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.

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 (7kg - 12kg =16lb - 27lb) 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 8 hrs. on some of the days. If in doubt whether you have the required skills, give us a call!

On a custom basis we also offer a shorter itinerary that avoids the first hut (Peyto Hut) and instead approaches the 2nd Hut (Bow Hut) directly from the Icefield Parkway, an itinerary that reduces the approach time to the Wapta Icefields from 8 hrs to 5 hrs.

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.

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:
5 days guiding by an IFMGA/ACMG certified Mountain, Ski or Assitant Ski Guide, 4 nights lodging in Alpine Club huts (bunks with foamies) and 4 days of food (home-prepped, light weight, 3 course dinners, breakfast and lunch supplies), use of avalanche safety and glacier equipment (harness, rope). National Park fees, pre-trip meeting and all guide expenses.

Not Included (but can be quoted seperately) in the Total Price Are:
Transport from Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise to trailhead and back (we can usually car pool or arrange a ride in the guides' car), Calgary Airport pick up and drop off (CD$ 110 / person return trip), pre and post trip lodging in Canmore (from $ 26 / person), trip lunch on the first day in the field.