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Intro to Ski Mountaineering
Learn the Skills Needed to Unlock Glaciated, Steep or Technical Terrain
Trip Description
Take your backcountry skiing to the next level with the ACC's spring Ski Mountaineering Camp. Based in the heart of the Canadian Rockies - Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise - this course offers access to some of the best ski mountaineering terrain in North America. With typically more stable spring snow conditions, well-covered crevasses, and high-quality skiing, this is the ideal time and place to build advanced mountain skills in a stunning and challenging environment.
This course is designed for intermediate backcountry skiers ready to move beyond powder laps and start tackling technical objectives. If you're looking to gain confidence on steeper lines, summit alpine peaks, or explore more committing terrain, this course is for you. Our focus is on progressing your skills safely and responsibly, so you can push your limits while minimizing risk. Backcountry touring experience and a minimum of AST 1 is required (AST 2 recommended).
The camp includes a full 4 days of instruction and guided ski mountaineering with our highly experienced ACMG-certified guides. You'll receive hands-on training in movement skills, terrain assessment, group management, and technical decision-making - all in real mountain environments. Along with expert guidance, you'll enjoy improved conditions compared to mid-winter trips - warmer weather, better snow coverage, and longer days to explore and learn.
Please note that this course is normally restricted to those over the age of majority, in the location the course occurs. Registrations for minors (accompanied by a parent/legal guardian) are considered on a case by case basis, please contact the office to learn more.
Itinerary
This course is designed to give you a comprehensive foundation in core ski mountaineering techniques. You’ll learn how to effectively use ski crampons for uphill efficiency, as well as boot crampons and an ice axe for travel on steeper, more technical terrain. Rapid transitioning between uphill and downhill modes will be emphasized, along with essential safety skills such as rappelling, anchor assessment, and crevasse rescue. Participants will also be introduced to basic rope rescue techniques and proper glacier travel practices, including how to rope up as a team.
Beyond the technical “hard” skills, we also focus on developing the “soft” skills that are crucial for mountain travel. This includes effective trip planning, risk assessment and mitigation, navigation in complex terrain, and route finding. You’ll also explore leadership strategies and decision-making frameworks that support safe, efficient travel in challenging alpine environments.
While the emphasis is on learning and skill development, this course doesn’t take place in a classroom—it unfolds in real-world, high-consequence terrain. You’ll apply your skills on classic objectives like Cirque Peak and its couloir, Crowfoot Mountain and Crowfoot Couloir, Cathedral Mountain, Grand Daddy Couloir, and many other exciting routes. These ascents provide the perfect opportunity to experience ski mountaineering in a practical and dynamic setting. With expert supervision from our experienced guides, you’ll gain the confidence and competence needed to become an independent ski mountaineer.
Day one
8:00am meet-up with your guide at a pre determined location (details will be sent our one week before the course starts). Introductions, gear checks and a brief companion rescue practice will be followed by an easy day in the backcountry where you can familiarize yourself with the guide and the other participants.
Day two & three
Workshops on each of these days will see you tackling local but diverse ski mountaineering objectives. Trip planning will take place the evening before each day with the group then executing each objective in an increasingly independent manner, while always being under the supervision of our experienced guide.
Day four
A final field day will be followed by a group debrief with your guide. Participants will then pack up and head home.
Location
Bow Valley Area
Our fantastic location in Canmore, AB, gives access to the perfect learning environment in nearby Kananaskis and Banff National Park. For those coming from further afield, enjoy our convenient on-site, award winning hostel accommodation for a modest additional fee.
We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips.
Learn MoreAdventure Hazards
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Rockfall & Icefall:
Risks include but are not limited to: Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking) -
Avalanche:
Risks include but are not limited to: Avalanches can occur in the terrain you will be entering. Caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (skiing/snowboarding). Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss. -
Communication & Rescue:
Risks include but are not limited to: Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow. -
Terrain:
Risks include but are not limited to: Cornices, Crevasses, Cliffs, Trees, tree wells, forest dead fall, and tree stumps, Creeks, rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Variable and difficult walking terrain. Snowcat roads and road banks, fences and other man-made structures. Snow immersion. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Extreme variation in trails or terrain. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control, slips, trips, and falls. Becoming lost or separated from the group. -
General:
Risks include but are not limited to: Slips, trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligent first aid. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligence of the guide including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities. Changing weather conditions including but not limited to high winds, lightning, forest fires, effects of high altitude including pulmonary edema and cerebral edema, incomplete warnings or instructions, negligence of other people, including trip coordinator and other guests. Negligence includes failure on the part of ACC Guides (if applicable) to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from or warn you of the risks, dangers and hazards of wilderness activities. -
Falls & Belaying:
Risks include but are not limited to: Mountaineering and ice climbing present the risk of falling from the wall causing the climber to collide with the wall or ground which can lead to injury or death. The risk of a belay failure is also present which can contribute to a ground fall. Equipment failure, including equipment associated with climbing, rappelling and belaying. -
Boots & Binding Systems:
Risks include but are not limited to: Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured. Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.
Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.
You're Already Registered
Our records show you're already registered for this event. If you need to register a dependent (e.g., your child), you may proceed.
Our records show you're already registered for this event.
Only Family membership holders can register dependents. If you need to register a family member, please upgrade to a Family membership first.
Intro to Ski Mountaineering
Please complete the form below to register.
Registering as:
friend
To complete your registration, please read and accept the following waiver
The Alpine Club of Canada Waiver
Version 2.0
A valid ACC Release of Liability is required to participate in any ACC activities or events. Please read the following waiver carefully. ALL checkboxes must be checked in order to submit the agreement.
Signed Waiver
Please note: Liability for this event registration is covered by the waiver you signed on .
AST As a final step before payment, please complete the following event specific waiver
Avalanche Canada Release of Liability
Version 2.1
A valid Avalanche Canada Release of Liability is required to participate in any Avalanche Safety Training program facilitated by The Alpine Club of Canada