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Difficulty:
Up to 8 hrs/day on skis
Big backpacks
Glaciated terrain
Intermed. skiing
Gentle descents size


Dates:
6 Days
March 9-14, 2008
April 13-18, 2008
April 27-May 2, 2008


Price:
CD$ 1140
plus 5% GST

Group Size:
Min. 2 clients
Max. 6 clients
per guide

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Wapta Ski Traverse
Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park

Hut-to-Hut Ski Traverse
5 Days along the Glaciated Continental Divide
Highlights:
- THE classic ski traverse in Canada
- Network of 4 fully equipped huts
- Ascent of 6 glaciated peaks en route
- Breathtaking scenery / big glaciers
- Very reliable snow conditions
- Quick access from Calgary Airport

This 5 day ski tour will take you to some of the most scenic and popular backcountry skiing terrain that Western Canada has to offer. In opposite to most Canadian ski touring packages, we will not be based in one lodge for a whole week, but rather cover a large variety of terrain by using four different alpine club huts.

All huts are spectacularly located high up on the Wapta and Waputik Icefields along the continental divide with a large selection of the premier ski touring summits of the Canadian Rockies right in front of our doorstep. Since we have to bring our own food and a sleeping bag, you should be prepared for both, a big adventure and a big backpack!

We will start "The Wapta" at Peyto Lake off the world famous "Icefield Parkway", which connects the Banff and Jasper National Parks. After five days high up on the glaciers we'll descend back into civilisation to the Transcanadian Highway close to Kicking Horse Pass. The peaks to be climbed along the route rise to a maximum of 3300 Meter (10800 ft), which makes for challenging ski mountaineering days. On these peak ascents, backpacks can usually be cached, allowing for some light weight turns.

Wapta Ski Traverse

Wapta Ski Traverse
in the Canadian Rockies

Trip Details and Small Print - Wapta Ski Traverse

Can I do it?
Strenuous backcountry ski tour in alpine, mostly glaciated terrain on alpine touring (randonne) or sturdy telemark equipment. You must be able to ski safely and controlled at all times while wearing a heavy (15kg - 20kg = 33lb - 44lb) backpack. Depending on the conditions, we might have to rope on while skiing both up and downhill. You need to be in good physical and mental condition, ready to be on your feet for about 7-8 hrs. on some of the days. If in doubt whether you have the required skills, give us a call!

Equipment:
You need either sturdy Telemark Equipment or (more common in Canada) alpine touring equipment - either is available for rental at our base in Canmore. Please call ahead, so we can advise you and set you up with the right equipment for you. As with all our trips, we will provide you with a detailed equipment list with your booking confirmation.

Meeting Point:
Canmore in the late afternoon of the first day of the trip. We can organize a pickup at the Calgary airport on request. Lodging in Canmore is included in your trip price.

Climate, Weather, Temperatures:
The Wapta Icefields tend to have a cold micro-climate in an area that can already be considered colder than most ski touring areas in North America. That is only one reason, why we schedule this trip in spring and not in the early winter. Temps can be expected between 0C (32F) to -25 (-13F).

Services Included in the Total Price:
Frist night's lodging in a hotel in Canmore, Guiding by an UIAGM/ACMG certified Mountain and/or Ski Guide, 4nights lodging and food in Alpine Club huts (bunks with foamies), transport from Canmore to trailhead and back in a van, use of avalanche transceiver and glacier equipment (harness, rope). National Park fees.

Not Included in the Total Price Are:
Airport pick up and drop off in Calgary (CD$ 100 return trip), dinner in Canmore the first night of the trip, air fares, trip lunches, single room supplements for first night's lodging.

 

1-800-506-7177 or (001) (403) 678-2717 -  email:info@ontopmountaineering.com
Canada: 340 Canyon Close, Canmore, AB T1W 1H4, Canada
USA: 119 S. Sherwood, Fort Collins, CO 80155, USA

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