Alpine Club of Canada, Edmonton Section

Columbia Icefields Ski Mountaineering (Training w/ Guide) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2026

The Basics:
Event Type:		Skiing
Event Location:		Columbia Icefields
Event Starts:		Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 07:00 AM
Event Ends:		Sunday, May 03, 2026 07:00 PM
Registration Cut Off:		Sunday, Feb 15, 2026 08:30 PM
Difficulty Rating:		D3 - See Conversion Chart
Trip Coordinator(s):		Monica Benson

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:		Members & Guests,
Attendee Screening:		Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size:		3
Minimum Group Size:		3
Number Registered So Far:		0 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:		No

Itinerary:
Looking to further your skillset for ski mountaineering, glacier travel and winter camping? This trip is organized with a focus on developing skills with a guide (not just a guided trip), with objectives including: - Practice travel &/or leading on more complex glacier, trip planning, route finding - Intro/development of ski mountaineering skills - Practice winter camping skills dates/trip is tentative at this point – can only be confirmed once three participants have committed to the course An approximate outline: Day 1: Approach via Saskatchewan Glacier (18km, +1200m) & setting up the high camp Day 2: Crevasse Rescue Systems Refresher + Snow Dome / Castleguard Day 3: Ski Mountaineering objective along the lines of Mt Kitchener, Stutfield Peak, Mt Columbia, North Twin, or South Twin (conditions-dependent) Day 4: Return via Saskatchewan Glacier Prerequisites: Ability to cover 15-20km in travel distance, with 1000-1500m of elevation gain; strong base of fitness (3-3.5km/h skin track pace with hourly breaks for 7-8 hours); ability to descend with confidence any black or double black rated terrain in variable snow conditions within the bounds of a ski resort; prior experience of travel in complex glaciated terrain; well-practiced crevasse rescue system (attendance on ACC practice nights or proof of equivalent training); prior experience with multi-day backcountry trips (summer or winter - key is ability to carry a heavy backpack and to set up camp) Guide to Guest Ratio: 1:3 (due to complexity of tentative Day 3 objectives) Cost: $1800 + GST (+ option for a pre-trip/route planning day via Zoom with the guide for $230/person – TBD between all participants) Required Items to Bring: - Full gear list will be provided at a later date - Food for the trip will be the responsibility of the individual Questions/Comments? One objective in organizing this course is to try to arrange for some more training/development opportunities for the club. If you have any questions or comments about the trip (or ideas for courses you’d like to see), feel free to email mnbenson11@gmail.com
If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Cancellation Policy You can view our cancellation policy here. Click Here to return to the ACC Edmonton Website Home Page
Waiver Requirement Participation in this activity is subject to the participant having signed the ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”). The Waiver is a legal document in which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! Members participating in this activity do not require a separate Waiver. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. If your membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree with the forgoing waiver terms. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. Non-members participating in this activity will be required to review and agree to the Waiver prior to participating in the activity. The current version of the Waiver can be viewed here alpineclubofcanada.ca/acc-waivers/. The Waiver will be presented for completion at the start of the Activity.

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I have read and understood the hazards associated with this event. I understand that there are risks associated with with this activity and am signing up for this event knowing the dangers that exist.