Alternative Wapta Traverse, 4 Days, Skiing from Bow to Yoho
Experience an alternate Bow - Yoho ski touring adventure in the Wapta ice field area in the Rockies of British Columbia, Canada with IFMGA certified guide Brent.
Private
Rockies
+1 Days
Jan, Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Spend 4 days traversing the famed Wapta ice field in British Columbia, Canada.
- Spend the night in a different hut, including the Bow, Guy and Stanley Mitchell.
- Enjoy a number of amazing descents and views throughout the trip.
Description
A lesser known version of the Wapta ice field traverse, the Bow – Yoho route goes from east to west, and is full of tremendous highlights.
Located in the Rockies of British Columbia, Canada, the Wapta ice field is an incredible spot definitely worth a visit. The collection of glaciers and cols will give any visitor a clear view as to what makes the area so enchanting. Moreover, there are a number of amazing ski mountaineering summits that you can enjoy. Some of those peaks include Mont des Poilus, Mount Gordon, Mount St. Nicolas and the Presidents. Thus making this trip ideal for those looking for a great ski touring opportunity.
Another great aspect to this trip is that you will be staying in a different, mountain hut along the way. Those huts include the Bow hut, the Guy hut and the historic Stanley Mitchell hut, which was built back in 1940. Each one of these huts will give you a comfortable place to rest and recuperate. Also, the areas around the huts are full of fantastic descends that you can enjoy to your heart’s content.
Due to the rugged nature of the Wapta ice field, and the distances we will cover during this trip, it is important that participants are in good physical condition. It is also necessary that participants are able to ski tour at an intermediate or higher level.
A must for anybody who loves the winter landscape of the Canadian west, the Wapta ice field is unforgettable. And the lesser known Bow – Yoho route is a wonderful way to enjoy it. To experience it for yourself, just send me a request.
I can also lead you on the Peyto hut to Scott Duncan hut 5 day Wapta traverse as well.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- The price includes the guiding fee, hut fees, backcountry entrance fees, meals and glacier travel equipment, including harness, ropes, crampons and more.
Itinerary
Day 1: Bow Hut
We will drive to the Num-ti jah lodge at Bow lake. From there, we will cross the frozen lake and venture up the canyon toward the Wapta ice field, until we reach the Bow hut, where we will spend the night. For those who have the extra energy, there is the opportunity to summit peaks like Mount Gordon or Mount Nicolas. We will be travelling for approximately 3-5 hours, covering a distance of 7 kilometers with an ascent of 450 meters.
Day 2: Guy Hut
We will traverse the Wapta ice field by way of the Gordon – Rhonda pass on our way to the Guy hut, where we will spend the night. We will be travelling for approximately 6-8 hours, covering a distance of 11 kilometers with an ascent of 950 meters.
Day 3: Stanley Mitchell hut
Today we will pass through Isolated col, before enjoying a great descent to the Stanley Mitchell hut, where we will spend the night. There are also several peaks you can ascend and descend if you have the energy. Those peaks include Mount des Poilus, Isolated peak and Mount MacArthur. We will be covering a distance of 8 kilometers with an ascent of 350 meters.
Day 4: Emerald Lake or Takakkaw Falls
After skiing on the slopes around the Stanley Mitchell hut, we will make our way to either Emerald lake or Takakkaw falls.
About the guide
Brent
4.7
(23)
Mountain Guide
Based in Canmore, Alberta, I am an IFMGA- and ACMG-certified mountain guide. I also serve in the Canadian Armed Forces and am a founding partner of the Outward Bound Veterans Program.
My mission is for you to learn the skills to be competent and independent in the backcountry. I will break down complex skill sets into individual building blocks for you to learn progressively and confidently. After learning the skills, you will get to practice them in the backcountry with my guidance or that of one of the ACMG-certified guides in my team.
Languages
English
Certificates
ACMG
What people are saying about Brent
Carlise
Brent is super knowledgeable of the area and great at finding climbs that fit our skill level and goals.
Timothy
I recommend booking with Brent no matter what level of climber you are. He is able to cater the day to exactly what you'll be looking for. In my experience, making the transition to outdoor climbing can be intimidating for a number of reasons. But with the way these routes are bolted, there's a level of comfort not typically found outdoors. Again, I recommend this to anyone at any level. It can be as challenging or as easy of a day as you want it to be.
Erin
Brent single-handedly convinced us that we need to return to Canmore. He was highly meticulous and professional, which everyone who is climbing should appreciate in a guide. Thanks Brent! You made our trip amazing.
Simon
Admin was efficient for paying Communications were hit and miss. Took too long to answer questions about the day / route etc. We were beginners and the guide chose a route that was too challenging. One member of group dropped out the day before. The requested refund never even got a reply about. Let alone confirmation
Patric
Great guide, found us snow in the driest of year
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