The sport of ice climbing, as the term indicates, is the activity of pulling yourself up a vertical ice formation, usually a glacier, frozen waterfall, icefalls or cliffs and rock slabs covered in ice.

The Canadian Rockies are considered to be the center of the climbing universe. They boast excellent ice that is readily accessible. Since Canmore is smack dab in the middle of the Rockies, we could qualify it as "an all access hub to some of the best ice climbing in the world" (but lets remain humble).

This is not a cheap sport. With an extensive list of required equipment and high ended guide and lesson costs it can get pretty costly. However according to some testimonials we've heard it's a highly addictive sport. However, it is not recommended without a few lessons under your climbing helmet and a quilified guide is a must. Such guides:

• will know the best route to climb and the safest way down (all matched to your skill and compentence level).
• know the current ice and snow conditions.
• can suggest the best skills and techniques to use on various parts of the climb.
• will have access to transport to and from the ice (and knows how to get there).
• can take pictures of you and your group as you scale the ice (ok, this might not be necessary but it's still a plus).

Great Ice Climbing Guides

Even before putting on the boots, loading the back pack, counting all you carabiners (those loopy things that clip rapidly on an off) and bundleing up all your rope you have to select the appropriate ice slope to climb.

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures (YMA) is the official organizer of Canmore's annual Arc'teryx Ice Climbing Festival. They offer several ice climbing programs; from daily instruction for beginners to advanced guided climbs. YMA is your one stop shop for planning and booking a climbing trip.

Follow this link for information on guided climbs, daily lessons and private instructions with YMA.

Have a fun and safe climb!