Mountaineering Adventure Skills Program

June 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023

This is a foundational program designed to establish and improve both recreational mountaineering skills but also to develop a professional risk framework for those wishing to pursue next steps in the mountaineering industry. This course is broken up into three modules and will take place at several sites in Banff National Park, Kananaskis Provincial Park and possibly Jasper National Park. There is no prior experience necessary.

Module 1: Hiking & Navigation

This module seeks to establish professional practices for preparing route plans, interpreting weather data and identifying known hazards prior to commencing a hike. While on the hikes you will be taught by ACMG guides on how to best manage clientele and help you develop your own mountain sense for hazards.

Module 2: Rock Climbing

This is a foundational rock climbing program designed to establish best practices for outdoor rock climbing while also working on individual skill progression. This course also emphasizes hazard identification/management, gear care and client care. There can be some minimal training towards Traditional climbing for individual students but this is up to the guide’s discretion and is not a goal of this course.

Module 3: Mountaineering Expedition

This five day expedition will be based on the Wapta Glacier north of Lake Louise. The goal of this expedition is to give students the opportunity to experience a glacier based expedition. Students will learn how to manage camp in this type of environment, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, short-roping and ascend some spectacular peaks in the area.