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Trip Description
In order to be viable the program needs 4 people registered by July 31st.
This unique program is organized by Girls* on Ice Canada. Immerse yourself in a captivating four-day experience in the alpine environment surrounding Bow Hut, located in the stunning Banff National Park. During this adventure, you will not only learn essential mountaineering skills but also explore the landscape through the lenses of art and science, all while connecting with a group of inspiring women*.
Our program offers mountaineering training, enriched with art lessons and scientific insights. You will not only acquire practical skills for navigating mountains but also gain a deeper understanding of their beauty and significance through the expertise of our professional guides, artists, and scientists. It's a unique opportunity to nourish your inner scientist and artist, embracing a holistic perspective on the mountains.
By participating in our Women* on Ice Camp, you will directly contribute to our remarkable youth expeditions, which are inclusive of all genders and provide tuition-free opportunities. Your involvement in this program supports the next generation's exploration of the mountains, empowering them to discover their own potential through the fusion of art, science, and exploration.
Join us on this unforgettable journey and make a difference in the lives of young adventurers, while embarking on an incredible exploration of our majestic mountains.
Description of the fundraising plan and price for the program:
All proceeds from our Women* on Ice Camp go to fund our unique, tuition-free, gender-inclusive youth expeditions. The base rate cost for the Women* on Ice program is $1,999. If you have the means to contribute more or organize a fundraising campaign in your community, we would truly appreciate it! This is not a requirement though, we are happy to welcome you to our program at the base rate.
Experience level: No mountaineering, science or art experience needed - just curiosity and keenness to experience the mountains.
What’s included:
- Accommodation at the scenic ACC Bow hut
- Delicious food catered by Peak Eats
- Instruction from ACMG certified female Mountain and Apprentice Guides
- Professional Scientist and Artist
What’s not included:
- Transportation to the trailhead, We invite you to contact other group participants to carpool!
- Gear- we will send you a gear list. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything, we’ll lend you what you need.
Still have questions? Email Tara at adultexpeditions.canada@girlsonice.org
Itinerary
The glacier and surrounding peaks will be our classroom for the duration of this course. During the day, build your skills and learn about the mountain environment. In the evening, share stories and lessons with your fellow mountaineers while relaxing in the comfortable Bow Hut.
Day 1: We meet at the trailhead, and after introductions and a gear check, we hike into Bow hut. While we hike and discover the sceneries, we will take the opportunities to get to know our team and start discussing our physical environment! The hike takes between 4-6 hours, with a distance of 7km and 400m elevation gain.
Day 2-3: After building the skills to get on the ice, we head and explore the Wapta Icefield. Both days will be filled with a mix of glacier travel, art sessions and science lessons.
Day 4: A morning of reflection activities and putting our new knowledge in perspective before we hike back down. We aim to be back at the trailhead late afternoon.
Topics include:
Flexibility is built into the program structure to accommodate weather and the conditions of the glacier, but also specific interests of the participants. Here is a sample of the topics and activities you can expect during the expedition:
- Snow School: Movement on snow – Use of Ice Axe – Self Arrests
- Ice School: Walking with Crampons
- Glacier Safety: Glacier Morphology – Choosing a Safe Route – Rope Use for Glaciers – Crevasse Rescue
- Sketching and watercolor lessons
- Observing the landscape through art and science
- Glacier 101: How glaciers forms, how they melt
- Retreating glaciers and water resources
- Leadership activities
Location
Bow Hut
Bow Hut is one of the most popular and well-situated alpine huts in the Canadian Rockies, especially for mountaineers looking to explore the Wapta Icefield. The hut sits in a broad alpine basin beneath the eastern slopes of Mount Gordon and Mount Olive, providing a prime staging point for access to the surrounding peaks and expansive glacier terrain.
We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips.
Learn MoreAdventure Hazards
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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. -
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. -
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) -
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. -
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. -
Personal Injury:
Risks include but are not limited to: Sprains, strains, shock, stress, nausea, foodborne illness, diarrhea, burns, cuts, abrasions, fractured or broken bones, impalement, drowning, hypothermia, loss of limbs, frostbite, sunstroke, sunburn, dehydration, illness, soft tissue injuries, neck, head and brain injury, paralysis, psychological injury, other injury to the body.
About you
Emergency contact
Confirm or update your emergency contact for this event.
Health
This information is shared only with the team coordinating your adventure.
Includes severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms at altitude.
Anaphylactic = severe reaction requiring an epinephrine auto-injector.
Adventure profile
Waiver
The Alpine Club of Canada Waiver
Version 2.1
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.
The Alpine Club of Canada – Minors Waiver
Version 1.0
A valid ACC Release of Liability is required for a minor to participate in any ACC activities or events. This waiver must be completed by the minor's parent or legal guardian. Please read the following waiver carefully. ALL checkboxes must be checked in order to submit the agreement.
Parent or guardian signature required
You're under the age of majority in your province. We need a parent or legal guardian to sign this waiver on your behalf. Please provide their contact information below.
Waiting on parent signature
- ACC Minor Waiver
- AST Minor Waiver
Review & consent
Conditions of participation
Additional consents
I agree to let the ACC use any photos or videos captured of me during the ACC course, for the purposes of our publications and marketing. I waive my right to inspect or approve the use of my image in ACC media. I also agree should the ACC use my image or video for the stated purpose above, I will not expect compensation from the ACC. I release The Alpine Club of Canada, their employees, contractors and volunteers and their successors from any claims that may arise regarding the use of my image including any claims of invasion of privacy, infringement of moral rights, rights of publicity or copyright.
Payment
