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Intro to Sport
Start your outdoor climbing journey off right with ACC this summer
Trip Description
This 2-day course, led by ACMG certified alpine guides, is designed to help build confidence and skills in an outdoor setting. Our sport climbing program focuses on rope management, clipping, cleaning gear, and leading techniques to keep you safe while boosting your confidence. Our experienced guides will take you through fundamental to advanced techniques that will give you the knowledge and assurance to head out on your own sport climbing adventures with confidence.
This course is designed for those with little or no previous outdoor climbing experience. You should be familiar with the sport and have some indoor climbing experience. A good level of fitness is required, as you’ll need to carry a 16-18kg (35-40lb) pack to and from the crag. While this is not a course on climbing technique (though guides are happy to provide tips), it focuses on rope systems, safety procedures, and building confidence. This course focuses on skills development rather than climbing technique, so any grade-ability is welcome!
The course includes two days of instruction and group gear like ropes. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodation, snacks, lunches, and personal gear. Please view the gear list for required personal gear.
Special thanks to TABVAR for helping maintain sport climbing in the Bow Valley.
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
During the course, you’ll meet each morning at a designated parking area before heading to the day’s climbing location. Your guide will provide comprehensive instruction on hazards, safety protocols, and essential climbing skills. You’ll progress from basic techniques like setting up and cleaning sport climbs to more advanced skills including lead climbing, belaying techniques, and rappelling.
The location for each day could be anywhere from the front range crags in Kananaskis to the “back of the lake” crags at Lake Louise. Climbing areas will be determined by your guide based on factors including weather, distance, group size, and dynamics.
Day one
Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 am (MST). Location will be emailed to you one week before the course start date. Here, the group will do introductions , review the plan for the day, go over equipment, the head up to the crag of the day! At the crag, the guide will first review hazards, safety, and basic climbing skills. The first day will focus on setting up and cleaning sport climbs, progressing from top rope to lead climbing, and rappelling.
Day two
Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 am (MST). Location will be decided and communicated on day 1. Once up at the crag, the group will first review lessons from previous day before continue to build confidence practice lead climbing and belaying techniques.
Location
Bow Valley
Situated in the eastern Canadian Rockies, the Bow Valley encompasses the stunning landscapes around Canmore and Banff. Known for its world-class limestone crags and accessible climbing routes, this region offers the perfect setting for sport climbing. The valley features diverse climbing areas for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly walls to challenging routes that attract climbers worldwide. With pristine mountain environments, reliable summer conditions, and good approach trails, the Bow Valley provides an iconic backdrop for those taking their first steps into the vertical world.
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) -
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.
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 Sport
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