Mountain Skills & Guided Adventures…

Without a doubt, the Mont Blanc Massif is the world greatest alpine center. What makes this area so great is the combination of some very key factors; easy access, innumerable climbing objectives and consistently good climbing conditions. Having lift access allows people from all ages to ⁠enjoy the alpine. Climbing objectives span more than a lifetime of opportunities and range from world class alpine rock to quality mix climbing objectives. The variety of climbing objectives means that there is always something in conditions for people to enjoy regardless of the season. This summer was particularly hot in the Alps as they were affected by a long-lasting heat dome which melted a lot of the winter snow and affected all of the mixed climbing and glacier routes. This meant that Alpine rock objectives were the thing to do. These photos show a collection of the routes that we got to climb this summer. Feel free to comment if you recognize which routes we were on. It was a real treat being back here this last July, our first time since Covid. As always, it was super inspiring to see so many people enjoying the high mountains together. ⁠
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After a slow start, Summer is finally here in the West Kootenays. We hope you have been taking advantage of it, we certainly have. We have already done a few alpine rock climbing trips to our beloved Valhalla's this month, here are some photos showing the current snow coverage and dryer areas. Summer snow coverage is higher than normal which is a good thing in our minds. This leads to easier mountain travel and better coverage on glacier. Perhaps some of the regional glaciers will gain a bit some volume this year, fingers crossed. Have a great summer and enjoy the sun, it seems it has finally arrived.⁠
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Despite a showery Spring, our youth rock climbing programs were very successful this year. We had to reschedule a few programs but thanks to the flexibility of our groups and guides, every one of them unfolded successfully before the end of the school year. Working with youth and school groups on outdoor rock programs is so inspiring! Most participants on these programs are first time climbers that may not have had the chance to try it otherwise. To see the youth surpass themselves and excel athletically is awesome. It is particularly gratifying to see them realize that it is a team sport requiring a lot of trust in both yourself and your teammates. Outdoor rock climbing is very safe when the risk is well framed with professional guides/instructors. We feel lucky to be able to provide this experience to so many local youths. Wishing everyone the best Summer holidays! ⁠
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Here is a selection from our recent Mount Logan ski-mountaineering expedition. Logan is the highest peak in Canada (5959m), it is located in the Southwest corner of Yukon Territory inside Kluane National Park. Kluane is home to some of the biggest non-polar glaciers in the world and a mecca for ski-mountaineering. This trip was our tenth expedition to Kluane in just over 20 years time, this time our ascent route was the classic King Trench. With some perseverance, a bit of luck with the weather, and good conditions, our strong team manage to make the main summit on May 31, 2022. It took 15 days spanning from May 18 to June 2 to complete our ascent/descent. The main challenges on Logan are; high elevation, higher latitude, complex glaciers, very cold temperatures, and big loads. Acclimatization (read: patience!) along with an expedition style ascent (carry high - sleep low) are required to be successful here. Despite the temperatures consistently dipping down to -25C overnight, our fluffy duvets and good group attitude kept us warm!⁠ For a complete trip report, click on this link: https://mountainconditions.ca/reports/king-trench-ski-mountaineering⁠
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The Stikine Icecap was wow!!! Here are a few photos from our recent adventures to this awe-inspiring landscape near Petersburg Alaska. This little slice of seldom visited paradise is tucked away in Coast Mountains on the BC-Alaska border. Glaciers, distances, and prominence are comparable to the near by St-Elias mountains without the high altitude. This area is known for alpine rock climbing on nearby Devil’s Thumb however, and as we found out, it is also very suitable for ski touring and ski mountaineering basecamps.⁠
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A winter that keeps on giving! April ski conditions in BC have been excellent. Like many of you, we have been taking advantage of it! Winter 2022 was busier than anticipated, thanks to all our guests for skiing and climbing with us! As we wind down our regular Winter programs, we are changing focus on Spring ski-mountaineering trips at higher latitudes and rock-climbing programs at valley crags in the Kootenays. Let us know if you would like to join an upcoming program or course, we still have room on summer 2022 and Winter 2023 trips. Wishing you all a fantastic Spring!⁠
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So nice to be sharing a backcountry lodges with a mixed group again. Here is a glimpse of our Dec 4-11 Carlyle Lodge ski week which was a mix of AST 2 skills and guided ski program. It was rejuvenating to have old and new guests sharing the backcountry experience under the same roof once again. Fingers cross that we can continue to do so as the pandemic evolves. It was visibly healthy both mentally and physically for everyone who joined. Thanks to our awesome groups and amazing staff who contributed to making the start of the season so memorable! @carolafond @sweetgrassp @pistol.pan @jazminerosalynn ⁠
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Coming soon to a mountain near you! We had a great start to the Winter 2022 ski season on the Farnham Glacier in the East Kootenays on Monday November 1st, 2021. So fun to be skinning and sliding on snow again! Here is a little bit of snowpack information from our day: There was about 20cm of snow on the ground where we drove to with a regular SUV at 1800m. We skinned up the road to the cabin at 2250m where there was about 50cm on the ground. We continued up the Farnham glacier to a summit at 2900m. We found 80-100cm of settled snow on the Glacier. The many open crevasses were easily detected, thanks to the good visibility. Still, we roped up in a few areas. A test profile at 2650m on the glacier (north aspect) showed some interesting layers but no significant shears. The snowpack consisted of 30cm of fist to 4 finger resistance snow over 50cm of 4 finger to 1 finger resistance snow overlying a 10-20cm complex of basal crusts and softer facet layers just above the glacier ice. Minor wind effect in specific terrain features in the Alpine was observed. Ski quality was good and weather excellent. Many lurking sharks below the glacier where we 'skied' gingerly. Overall, a fun way to start the season!⁠
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Autumn splendor! We are really enjoying this colorful Fall transition, how about you?! The sky, leaves, shrubs and larches have been wonderful recently in the mountains of Southeastern BC. For us, it revitalizes the anticipation and excitement related to Winter snow & ice sports. That said, we are still savoring every moments of this beautiful season while remembering recent highlights. Happy Fall season to you all! ⁠
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"Yuh-hai-has-kun", The Mountain of the Spiral Road. It was an honor guiding Lance up the king of the Canadian Rockies last month. This was his third attempt in the last 5 years. It was pretty emotional being up there with him after a successful ascent via the Kain face. As you can see in these photos the weather was amazing. That said, it was very hot during the day and we ended up climbing sections of the route during the night to stay safe. ⁠This day will remain a summer highlight. ⁠
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Summer 2021 is coming to a close! It has been a good one despite the smoke and pandemic. We are slowly transitioning from alpine climbing to valley cragging and eventually towards ski touring. We still have a few climbing programs in the works but are increasingly focusing on upcoming winter programs. It will be interesting to see how Winter 2022 unfolds. Our Canadian guests are already booking their winter adventures with us. There is still much uncertainty with international travel but with borders slowly opening up, it is looking promising. ⁠
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Stay tuned, over the next few weeks we will start promoting our winter and avalanche skills courses as well as some of our guided ski touring trips including; basecamps, lodge trips and ski mountaineering expeditions. Contact us if you have interest in joining specific trips or courses. Wishing everyone a wonderful Fall transition!⁠
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