Organizers: Karl and Cory
Activity Type: Ice Climbing
Difficulty Rating: Beginner, Intermediate, Difficult
Itinerary:
Ice is coming into season, so let's start climbing! This is a weekend trip with climbing at the Balfour Wall and Isaac’s Wet Dream. These areas offer lots of routes at various levels so there is literally something for everyone! Prior ice climbing experience is preferred, but not required. You must know how to top-rope belay safely and efficiently.
This is an all levels trip run by volunteer club members for:
those who have their own gear or are willing to rent
are able to top rope belay
are looking to get out for some ice climbing
Here is the plan
Friday, Dec 6: If you are looking to come up on Friday night, some of us will be staying at the Shunda Creek Hostel and this would be a great choice for accommodations for those who don’t want a long early morning drive on Saturday. We will be leaving the hostel to head to the Balfour Wall trailhead at 7:00am.
Please note that you are also free to make any other accommodation arrangements you like. Winter camping is easily available if that is your jam! There is also a motel in Nordegg that is not fancy, but has reasonable rates.
Saturday, Dec 7: If you are not staying or meeting at the hostel, you can meet us at the trailhead off Highway 93 just south of Saskatchewan Crossing at 8am with your bag packed and ready to walk away from the cars. The plan is to be making the way up the approach at 8:05 am so we don't get scooped!! We will set up top ropes and start climbing.
We will climb for the day with lots of stoke and safety!
Sunday, Dec 7: Leave the hostel around 7:15 or 7:30 most likely. If you are not staying or meeting at the hostel, you can meet us at the Crescent Falls parking lot at 8am with your bag packed and ready to walk. Again, set up top ropes, spend the day climbing, then drive back home.
This is the general plan as of now, but may change based on conditions.If you have any questions, reach out on whatsApp or email karljparkinson@gmail.com or roffeyc@gmail.com.
Once you are registered we will add you to the Whatsapp group to chat and work out details.
Prerequisites / Courses Required: You will need a helmet, harness, mountaineering boots with appropriate crampons, ice tools (these items can be rented from the ACC Ice Wall https://www.yegice.ca/rentals), and appropriate warm clothing. Need to be able to safely top rope belay and have done some minimal gym climbing. If I haven't met you, please contact me with the gym you have your belay check with.
Required items to bring: Helmet, harness, mountaineering boots with appropriate crampons, ice tools (these items can be rented from the ACC Ice Wall https://www.yegice.ca/rentals), water, snacks, and any other climbing gear you wish to bring. Please ensure that you bring warm clothing to be in the mountains for full days. As per club guidelines, participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. If you are staying at the Shunda Creek Hostel you will need to make your own booking and then one of the coordinators will see about getting us all put in the same room.
As per club guidelines, participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and transportation, but we can discuss carpooling in the chat
Please refer to the GMMC Policies regarding Animals, Carpooling, Accommodation, and Cancellation.
