Canada (Canmore) Ice Expedition 2025

Join MAA in Canmore for a stellar week of back-country ice climbing. The Canadian Rockies are well known for world-class adventurous multi-pitch ice climbing. We'll operate from a beautiful hostel in Canmore and drive to any number of ice destinations within and hour or so away. This event is geared for those who are experienced back-country ice climbers, can lead or follow at the WI4-WI5 level, and can handle 1-3 hour approaches. Loaner gear is available to paid members. Maximum of 6 participants. Recommended ICE 3 or equivalent experience such as the MAA Bozeman and/or Cody ice expeditions.

Screened Event: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on MAA profile. Those registered will be notified with instructions to pay the expedition fee.

DETAILS:

• DATES: Saturday, February 15th to Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 (9 days: 2 days for travel and 7 for climbing)
• LOCATION: Canmore, Alberta, Canada; Canmore Alpine Hostel, also known as the Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse
• SHARED COST: $850 per participant. This covers accommodations (2 private dorm rooms in the hostel with lounge & kitchen) for 8 nights, 2 rental vehicles, airfare or mileage reimbursement to get the ELs and gear to Canmore, and a mandatory MAA operations and gear usage fee ($300)  
• EVENT LEADERS: Darren Shutt, Kelvin Nguyen, Todd Martin
• MIN / MAX: 3/9
  
• REFUNDS: Full refunds are available 90 days before the trip date. Between 30 and 90 days, 50% refunds are possible. Less than 30 days, no refunds will be given.
  
• PERSONAL GEAR: Members are encouraged to use your own equipment. If you're missing something, club loaner gear may be available (except footwear). Please let the event leader know if you need something.
• WHAT TO BRING: Warm boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, belay device, eye protection (sunny & cloudy days), biners, slings, any personal lead climbing or anchor building equipment, rope, cold weather clothing, shell layers, multiple socks and gloves, pack, sleeping bag, travel clothes.
  
• MEDICAL: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
  
• TRAVEL: Each person is responsible for their travel to the cabin, either driving or flying. This will be coordinated as a group. 
• LODGING: Cabin is about an hour drive from Cody, and only a short drive from the ice climbing. Cost for the cabin is included in the expedition fee. 
  

ITINERARY:

• Saturday, February 15th: Arrive in Canmore. Meet and proceed to the hostel, check in and prepare for the next 8 days.
• Sunday, February 16th - Saturday, February 22nd: Climbing multi-pitch back-country ice in teams of 2 or 3, returning to the hostel each night.  
• Sunday, February 23rd: Clean up, check out and proceed home. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Because of the demands of this event it is for Apex or Base level participants only.

• MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.
  

• Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

• Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

• As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

• All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

• The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training. 

• Travel arrangements are separate. Flights can be arranged to Cody, remember winter time flights into Wyoming can be unreliable. Driving may also be hampered by winter storms and road closures.

For more information or questions about this climbing event, please contact the listed event leaders, or darren@mountainascent.org, or (916) 872-3399.