Trip Dates
August 20&21
September 11&12, 2010
Price
$185 / person for 2 days *reduced rates for organized groups
Group Size
1 instructor / 6 students; maximum 12
Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Related Trips
Intro to Rock
Advance Rock
Rock Rescue
Daily Guided Rock Climbing
Trip Dates
July 31, Aug. 1, 2010
,August 28&29, September 11&12, 2010
Price
$215/person for two days
Group Size
Maximum 1:4 ratio
Skill Level
Intermediate to Advance
Related Trips
Rock Rescue
Daily Guided Rock Climbing
Alpine Rock
Canadian Mountaineering
Trip Dates
July 31&Aug.1, 2010
June 26 & 27, July 3&4, 2010, August 28&29, September 11&12, 2010
Price
$240/person for 1 day ascent $470/person for overnight program (based on group of 2)
Group Size
Maximum of 2 guests/guide
Skill Level
Intermediate to Advanced
Related Trips
Guided Rock Climbing
Bugaboo Alpine Rock Climbs
Guided Mountaineering
Trip Dates
August 4-6
June *27, 28-30 (Kokanee Glacier Chalet), July 31-Aug.2 , Sept 4-6 (Silverspray Hut),
Price
$240 / person for 2 day; $120 for 3rd day hike / peak option (based on a group of 4; hut based add $25/night)
Group Size
1:6 maximum
Skill Level
Beginner to Advanced, route dependent
Related Trips
Glacier Hikes
Daily Guided Alpine Hikes
Treks & Traverses
Trip Dates
August*19, 20-22
July *30, 31-Aug.2, Sept. *3,4-6, Sept.*16,17-20
Price
Tent based course: $525/person Hut based course: $605/person
Group Size
3 guests/guide; 12 maximum
Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Related Trips
Rock Climbing Courses
Complete Mountaineering Course
Guided Mountaineering
Glacier Hiking
Trip Dates
August 20-24, 2010
custom course on demand
Price
$935/person (tent based) $995/person (hut based) *reduced rate available for organized groups
Group Size
3 students/1 instructor ; 12 maximum
Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Related Trips
Rock Climbing Courses
Mountaineering Skills Refresher
Complete Mountaineering Course
Guided Mountaineering
Snow & Ice Course
Trip Dates
September 4-6/7
July 31-August 2/3, August 23-25/26 & September 17-19, 2010
Price
$400 per person, 3 day program $530 per person, 4 day program (additional $25/night for hut based program) *based on 3 people
Group Size
1:6 maximum
Skill Level
Moderate to Advanced
Related Trips
Overnight Alpine Hikes
Snow & Ice Course
Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Hikes
On Trail Traverses
Rock Climbing Essentials
The focus of this 2-day course is to convey basic safety standards for outdoor top roping climbing practices and to indroduce lead and multi-pitch climbing.
Skills covered include; general crag safety, anchor construction, rappelling, basic rope handling, movement skills, lead belaying and much more. Join this course and safely learn from a professional how to get started and established at your local crag.
This course is available throughout Western Canada, contact us with a desired location. The West Kootenay courses will take place at one of the many local outdoor rock climbing sites (Slocan Bluffs, Kinnard Bluffs, Koch creek Bluffs, Waterline, etc.). The area is blessed with a fine variety of outdoor rock climbing sites in pristine wilderness.
Itinerary
Day 1: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site
Day 2: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site
Day 3 option: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site
Prerequisites
This is a beginner to intermediate program for climbers wishing to make a safe transition from gym climbing to outdoor rock climbing. Previous gym climbing experience is necessary, outdoor climbing aspirations is useful.
Equipment
Weather
Spring and fall temperatures in the West Kootenays can vary wildly from 0C to +20C during the day. Conditions can change from warm sunshine to isolated showers quickly. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation tends to change within the day.
Summer (July and August) tend to be more predictable but can be very hot. The average mid-day temperature in the summer usually ranges from +20C to +30C. A lightweight rain and/or wind shell can come in petty handy in the event of an afternoon thundershowers. Be sure to pack a ball cap, sunglasses along with sunscreen and extra water during the summer season, see equipment list for specific details.
Location
The group will be meeting with the instructor at 8:00 AM of the 1st day at pre-establish outdoor rock climbing site in the West Kootenays. We will go over last minute equipment issues review the planed itinerary and update you with present conditions.
Services Included
- Pre-course planning support
- Fully certified IFMGA and/or ACMG Rock and Alpine guide services
- 15 years of experience in the area
- Alternative plan based on current conditions
- All technical equipment
- Emergency response plan
- Group safety equipment
FAQ
How experienced do I need to be?
On this course, candidates will benefit from a year or two of periodic gym climbing. If you have lots of gym climbing experience along with some outdoor rock climbing experience, the advance rock course may be more beneficial for you. Please feel free to contact us in this regard.
Is it safe?
For all of our climbing programs and courses, SMG provides you with fully certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain, alpine and rock guides. This guaranties you the highest safety standards in the industry. Rock climbing remains hazardous and while it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the rock climbing equipment needed during the programs?
On this program we offer participants access to all the technical climbing and rescue gear at no extra charge. This includes; harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, belay device, carabineers and much more. Contact us for specific sizes and availability.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Advanced Rock
This 2 day course is design to make the experienced climbers more independent. It provides a safe learning environment to continue refining your skills and bring them to the next level.
Topics include improvise anchors and belay systems, advance movement skills, lead and multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing and much more. Intermediate to Advanced climbers welcome.
This course is available throughout Western Canada, contact us with a desired location. The West Kootenay courses will take place at one of the many local outdoor rock climbing sites (Slocan Bluffs, Kinnard Bluffs, Koch creek Bluffs, Waterline, etc.). The area is blessed with a fine variety of outdoor rock climbing sites in pristine wilderness.
Itinerary
Day 1: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site
Day 2: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site
Day 3 option: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site
Prerequisites
This is an intermediate to advanced course for climbers seeking a broader rock climbing skill set. Previous lead climbing experience on sport routes in the 5.8 to 5.10a range is required. Some exposure to traditional gear and crack climbing is very useful.
Equipment
Weather
Spring and fall temperatures in the West Kootenays can vary wildly from 0C to +20C during the day. Conditions can change from warm sunshine to isolated showers quickly. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation tends to change within the day.
Summer (July and August) tend to be more predictable but can be very hot. The average mid-day temperature in the summer usually ranges from +20C to +30C. A lightweight rain and/or wind shell can come in petty handy in the event of an afternoon thundershowers. Be sure to pack a ball cap, sunglasses along with sunscreen and extra water during the summer season, see equipment list for specific details.
Location
The group will be meeting with the instructor at 8:00 AM of the 1st day at pre-establish outdoor rock climbing site in the West Kootenays. We will go over last minute equipment issues, review the planed itinerary and update you with present conditions.
Services Included
- Pre-course planning support
- Fully certified IFMGA and/or ACMG Rock and Alpine guide services
- 15 years of experience in the area
- Alternative plan based on current conditions
- All technical equipment
- Emergency response plan
- Group safety equipment
FAQ
How experienced do I need to be?
On this course, candidates will benefit from a few years of sport lead climbing experience (5.8 to 5.10a) along with exposure to climbing with traditional gear on crack climbs. The more experience you have, the more you will benefit from this course.
Is it safe?
For all of our climbing programs and courses, SMG provides you with fully certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain, alpine and rock guides. This guaranties you the highest safety standards in the industry. Rock climbing remains hazardous and while it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the rock climbing equipment needed during the programs?
On this program we offer participants access to all the technical climbing and rescue gear at no extra charge. This includes; harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, belay device, carabineers and much more. Contact us for specific sizes and availability.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Gimli Peak Guided
Rated III 5.10a, the South ridge of Gimli peak in Valhalla provincial park, is one of the best of its class anywhere in the world. This captivating 8 pitch alpine rock climb is wildly exposed, strenuous but moderate. The climbing is varied and features steep cracks, grooves, chicken heads and fingery walls. For an easier Valhalla classic, we offer alternative routes on Midguard and Asguard Peaks. Join one of our Alpine guides and safely ascend this route in style and good company.
Summit Mountain Guides offers 1 to 2 day guided Gimli peak programs from mid June to late September. This route can be done in one long day by experienced climbers, most people will benefit and enjoy the overnight camp and a two day program.
Itinerary
This is a 1 to 2 day Alpine Rock climbing program. The exact number of days will depend on participants needs, previous experience, weather and route conditions. The climb itself is a 1 day affair, the access and approach times make this route a very full day. Less experience climbers and people interested in a more relaxed adventure will enjoy the 2 day program. Below is a sample itinerary for both options:
1 Day Program
Pre-trip meeting; 7:00 PM in town (1 hour)
Ascent Day
2 Day Program
Pre-trip meeting; 7:00 PM in town (1 hour)
Day 1: Rock Climbing and Hiking-in
Day 2: Ascent Day
Prerequisites
On this guided program, you must be an intermediate to advanced climber. Previous varied climbing experiences, with or without a guide, and the ability to follow traditional crack climbs in the 5.10a range with a small pack is required. Good physical fitness is also a must as it will give us the ability to move safely and efficiently in the mountains. Skills and fitness will determine whether we climb in 1 or 2 days.
Equipment
Weather
Due to the higher elevations, proximity to dominant winds and weather conditions, mountain weather is difficult to predict. It is most often worse than the weather in the surrounding valleys and can change quickly as it is really hard to predict for more than 24hrs ahead.
In summer you expect temperatures to be from 10 C to 28C in the day while overnight temperature can drop dramatically in the high alpine, even below zero. Temperatures are much colder at higher elevations, even in the summer. It is not uncommon to have overnight freezing temperatures in the alpine, outside a mountain hut or near a back country camp.
It is always an interesting challenge to know exactly what you are going to get, therefore is important to be flexible with timing and not too attached to a particular goal or objective. Be prepared by bringing all required items, this ensure you will be dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation.
Location
Gimli Peak is located in the Kootenay district of south-eastern British Columbia. It lies on the southern border of Valhalla provincial park, west of Slocan lake in the southern Selkirk mountains. The trail head is accessible by vehicle via the Bannock creek forest service road. It is a one and a half hour drive north west of Nelson or a three hour drive south of Revelstoke.
Services Included
- Pre-trip planning support
- Fully certified IFMGA and/or ACMG Alpine Guide or Mountain Guide services
- 15 years of experience in the area
- Alternative plan based on current conditions
- Rope use & all technical equipment
- Park permits and Liability Insurance
- Emergency response plan
- Welcome, introduction, goals & agenda, waiver.
- Review of planed itinerary and current conditions
- Gear & meals check; session on packing strategy
- early morning meet a predetermined location or trail head
- 3-7 hour hike to base camp, varies on trail difficulty
- set up tents, evening meal and optional session
- early camp breakfast
- day hike from base camp
- evening meal and optional session
- early camp breakfast
- small morning hike & camp pack up
- 3-7 hour hike out & return to town
- Pre-course planning support
- Fully certified ACMG Hiking or Alpine Guide services
- 15 years of experience in the area
- Alternative plan based on current conditions
- Park permits and Liability Insurance
- Emergency response plan
- Group safety equipment
- snacks & meals *additional $40/day
- Personal equipment
- Transportation costs
- Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance
- Welcome, introduction, goals & agenda, waiver.
- Review of planed itinerary and current conditions
- Issue of required gear and session on packing strategy
- On these intense 3 backcountry based days we will focus on snow, ice and glacier skills and hopefully get a chance to ascend a local peak. The proximity of the mountain environment will provide with many learning opportunities for the students. Some of the topics that will be covered include movement skills on mixed, snow and ice terrain, ice axe and crampon use, self-arrests, snow and glacier travel skills, navigation (maps, compass and GPS skills), preparedness, emergency procedures, hazard assessment, safe route selection, snow & ice anchors, roped travel on glaciers and crevasse rescue fundamentals
- Pre-course planning support
- Fully certified IFMGA and/or ACMG Alpine Guide or Mountain Guide services
- 15 years of experience in the area
- Alternative plan based on current conditions
- Rope use & all technical equipment
- Park permits and Liability Insurance
- Emergency response plan
- Group safety equipment
- Welcome, introduction, goals & agenda, waiver.
- Review of planed itinerary and current conditions
- Issue of required gear and session on packing strategy
- Intro to common rock climbing equipment
- Movement skills intro and bouldering
- Basic knots, belaying, rope handling and commands
- Rock climbing with the safety of a rope
- Integration of movement skills while roped climbing
- Climb, climb, climb!
- Practice belaying, rappelling and anchor construction if time allows
- On these intense 4 backcountry based days we will focus on snow, ice and glacier skills and plan on ascending a few of the local peaks. The proximity of the mountain environment will provide with many learning opportunities for the students. Some of the topics that will be covered in this section include movement skills on mixed, snow and ice terrain, ice axe and crampon use, self-arrests, snow and glacier travel skills, navigation (maps, compass and GPS skills), preparedness, emergency procedures, hazard assessment, safe route selection, snow & ice anchors, roped travel on glaciers, crevasse rescue fundamentals as well as ascending some local peaks
- We will have some time in the morning to touch up on any of the previously learned skills or try something new! The after-noon will be spent hiking out and returning to civilization
- Pre-course planning support
- Fully certified IFMGA and/or ACMG Alpine Guide or Mountain Guide services
- 15 years of experience in the area
- Alternative plan based on current conditions
- Rope use & all technical equipment
- Hut fees and Park permits
- Emergency response plan
- Group safety equipment
- Welcome, introduction, goals & agenda, waiver.
- Review of planed itinerary and current conditions
- Gear & meals check; session on packing strategy
- early morning meet a predetermined location or trail head
- 5-7 hour hike to base camp, varies on trail difficulty
- set up tents, evening meal and optional session
- early camp breakfast
- pack up tents and equipment
- explore alpine meadows, pass or summits en route to next camp
- set up tents, evening meal and optional session
- early camp breakfast
- small morning hike & camp pack up
- 5-7 hour hike out & return to town
- Pre-course planning support
- Fully certified ACMG Hiking or Alpine Guide services
- 15 years of experience in the area
- Alternative plan based on current conditions
- Park permits and Liability Insurance
- Emergency response plan
- Group safety equipment
- snacks & meals *additional $40/day
- Personal equipment
- Transportation costs
- Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance
FAQ
How experienced do I need to be?
On this guided program, you must be an intermediate to advanced climber. Previous varied climbing experiences, with or without a guide, and the ability to follow traditional crack climbs in the 5.10a range with a small pack is required. Good physical fitness is also a must as it will give us the ability to move safely and efficiently in the mountains.
Is it safe?
On all our courses, SMG provides you with fully certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain, alpine and rock guides. This guaranties you the highest safety standards in the industry. Mountaineering remains hazardous and while it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the equipment needed during the programs?
On this program we offer participants access to all the technical equipment at no extra charge. This includes; harnesses, helmets, belay device, carabineers, ice axes, crampons and much more. Contact us for specific sizes and availability.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Backpacking Trip
Overnight backpacking guided hikes allow you to enjoy and begin to understand the beauty and unique vistas in the back country. You can keep your pack light by staying at a hut or enjoy the challenge of ascending with your hotel on your back. Invest a third day to explore the pristine mountains and discover the stories behind the unique alpine flora and fauna.
The West Kootenay hiking near Nelson, Kaslo and New Denver provides a diverse array established wilderness trails for beginner walkers to very experienced hikers. We can build a multi-day hiking program to suit you, a family or a groups interests, experience and taste for adventure!
Enjoy the pristine and rugged mountain scenery on trails in Valhalla Provincial Park, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Goat Range Provincial Park and many unique destinations. We offer a number of backpacking hikes, each different from one another, choose from one of our classics below or visit our favorite trails page for inspiration.
Easy Low Elevation & Shoulder Season
Fry Creek Canyon, Pilot Bay Penisula, Slocan Lakeshore & Beatrice Lake
Moderate Alpine Hikes
Kokanee Glacier Chalet & Glory Basin, Gwilliam Lakes & Lucifer Pass, Monica Meadows & Starbird Pass, Whitewater Canyon & Pass, Alps Alturus & Marten Mt.
Moderate to Advanced Alpine Hikes
Gimli Ridge & Mulvey Basin, Lyle Basin & Mt. Brennon, McKeen Lakes & Wooden Peak, Mt.Loki or Heart Lakes, Around Silverspray or Woodbury Cabins
Itinerary
The complete itinerary is somewhat flexible and will vary depending on participant needs, weather, conditions and course location. We will either hike in to and be based at a remote mountain hut or a back country camp.
Below is a sample itinerary for a four day program. For backpacking courses, skills sessions covered include pacing and walking tips, navigation (maps, compass and GPS skills), preparedness, safe route selection and more.
Day 1: Pre-trip meeting 5 PM in Nelson (2 hours)
Day 2 Hike in to remote mountain hut or back country camp location
Day 3 Explore alpine meadows, pass or summits
Day 4 Hike out
Prerequisites
Programs are beginner to advanced. Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability.
Good physical fitness and ability to carry a pack is required. Please contact us to discuss your background and what kind of backpacking location would suit you best.
Equipment
Weather
Due to the higher elevations, proximity to dominant winds and weather conditions, mountain weather is difficult to predict. It is most often worse than the weather in the surrounding valleys and can change quickly as it is really hard to predict for more than 24hrs ahead.
In summer you expect temperatures to be from 10 C to 28C in the day while overnight temperature can drop dramatically in the high alpine, even below zero. Temperatures are much colder at higher elevations, even in the summer. It is not uncommon to have overnight freezing temperatures in the alpine, outside a mountain hut or near a back country camp.
It is always an interesting challenge to know exactly what you are going to get, therefore is important to be flexible with timing and not too attached to a particular goal or objective. Be prepared by bringing all required items, this ensure you will be dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation.
Location
Our backpacking programs occur in the Valhalla Mountains, Goat Range, Selkirk and Purcell Mountains near Kaslo, Slocan City, Nelson and New Denver.
Contact your guide by phone or email the week before for meeting location. Your guide will do a two hour briefing and packing demonstration the night in Nelson.
Services Included
Not included in price:
FAQ
How experienced do I need to be?
On this backpacking program will benefit from previous hiking experience. Good physical fitness is a must, comfort and experience with carrying a pack is very useful.
Is it safe?
On all back country programs, we provide you with fully certified IFMGA / ACMG Mountain, alpine and hiking guides. This gives you the highest safety standards in the industry. While it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the equipment needed during the programs?
On the overnight tenting programs we offer participants access to hiking or camping equipment at no extra charge, however you are welcome to bring your own. This includes: hiking poles, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, stove, pots. Contact us for specifics and availability.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Snow & Ice Course
This 3 day course is a condensed introduction to mountaineering with a focus on snow, ice and glacier travel skills. It is specially designed for motivated students and people who have been exposed to mountaineering, rock climbing or taken an introduction to rock climbing course before. Snow & Ice skills covered on this course include; ice axe and crampon use, self-arrests, snow and glacier travel skills, navigation, hazard assessment and crevasse rescue fundamentals as well as a possible peak ascents.
This course is available in the Nelson area, the Canadian Rockies, the Coast mountains and the European Alps. Some of the areas we often visit on the Nelson courses include; Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Valhalla Provincial Parks & Goat range Provincial Park in the Selkirk mountains, The MacBeth Icefields, the Horseshoe Glacier and Starbird Pass near Glacier creek in the Purcell mountains.
Itinerary
3 day Snow and Ice Course Itinerary. The complete itinerary is somewhat flexible and will vary depending on participant needs, weather, conditions and course location. To maximize your learning, this course will either be based at a remote mountain hut or a backcountry camp. Below is a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Pre-trip meeting; 7:00 PM in town (2 hours)
Day 2 to 4: Remote mountain hut or backcountry camp location
Prerequisites
On this course, students will benefit from previous mountaineering and rock climbing experience. Good physical fitness is a must, comfort and experience with overnight backpacking and carrying heavy packs is very usefull.
A desire to learn along with a positive attitude will get you a long ways!
Equipment
Mountaineering_Equipment_List.pdf
Weather
Due to the higher elevations, proximity to dominant winds and weather conditions, mountain weather is difficult to predict. It is most often worse than the weather in the surrounding valleys and can change quickly as it is really hard to predict for more than 24hrs ahead.
In summer you expect temperatures to be from 10 C to 28C in the day while overnight temperature can drop dramatically in the high alpine, even below zero. Temperatures are much colder at higher elevations, even in the summer. It is not uncommon to have overnight freezing temperatures in the alpine, outside a mountain hut or near a back country camp.
It is always an interesting challenge to know exactly what you are going to get, therefore is important to be flexible with timing and not too attached to a particular goal or objective. Be prepared by bringing all required items, this ensure you will be dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation.
Location
This course is available in the Nelson area, the Canadian Rockies, the Coast mountains and the European Alps.
Some of the areas we often visit on the Nelson courses include; Kokanee Glacier ProvincialPark, Valhalla Provincial Parks & Goat range Provincial Park in the Selkirk mountains, The MacBeth Icefields, the Horseshoe Glacier and Starbird Pass near Glacier creek in the Purcell mountains.
Services Included
FAQ
How experienced do I need to be?
On this course, students will benefit from previous mountaineering and rock climbing experience. Good physical fitness is a must, comfort and experience with overnight backpacking and carrying heavy packs is very useful.
Is it safe?
On all our courses, SMG provides you with fully certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain, alpine and rock guides. This guaranties you the highest safety standards in the industry. Mountaineering remains hazardous and while it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the equipment needed during the programs?
On this program we offer participants access to all the technical equipment at no extra charge. This includes; harnesses, helmets, belay device, carabineers, ice axes, crampons and much more. Contact us for specific sizes and availability.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Introduction to Mountaineering
This 5 day course is a comprehensive introduction to general mountaineering on rock, snow, glaciers and mixed terrain. It combines the skills thought in the Intro to Rock Climbing course with the ones learned on the Snow and Ice course. Rock skills include belaying skills, movement skills on rock, anchor construction, rappelling, rope handling. Snow & Ice skills include; ice axe and crampon use, self-arrests, snow and glacier travel skills, navigation, hazard assessment and crevasse rescue fundamentals as well as a possible peak ascents.
This course is available in the Nelson area, the Canadian Rockies, the Coast mountains and the European Alps. Some of the areas we often visit on the Nelson courses include; Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Valhalla Provincial Parks & Goat range Provincial Park in the Selkirk mountains, the MacBeth Icefields, the Horseshoe Glacier and Starbird Pass and Glacier Dome near Glacier creek in the Purcell mountains.
Itinerary
As previously mentioned, this 5 day course combines the intro to rock climbing course & snow and ice course curriculum. The complete itinerary is somewhat flexible and will vary depending on participant needs, weather, conditions and course location. To maximize your learning, this course will either be based at a remote mountain hut or a backcountry camp. Below is a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Pre-trip meeting; 7:00 PM in town (2 hours)
Day 2: Rock Skills day; 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site
Day 3 to 5: Remote mountain hut or backcountry camp location
Day 6: Last day
Prerequisites
No previous climbing experience is required for this course, it is an asset. A desire to learn along with a positive attitude will get you a long ways!
Good physical fitness is a must, comfort and experience with overnight backpacking and carrying heavy packs is very usefull. This course provide a good oportunity to learn how to walk off trails, in snow (at times deep), on glacier ice (with or without crampons) and on uneven rocky terrain.
Equipment
Mountaineering_Equipment_List.pdf
Weather
Due to the higher elevations, proximity to dominant winds and weather conditions, mountain weather is difficult to predict. It is most often worse than the weather in the surrounding valleys and can change quickly as it is really hard to predict for more than 24hrs ahead.
In summer you expect temperatures to be from 10 C to 28C in the day while overnight temperature can drop dramatically in the high alpine, even below zero. Temperatures are much colder at higher elevations, even in the summer. It is not uncommon to have overnight freezing temperatures in the alpine, outside a mountain hut or near a back country camp.
It is always an interesting challenge to know exactly what you are going to get, therefore is important to be flexible with timing and not too attached to a particular goal or objective. Be prepared by bringing all required items, this ensure you will be dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation.
Location
This course is available in the Nelson area, the Canadian Rockies, the Coast mountains and the European Alps.
Some of the areas we often visit on the Nelson courses include; Kokanee Glacier ProvincialPark, Valhalla Provincial Parks & Goat range Provincial Park in the Selkirk mountains, The MacBeth Icefields, the Horseshoe Glacier and Starbird Pass near Glacier creek in the Purcell mountains.
Services Included
FAQ
How experienced do I need to be?
Good physical fitness is a must, comfort and experience with overnight backpacking and carrying heavy packs is very usefull. This course provide a good oportunity to learn how to walk off trails, in snow (at times deep), on glacier ice (with or without crampons) and on uneven rocky terrain.
Is it safe?
On all our courses, SMG provides you with fully certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain, alpine and rock guides. This guaranties you the highest safety standards in the industry. Mountaineering remains hazardous and while it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the equipment needed during the programs?
On this program we offer participants access to all the technical equipment at no extra charge. This includes; harnesses, helmets, belay device, carabineers, ice axes, crampons and much more. Contact us for specific sizes and availability.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Hiking Trek
Take in incredible mountain scenery and vistas as you hike into the alpine. We offer unique trekking destinations that travel across ridges, through mountain passes and both bolder or meadow fields.
Trekking programs are designed for the experienced hiker seeking the additional thrill of moving between remote camps and learning how to safely navigate through more challenging mountain terrain.
For individuals with ample hiking experience, enjoy the challenge of walking off trail in the mountains on a unique trekking program. Hiking treks can be a fun experience with a group or family and gives a window into the high mountain alpine terrain.
Consider lifting a pack onto your back and enjoy the rewards of stunning views, remote wilderness and the satisfaction of choosing your alpine camp every evening. Your guide will help you safely adjust to the rigor of living daily in the back country.
Moderate Treks (3 field days)
Woodbury Cabin to Silverspray via ridge route, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
Lemon Creek to Glory Basin and out Gibson Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
Advanced Treks (3-7 field days)
Gimli Ridge into Mulvey Basin across to Drinnon Pass, Valhalla Provincial Park
Valhalla Traverse, Valhalla Provincial Park
Itinerary
The complete itinerary is somewhat flexible and will vary depending on participant needs, weather, conditions and course location. We will either hike in to and be based from different back country tent camps or from a remote mountain huts like Silverspray Hut, Woodbury Cabin or Kokanee Glacier Chalet).
Below is a sample itinerary for a four day program (3 field days). For hiking trekking courses, skills sessions covered include pacing and walking tips, navigation (maps, compass and GPS skills), preparedness, hazard identification, safe route selection and more.
Day 1: Pre-trip meeting 5 PM in Nelson (2 hours)
Day 2 Hike in to remote mountain hut or back country camp location
Day 3 Hike to 2nd mountain camp
Day 4 Hike out
Prerequisites
Programs are moderate to advanced hikers. Lots of experience day hiking, good physical fitness and ability to carry a pack is required. Prior backpacking experience useful.
Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability. Please contact us to discuss your background and what kind of hiking trek would suit you best.
Equipment
Weather
Due to the higher elevations, proximity to dominant winds and weather conditions, mountain weather is difficult to predict. It is most often worse than the weather in the surrounding valleys and can change quickly as it is really hard to predict for more than 24hrs ahead.
In summer you expect temperatures to be from 10 C to 28C in the day while overnight temperature can drop dramatically in the high alpine, even below zero. Temperatures are much colder at higher elevations, even in the summer. It is not uncommon to have overnight freezing temperatures in the alpine, outside a mountain hut or near a back country camp.
It is always an interesting challenge to know exactly what you are going to get, therefore is important to be flexible with timing and not too attached to a particular goal or objective. Be prepared by bringing all required items, this ensure you will be dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation.
Location
Our Off-Trail Trekking programs occur in the Valhalla Mountains, Goat Range, Selkirk and Purcell Mountains near Kaslo, Slocan City, Nelson and New Denver.
Contact your guide by phone or email the week before for meeting location. Your guide will do a two hour briefing and packing demonstration the night in Nelson.
Services Included
Not included in price:
FAQ
How experienced do I need to be?
On this hiking trek program will benefit from previous overnight hiking and camping experience. Good physical fitness is a must, comfort and experience with carrying a pack is very useful.
Is it safe?
On all back country programs, we provide you with fully certified IFMGA / ACMG Mountain, alpine and hiking guides. This gives you the highest safety standards in the industry. While it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the equipment needed during the programs?
On the overnight tenting programs we offer participants access to hiking or camping equipment at no extra charge, however you are welcome to bring your own. This includes: hiking poles, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, stove, pots. Contact us for specifics and availability.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
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Summit Mountain Guides
Nelson, B.C. V1L 5M7 Canada
