Canadian Icefalls Information

First week

Classic Canadian Ice. Convening at 7.00pm on the evening of Sunday Mar 1 and finishing at 9.00am on the morning of Saturday Mar 7.

Second week

Classic & Technical Canadian Ice. Convening at 7.00pm on the evening of Sunday Mar 8 and finishing at 9.00am on the morning of Saturday Mar 14.

Getting there

The courses convene in Banff, a short transfer from Calgary International Airport (YYC). Flights to Calgary are daily from most major UK airports and try Canadian Affair, Kayak or Sky Scanner for some great deals.

Banff is a major ski destination throughout the winter so transfers from Calgary to Banff are simple through booking with Banff Airporter

Accommodation

We'll convene and have the first night in Banff and then head into the Rockies from there, staying at different B&B's, hotels and motels dependent on conditions and where in the Park we're climbing and so limiting the amount of driving and enjoying more the different areas in the Rockies.

We normally stay at the Rocky Mountain Bed and Breakfast in Banff which is just off the main high street, but the exact place we'll stay will be confirmed closer to the date, but it will be in Banff close to all the local amenities, shops, restaurants.

Food

Accommodation will be included on a bed and breakfast basis only. For the evenings there are numerous restaurants and cafes in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper or other places the hotel or bed and breakfast will offer evening meals. Eating out in Canada is very reasonable and an allowance of £10.00 a night for food is normally adequate.

Visas and Information

Visas for UK residents are normally available on entry to Canada, but we suggest you check with your local travel agent beforehand or contact the Canadian Embassy in London, tel: 0207 258 6600, website: http//www.canada.org.uk/ . The Embassy can also provide general information on holidays in Canada and the Banff region.

Equipment and Rental

There is no ISM kit store in Banff so you'll need to bring all your ice climbing equipment with you or be prepared to hire certain items in Banff. With a large choice of shops nearby hiring is not a problem and the guides running the course will give any assistance required.

Typically the weather in the Canadian Rockies can be very cold, but going in March will mean the days are longer and also the air temperature is getting warmer with the sun higher in the sky, giving some great ice conditions! Having said that the temperatures can be cold so we recommend that, as well as the ice climbing kit you'd normally have with you (see the ISM Equipment page), you take a few extras to make all the difference to your comfort. A lightweight down jacket and a spare set of warm gloves will make the belays more comfortable.