Wapta Icefield Traverse
The Wapta Traverse
A Classic Hut-to-Hut Ski Adventure in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies
Experience one of Canada’s most iconic ski traverses — a multi-day journey across the Wapta and Waputik Icefields in Banff National Park, just west of Lake Louise.
This classic hut-to-hut ski tour offers a perfect mix of adventure and comfort. Each day features spectacular glacier travel, alpine vistas, and opportunities to summit skiable peaks — followed by a warm, cozy stay in one of the region’s well-equipped alpine huts.
Trip Highlights:
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Stunning travel across vast glaciers and high alpine terrain
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Access to numerous skiable summits and scenic viewpoints
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Evenings spent in comfortable huts—no tents required
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Expert guiding and planning for safe, efficient travel
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Route options via the Guy Hut or traditional Sherbrooke Lake exit
The traverse is typically done North to South, starting at Peyto Hut and finishing in the Little Yoho Valley or at Sherbrooke Lake. While the full traverse takes several days, custom itineraries are available depending on conditions and group goals.
Best season: February to April — when snowpack is stable and travel conditions are optimal.
Contact us to learn more about dates, gear requirements, or private group options.
Many variations exist for a four to six day program, contact us for more info.
This is an intermediate ski traverse. Prior overnight back country ski touring experience is beneficial. A minimum of intermediate downhill skiing ability and previous ski touring experience required.
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 options.
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, the traverse is surrounded by the stunning Canadian Rockies. Famous for its well-preserved natural beauty, this tour also offers some fantastic alpine and glaciated ski touring with possible ski mountaineering ascents.
Due to the cold temperatures and a long winter season, It is best to visit this area from mid Winter to late Spring.
The Rocky Mountain weather is generally cold and dry. In winter you expect temperatures to be from -25C to –10C in the day while in spring daily temperatures could rise to zero. Visibility may be poor or whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation can change within the day.
What’s included:
- Pre-trip planning support
- Fully certified IFMGA guide and /or ACMG Ski guide service
- ACC huts on the traverse
- Breakfasts & Dinners
- Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)
Not included in price:
- Personal ski and avalanche safety equipment
- Personal snacks or daily lunches while on the trip
- Transportation from Lake Louise to trail head and pick up at end of the trip
- Accommodation at Lake Louise at the start and end of the trip
- 5% tax
- Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance
Where can I rent Ski touring and safety equipment?
Summit Mountain Guides has a limited amount of winter safety equipment available for rental. Contact us for availability. Here are a few outdoor stores in Canmore, Banff, Lake Lousie & Golden that supply good service, quality outdoor equipment and gear rental. Please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Canmore:
Valhalla Pure Outfitters: (403) 678-5610 www.shop.vpo.ca
Banff:
Monod Sports: (403) 762-4571 www.monodsports.com
Lake Louise:
Wilson Mountain Sports: (866) 929-3636 www.lakelouisewilsons.com
Golden:
Selkirk Source for Sports: (250) 344-2966
Skis, Telemark or Split Boards?
Which should you use? If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine Touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier or Snowboarder should you bring Telemark or Split Board gear. All types of gear can be rented prior to your day trip. There are three types of backcountry systems you can use:
Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift whilst going uphill or across the flats and then ‘locks down’ to become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is not already an advanced telemark skier.
Telemark skis. These should only be used for this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system is more difficult and less forgiving than the others.
Snowboarding with a Split Board is the most effective way to snowboard in the back country. We recommend this system to advanced snowboarder over snowshoeing.
