Wapta Icefield Traverse
Dates
February-April
Contact us with specific dates
Price
$1650 + GST, 4-day traverse
Group Size
Skill Level
Wapta Icefield Traverse
A classic ski traverse in the heart of the Canadian Rockies...
This multi-day hut-to-hut ski traverse follows the spine of the Wapta & Wapituk icefields in Banff National Park just west of Lake Louise.
There is plenty of impressive ski touring terrain on this trip; vast glaciers, high alpine vistas and many ski-able summits. We will have the luxury of going to a comfortable new hut every night. While the traditional way of skiing this traverse is from Peyto hut to Sherbrooke lake (North to South) or to the Little Yoho Valley via the new Guy Hut. For optimal conditions, this tour is best done between February and April.
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.
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 at the ski 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.
