Town of Banff Scramble Trips
Information Package
Welcome to the BanffLife/MountainLife Scramble Trips! I am looking forward to the climb and hope you are too.
If you landed on this page and are NOT signed up for a trip please email me to ask for a price quote for a private trip for you or your group or have a look at our Scrambles page. We do not have any openings on scheduled trips at this time.
If you ARE signed up for a scramble 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.
Meeting time and place
We normally meet at the Fenlands Centre. The exact time will be communicated by email ahead of the trip but expect it to be very early!
Equipment
Please have everything listed on this gear list.
A sturdy pair of hiking boots or light mountaineering boots with ankle support and stiff lug soles will work for all the scrambles. Soft trail hiking or trail running shoes are not appropriate.
objectives
Intro to Scrambling
This trip is designed to introduce scrambling to those with some trail hiking experience. A typical objective would be Devil’s Thumb in the Lake Louise area. Expect a day up to 8 hours long with a round trip of about 10 km and 800 m elevation gain. You you will use your hands to climb for a short section and we will use a rope to protect you there.
Intermediate scramble
This is for people who have done some harder/longer day hikes or backpacking, or some of the easy local scrambles. Weather and conditions permitting we will try to go to Kananaskis with options for climbs being The Wedge, Opal Ridge North Peak, or Mt Baldy. Expect a 8-10 hour day with up to 15 km round trip and 1000 m elevation gain. Expect more exposure and longer sections where we may use out hands to help us climb. We will use a rope to protect you on these sections.
Mount Temple Scramble
This is for anyone who is very fit and who has done many long day hikes or backpacking trips. Previous scrambling and/or rock climbing experience is recommended. It is a long day, over 10 hours, with 15 km of distance and 1500 m elevation gain. There is one 15 m long section of easy 5th class climbing where we will belay you on the climb and lower you on the descent.
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.
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 a radios and an InReach device.
Medical Issues
If you have any pertinent medical issues that I should know about, please make sure you include that when you fill in the guest information form.
Staff
These trips are usually led by either Mark, Adam, or Jeremy:
Mark Klassen has been working as a ski patroller, guide and avalanche forecaster since the mid 80's and is an ACMG/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide.
Adam Greenberg is an ACMG certified Ski Guide and Apprentice Climbing Guide who lives in Banff.
Jeremy Roulette is an ACMG certified Apprentice Ski and Climbing Guide who lives in Canmore.
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.