappel systems
• Climbing and movement on glaciated terrain
• Technical skills tailored to your experience

Location

 

Based around the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields, the exact climbing objectives will depend on current ice conditions and the experience of the group.

Who Is It For?

 

Beginners: No previous ice climbing experience required. A great introduction for anyone wanting to get into ice climbing and start building a solid foundation.

Intermediate Climbers: Ideal for climbers with previous ice experience who want to improve technique, become more efficient and develop their technical systems.

Two days. Early season ice. A head start on the climbing season.

Course Package

 

A detailed program package will be emailed 3 days prior to the activity.

Tipping Your Guide

 

If you had an exceptional experience, tips for guides are always appreciated. A 10–15% gratuity is customary and can be given in cash or arranged through the AAA office.

Important Documents & Policies

 

• Please read and review our Waiver prior to booking.
• Please read and review our Cancellation Policy.
• Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group.
• All of our guides have undergone training and evaluation by the ACMG, meeting the established criteria of a globally acknowledged professional organization.