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Basics of Winter Mountaineering

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Basics of Winter Mountaineering
From $750USDBook Now
Your itineraryDates & pricesReviews
3 days from $750USD
Easy quote
Group of climbers resting surrounded by snowy peaks while on ice and snow training course in the Canadian Rockies
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Mountaineering doesn’t have to be intimidating. Learn the fundamentals on the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course, an unforgettable adventure designed to teach you the skills you’ll need to conquer new mountains without previous experience required.

All you need to take this course is a solid level of hiking fitness. You’ll be taught from the ground up, learning about proper equipment use, movement skills, safety essentials, and on-mountain movement. You’ll do it all with the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies as your backdrop! If you’re wanting to further your mountain adventures, the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course is perfect for you.

Canada, North America
Happiness promise

Basics of Winter Mountaineering

Develop an understanding of mountaineering basics in the wintertime
4.60
(93 reviews)
3 days from $750USD
Easy quote
Duration
3 days
Season
May-Oct
Rock Climbing
Type
Guided, Scheduled
Accommodation
Camping
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $750USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
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National Geographic
Guardian
Group of climbers resting surrounded by snowy peaks while on ice and snow training course in the Canadian Rockies
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Mountaineering doesn’t have to be intimidating. Learn the fundamentals on the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course, an unforgettable adventure designed to teach you the skills you’ll need to conquer new mountains without previous experience required.

All you need to take this course is a solid level of hiking fitness. You’ll be taught from the ground up, learning about proper equipment use, movement skills, safety essentials, and on-mountain movement. You’ll do it all with the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies as your backdrop! If you’re wanting to further your mountain adventures, the Basics of Winter Mountaineering course is perfect for you.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Start from the beginning to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering in a winter environment.

Learn from well-trained, certified guides who can provide enthusiastic guidance and feedback.

Build your confidence in alpine terrain with the stunning Canadian Rockies as your backdrop.

Complete this course feeling ready to advance your mountaineering skills and reach new heights.

We are Australian
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

Trip map

Travellers love 10Adventures

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Meet and First Lessons
Begin your course by meeting at the Icefields Campground shelter. You’ll go over your equipment and fit your crampons, then head to a nearby training area. Learn knots and harness use, then begin learning the basics of movement on snow, ice axe use, self-arrest, and belaying on snow.
Distance None
Overnight Location Not included in tour price
Included Meals
Day 2
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Ice School and Mountaineering Techniques
Get ready to learn! Today will be spent at “ice school”, learning crevasse rescue, glacier morphology, crampon technique, low angle climbing, ice screw use, and axe use.
Distance None
Overnight Location Not included in tour price
Included Meals
Day 3
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Peak Ascent
To put your knowledge to the test, you’ll spend today ascending a suitable peak. The first choice is Mount Athabasca, but if that’s too much of a challenge for the group, an easier summit will be chosen. Get ready for an experience you’ll never forget! After getting off the mountain, your adventure concludes.
Distance None
Overnight Location Not included in tour price
Included Meals

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

World Class support

Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.

Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

Hassle free bookings

Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.

Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.

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4.60 (93 reviews)
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Dates and prices

This guided mountaineering tour in the Canadian Rockies is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you). Please note that due to very high demand and limited availability in campgrounds it is necessary to plan your trip a long time in advance.

Prices below are per person:

StartFinishDurationPlaces LeftPrice

2025-05-10

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-05-12

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-05-17

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-05-19

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-06-07

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-06-09

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-06-21

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-06-23

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-07-05

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-07-07

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-07-19

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-07-21

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-08-02

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-08-04

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-08-09

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-08-11

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-08-16

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-08-18

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-08-30

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-09-01

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-09-13

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-09-15

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-09-27

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-09-29

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD

2025-10-11

Icefields Campground, Alberta

3 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-10-13

Icefields Campground, Alberta

35+
$750USD
What’s included

Logistics, Meals and Accommodation

This training course doesn’t include any meals, transportation, or accommodation. If you need any help with booking your own accommodation, we are happy to assist you if needed. Travellers taking this course can enjoy a discounted rate at Clique Hotels & resorts. For meals, please pack your own high-energy meals and snacks for field days.

Also Included

  • Crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, etc.
  • Excess luggage storage

Not Included

  • Flights
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions
  • Visas if required
  • Anything not mentioned as included
  • Canada Parks Entry Pass
  • GST (5%)

Not included

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Accommodation for Basics of Winter Mountaineering

There are no included accommodations on this tour. We recommend that you book a spot at the Icefields Campground for the duration of your tour, which is where the guides normally stay. We can assist you with this if desired.

Non-Standard Cancellation

  • 60 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 10% of the total trip cost (at least $150 CAD).
  • 59 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost. 
Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Basics of Winter Mountaineering tour?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. While you don’t need any experience mountaineering, this tour is not recommended for beginner hikers. You should have experience hiking and a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour. If you’d like to climb Mount Athabasca at the end of the course, a high level of fitness will be required.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Basics of Winter Mountaineering tour?

No meals are included. Please pack your own high-energy foods.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Please verify that your insurance covers the included activities on this tour. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Icefields Parkway Campground to start this tour?

The Icefields are located approximately 180 km north of Banff on highway 93.

Is the Basics of Winter Mountaineering tour guided?

Yes, you will be led by an experienced guide.

Where does the Basics of Winter Mountaineering tour end?

The tour ends after you complete your hike. You will be responsible for finding your own way back to the airport or your next destination after the tour.

What do I need to bring?

You will be provided with crampons, mountaineering ice axes, climbing harnesses, helmets, and all other technical equipment. Please bring:

  • Mountaineering boots (must be crampon compatible, rentals available)
  • Daypack (30-40 litres, optional)
  • Water bottle (1-2 litres)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
  • Camera
  • Compass
  • Headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Blister kit
  • First aid items (guides carry a first aid kit, but you may bring your own Band-Aids and anti-inflammatory medication if desired)
  • Personal toiletries, including hand sanitizer
  • Trekking poles (optional)

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?

The best time to visit the Rockies for this tour is between September and October when the snow conditions on the mountain are good but the weather isn’t too cold yet.

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Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
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