Ice climbing in the Alps

2008 Waterfall Ice Climbing in the Canadian Rockies

Head North and climb some of the finest water ice routes on the planet. The mountains around Banff and Canmore offer unparalled opportunities for every level of frozen adventure. IFMGA Mountain Guide Clint Cook will lead you up the best lines and improve your abilities and confidence.

The Canadian Rockies are unrivaled in their diversity and quality of water ice climbing routes. Ouray is still the best place to learn, but Canada is the ultimate proving gound. Famed routes like Polar Circus, Hydrophobia, Sea of Vapors, and Curtain Call have been calling to ice climbers for years. While these stellar routes epotimize the grandeur of the climbing in the area, there are an unimaginable number of more moderate routes suitable for all climbing abilities. Cascade Falls, Guinness Gully, Professor Falls, and Louise Falls are only a few of the routes that most any climber can enjoy with good instruction and an adventurous spirit.

We base most trips out of the beautiful mountain town of Canmore, Alberta. Its central location, friendly locals, and array of accommodations and services make it a perfect place to come back to after a dayy out in the cold. There are also a number of other places (Num-Ti-Jah Lodge and Rampart Creek Hostel) to stay up on the Icefields Parkway that offer very quick drives to some classic areas like Bow Falls and the Weeping Wall.

The Routes: beautiful frozen cascades, steep ephemeral smears, challenging mixed climbs; superb quality routes of all difficulties.

Bow Valley Climbs

Grotto Falls
Coire Dubh Integrale
Cascade Falls
Rogan's Gully
Professor Falls
Sea of Vapors
Louise Falls


Icefields Parkway Climbs

Weeping Wall and Weeping Pillar
Murchison Falls
Kitty Hawk
Curtain Call
Mixed Master
Polar Circus
Bow Falls

Ghost River Valley Climbs

Wicked Wanda
This House of Sky
The Sorcerer
Hydrophobia

And Countless More Classic Routes to Choose From!

 

 

 

If you are looking for a new ice climbiing adventure, head north! Nothing in the lower 48 comopares to the grandeur of climbing ice in Canada. But don't think you have to be an expert to enjoy it. There are tons of routes at every grade and for every experience level. Every year I spend equal time guiding long Grade 5's and instructing beginners around Canmore.

Canadian Rates and 2008 Schedule

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2008 Canada Schedule: SJMG Director and fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide Clint Cook will be guiding in the Canadian Rockies this coming winter. His availability is as follows:

February 25 - March 21, 2008: Schedule your dream trip to this ice climbing paradise. Pick a minimum of three days that fit your schedule, and we will work together to select the routes that best fit your goals and experience; and the current ice and avalanche conditions.

Call Soon! Dates are filling for the short winter season. Pick your itinerary from the days above.

We specialize in creating the perfect itinerary for each trip based on route conditions, weather, fitness, and your personal experience and ultimate goals. We do not schedule large fixed-date group trips. All Canadian guiding is done at a 1:1 or 2:1 climber to guide ratio. All trips are booked to fit your schedule and availability, please email or call our office to discuss the best options for you.

6-day Rockies Ice Spectacular: Start with a day of instruction to hone your skills and then take on a different classic route each day.
(1:1 $2460; 2:1 $1850 per climber)

Custom / Private Guiding Rates:
(minimum 3 days)

1:1 ratio $425 USD per climber per day*
2:1 ratio $315 USD per climber per day*

(Different routes have different maximum ratios. More difficult routes are done at a 1:1 ratio only. All rates include expenses for the guide, including hut fees, transport, lifts, meals, and lodging. They do not include these expenses for the guest. They also include travel with the guide to and from each climb, and all necessary Parks Canada permits and passes. )

*All Canadian programs are operated through a private arrangement between Clint Cook and the client. Due to specific regulations in Canada, guides are required to do business as individuals not part of a company.


There are only a handful of American guides with the credentials to legally guide in Canada. These guides posses a very high level of training, knowledge and experience that is necessary for moving efficiently and enjoying the unique iceroutes of the Canadian Rockies. No matter who who go with, make sure they are IFMGA/UIAGM Certified.Go to www.amga.com for more information.
For additional information about these great Canadian mountaineering trips or to customize your own private adventure contact San Juan Mountain Guides.