Gimli Peak-South ridge, III 5.10a

This is a 1 to 1.5 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 experienced climbers and people interested in a more relaxed adventure will enjoy the 1.5-day program. Below is a sample itinerary for both options:

1 Day Program

Pre-trip meeting evening before; 7:00 PM in town

• Welcome, introduction, agenda, gear & waivers.
• Review of planned itinerary and current conditions

Ascent Day

• 04:00 AM, meeting & drive
• 06:00 AM, at trailhead, hike -in
• 08:00 AM, at base of Gimli, start climbing
• Climb, climb, climb!
• 15:30 PM, at the top, walk off & hike-out
• 18:00 PM, back at the parking, drive-out
• 20:00 PM, back in Nelson for a late dinner

1.5 Day Program

Day 1: Hiking-in

• Pre-trip meeting; 12:00 PM in town
• Welcome, introduction, agenda, gear & waivers.
• Review of planned itinerary and current conditions
• 13:00 PM, drive to the Gimli trailhead, hike -in
• 16:00 PM, establish camp near the route
• 18:00 PM, dinner & preparation for the next day

Day 2: Ascent Day

• 06:30 AM, breakfast, short hike-in to the route
• 07:30 AM, at base of Gimli, start climbing
• Climb, climb, climb!
• 15:30 PM, at the top, walk off & hike-out
• 18:00 PM, back at the parking, drive-out
• 20:00 PM, back in Nelson for a late dinner

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 1.5 days.

Alpine Rock Equipment List 2020

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 northwest of Nelson or a three-hour drive south of Revelstoke.

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 backcountry 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 ensures you will be dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation.

• Pre-trip planning support
• Fully certified IFMGA and/or ACMG Alpine Guide or Mountain Guide services
• 25+ 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

Services NOT included:

• 5% GST tax
• backcountry dinners & breakfast meals on the trip, available for $45/night
• personal clothing, overnight equipment, mountaineering boots *see equipment list for more details
• personal lunch & snacks
• transportation to trailhead, travel to meeting location, and accommodation prior to field portion trip
• gratuities
• trip interruption, cancellation insurance or medical insurance
• additional costs incurred if changes made to itinerary due to weather

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 guarantees 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  www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters  www.shop.vpo.ca