Town of Banff Bow Hut Trips - Summer
Information Package
Welcome to our Bow Hut trips!
If you landed on this page and are NOT signed up for a course please email me to ask for a price quote for a private trip for you or your group. The information provided here is for Town of Banff sponsored trips only.
If you ARE signed up for a trip with the Town of Banff please read this information package carefully and let me know if you have any questions.
YOU NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Click here to read and understand the guide waiver. You will need to sign this waiver at the beginning of the trip. It is important that you understand it before you arrive.
Please have everything listed on this gear list.
Let me know if you need me to provide any equipment for you.
Course Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Fenlands Recreation Centre. Exact time will be announced prior to the trip via email.
Please be prepared by having your backpack packed and be dressed in your outdoor clothing.
We will sign waivers, check gear and then head out to the trailhead (one hour drive).
The walk to the hut will take about 6 hours.
Trip days
Start time will vary but expect to be heading out for the day’s objective between 6 and 8 AM daily.
You will be outside all day so be prepared for all weather conditions from cold to hot, rain to snow to sun.
Daily objectives will vary from instructional settings to peak ascents. Options include:
Walking on snow and ice using crampons and ice axe
Self arrest
Roping up for the glacier
Crevasse rescue practice
Travel techniques on the glacier
Route finding
Possible peak ascents include Mt Olive, Mt Gordon, Mt Rhondda, Mt Thompson
Last day
You can expect to be back at the vehicle at about 4 PM on the last day of the trip, and back in Banff around 5-5.30 PM.
Possible Itinerary Changes
There is always the possibility of having to change this itinerary due to weather or conditions. Please be flexible in your expectations.
Equipment
Please have everything listed on this gear list.
At minimum a sturdy pair of waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and stiff lug soles will be required for this course. Please consult the genera list for specific footwear requirements.
Risk and Safety in the Field
Safety is our first priority but it is important to understand that no matter how well prepared we are there is still an element of risk to mountaineering activities.
You will need to sign a waiver that will make you well aware of that risk.
It is important to listen to the instructor's directions and if you are uncertain of what is expected of you please ask.
If you have any safety concerns while in the field please make them known to the instructor.
We will be able to communicate to outside rescue agencies with radios and an InReach device.
Mountain Rescue
I nearly thirty years of guiding I have only had two guest evacuations from the field for minor injuries and one for a medical condition. The probability that we will need a rescue are low.
This trip is in both Banff and Yoho National Parks where mountain rescue is provided free of charge if you have a valid vehicle permit for both parks. If you are using Town of Banff transport their permit covers you.
If you are driving yourself it is your responsibility to ensure you have a National Park vehicle permit - it acts as your rescue insurance. You may purchase this pass at park gates and information centres.
Staff
Instructors and guides are ACMG certified. Lead Instructor/Guide is Mark Klassen, an ACMG/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide with 30 years experience. Click here for more info about Mark.
Remember, YOU NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Click here to read and understand the guide waiver. You will need to sign this waiver at the beginning of the trip. It is important that you understand it before you arrive.
Please have everything listed on this gear list.
Let me know if you need me to provide any equipment for you.