Canadian Rockies Alpine Guides: Three days of ice with Brad

Spent three days last week with Brad from Edmonton. He had never ice climbed before but picked it up at an amazing speed. As a result we managed to do some excellent climbs. On our first day we went to King Creek and did 5 or 6 different lines while learning to swing the tools, build ice anchors, and climb with style and grace!

Setting up a rope at King Creek

Day 2: We made the short hike up Evan Thomas Creek and started by warming up on Chantilly Falls. After rapelling down, we continued on to Snowline (W4) which was in fun but thin condition. A calf burning 60 meter pitch just made it to the ledge and put Brad's new skills to the test! From there, another 40m of thicker ice led to the top. Another great day out.

Brad climbing the first long pitch of Snowline.

Day 3: Since the first two days went so well, we decided to go for a much bigger and harder climb on our last day together, Coire Dubh Integral. This fantastic route offers 550m of ice, snow, and rock climbing and makes a great introduction to winter alpine climbing. The climb went really well and Brad did great on the 5.7 crux pitches.