Ice Climbing Intensive Week

A 7-day ice climbing course based in the David Thompson. Possible objectives include: Two O'Clock Falls, Cline River Gallery, SARS on Ice, Five Seven Zero, Kitty Hawk, Elliot Left Hand, Bloodline, Gentleman Orders, and more. Our base will be the David Thompson Resort's Bed and Breakfast: comfortable private lodging with great home-cooked meals.

Location
David Thompson Country, 35 km east of the Saskatchewan River Crossing on the Icefields Parkway. This area includes some of the best, most accessible, and least-crowded ice climbs in the Canadian Rockies. See Rescue Dynamics' Mini-Guide to David Thompson Ice for more details!

The David Thompson Resort, our "home away from home" during the course, provides comfortable accommodation and meals (included with the course fee) and is perfectly situated—drives of between 5 and 15 minutes max—for our objectives.

Alternatives: You can also request the Ghost River area as an alternate destination. Either camping (good winter camping with campfires available) or longish drives (1.5 to 2 hours from Cochrane, the nearest town) are the best bets here.

Dates
Any week between December 7 through March 15 is fair game for either the David Thompson or the Ghost. February has the most consistent good weather and fattest ice, but is the busiest time of year; Both areas are also known as good early-season destinations, so bookings can be made as early as the beginning of December!

Itinerary
Day 1: Meet at Laggans Cafe at 7:00 am for breakfast and a discussion of the day's and week's objectives. Drive up to the David Thompson highway and start with Two O'Clock Falls (beginner's area and good for intro ice climbing and anchor building instruction) or Cline River Gallery (steeper ice climbing opportunities, close to the road). Evening: Move into our accommodation for the week at the David Thompson Resort and sit down for a hearty supper, Alberta home-style!

Days 2-4: Up the ante with more climbing and multi-pitch routes. Terrific routes include SARS on Ice and Five Seven Zero. See Rescue Dynamics' Mini-Guide to David Thompson Ice for more details!

Day 5-7: Options days. Possibilities include learning how to lead climb, mixed climbing in the Gallery, and the bigger multi-pitch routes like Elliot Left Hand and Kitty Hawk!

Cost
$1984/person (groups of 2 or more). If you are an individual we may be able to place you with another individual or group.