Mount Columbia ski mountaineering 4-day trip
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An exciting 4-day ski mountaineering adventure in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. IFMGA-certified mountain guide David takes you to the top of Mount Columbia (3747 m) across the Columbia Icefields in Alberta, near Lake Louise.
Rockies
4 Days
Jan - Apr, Dec
High
Intermediate
Description
Looking for an exciting ski mountaineering adventure in Alberta? Join me on this great 4-day trip and let’s get to the top of Mount Columbia (3747m), the tallest summit in Alberta and the second highest peak in the Rockies.
Mount Columbia lies across the spectacular Columbia Icefields and it is a classic ski mountaineering peak. It will be a a great short expedition in the middle of a remote region in Canada, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
This trip is suitable for ski mountaineers with an Intermediate to Advanced level. Also, to join me on this tour you need to have previous overnight winter camping experience.
I will meet you at Lake Louise, typically at 4 pm the day before. We will go over weather and avalanche conditions and we will sign a liability waiver. Next day, we will drive to our trail head, at the feet of the Athabasca Glacier. Then, with our skis on we will go up across the Columbia Icefields until we reach our High Camp.
On the second and third day, we will ascend Mount Columbia, using the best possible window of opportunity. Depending on conditions and time available, we may ski after our summit attempt. Please note that due to the unpredictability of mountain weather and conditions, we can not guarantee specific timing.
Want to join me on this amazing ski mountaineering adventure? Then send me a request and we will start planning this great trip in the Rockies. You can also have a look at other programs I guide in Canada, like this Backcountry skiing day tours around Nelson, British Columbia, or this Lake Louise ski touring day tours, Rocky Mountains.
Itinerary
Day 0: Lake Louise
We will meet at Lake Louise, typically at 4 pm. We will go over weather and avalanche conditions and we will sign a liability waiver.
Day 1: Athabasca Glacier-High Camp
After an early start, we will drive from Lake Louise to our trail head, at the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. We will then ski up the glacier and across the Columbia icefields to our high camp
Day 2 to 3: Mount Columbia Ascent
We will use the best possible window of opportunity to ascend Mount Columbia, depending on the weather, conditions and participants.
*We may ski out after our attempt on day 2 or day 3, depending on timing and conditions.
Details
More info
HOW TO GET THERE The nearest international airport for this trip is Calgary. From there to our meeting location in Lake Louise it is a 2.5 hour drive. From Lake Louise to the trail head it is another 1.5 hour by vehicle. We will access this pristine mountain wilderness area by vehicle from highway 93 North between Lake Louise and Jasper.
EQUIPMENT If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier should you use Telemark gear.
WEATHER 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.
Meeting point
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