Bring along a friend or family member with this 2 for 1 coupon.  Simply print it out and bring it to the show.

BBB Accreditation is an honor – and not every company is eligible. Businesses that meet their high standards are invited to join the Better Business Bureau. Businesses meeting BBB standards are presented to local Boards of Directors (or designees) for review and acceptance as a BBB Accredited Business. To read more about their Accreditation Standards, click here.

‘We conduct ourselves in an ethical manner and over 34 years have built a high level of trust with our clients. We are honored to be part of an association that promotes the same values we do’ says Len Youden, Yamnuska’s General Manager. ‘We have positioned ourselves as a high quality mountain adventure company so this recognition fits well with our brand and reputation’.

Nigel Pass acts like a guard for the grand tour of the southern ranges of Jasper Park, it welcomes us on the first day, and whispers goodbye as we leave. Poboktan Pass is encountered a few days into the trip, when the packs have been adjusted and our loads lightened. Hiking through the Pass, we are again above tree line, and can enjoy rolling terrain and the wonderful views. This is a good day to keep the binoculars handy, and scout for bears or caribou in the distance. Going up and over Jonas Shoulder is a highpoint of the trip, also literally with its 2470 meters. It feels as if we can touch the glaciated peaks just across the valley. The "alpine" feeling stays with us as we traverse along Jonas Pass, before dropping below treeline again.

Living for a week on the Brazeau Lake Loop is an easy going life. After hiking through lush meadows and green forests, or over a high pass we hit camp in the afternoon. The campgrounds are situated in beautiful forest, and have rivers or lake water close by.  Hanging out at the beach is possible at Brazeau Lake campground. You can dry yourself off in the warm afternoon sun while you wait for someone else to make afternoon drinks and snack. The food is great tasting, and feels wonderful in your tummy after being carried on your back all day.

Spending this time in a remote, quiet and beautiful place effects all of us who do this. We have a chance to spend some time with just ourselves as we silently hike along as a part of the group. And being in a group with new and exciting people with the same passion as yourself, offers endless amounts of opportunities to have good conversations and many belly laughs.

After hiking the Jasper Highline I have warm and fun memories in my mind, great pictures in my photo album and new friends who write to me and want to go out hiking again.

Inka Karlsen

The Naiset Huts are very basic although the Wonder Lodge cook hut is well equipped with 4 propane stove burners, propane lights and a heater. In total there were 31 people staying in the huts which did make meal preparation a bit challenging but in general we were never waiting too long. There are no cooking pots or utensils at the Wonder Lodge so you need to pack it all in. The water source is a creek over by the ranger cabin which tended to freeze over a lot but the ranger did have an ice auger. We chose not to boil or treat the water and we were fine….so far anyway.

British Columbia parks recommended compressed logs as a heating source for the Naiset Huts and although I was hesitant they did provide enough heat to keep the hut toasty when it was into the -20’s during the night. BC Parks does not provide wood and you are not allowed to burn deadfalls. It doesn’t take much to warm the small cabins up but unless you were treating a winter trip into the huts as a camping expedition, a heat source is recommended. Plus it’s nice to be able to dry out your clothes from the day. Each hut has a small stove that most 3 hour compressed logs would fit in. Another group staying in one of the other huts had a visit by a pack rat. Keep food out of your cabin.

There wasn’t much snow higher up so we spent our time touring around. It’s obvious that area hasn’t seen much ski touring as we broke trail pretty much every route we skied. Although the trails are well marked and obvious during the summer, route finding was required under snow cover. I’m sure as more people ski it, the tracks will be more obvious.

On the third day we skied out to the Bryant Shelter. Again, there was some route finding and what old tracks there were on the way to Assiniboine pass could easily get you off track. A map and compass are essential. Once you get to the pass, the route to Bryant Shelter is pretty obvious. Just below the pass the trail is narrow and steep. We had fun on Alpine Touring skis but those who had cross country skis definitely struggled more.

Bryant Shelter is a basic structure with wooden bunks, tables and a stove – that’s it. There was a good supply of wood to burn which we appreciated as it did get down to as low as -30. The water supply is the creek which again froze over a lot. We didn’t treat or boil water here either but others did. We filled everything that would hold water before we went to bed to avoid the early morning fetching. You need to bring a thermarest or some other sleep pad and although we brought a cooking stove, if you get the fire going well you can boil water and cook your meal right on top of the wood stove.

The ski back to the Mt Shark trailhead is relatively flat except the one big hill. That is where the cross country skiers exacted their revenge as they sped up it while those of us on touring gear either skinned up or fish boned. A lot of the way out is track set for cross country skis which big AT skis don’t come even close to fitting in. Again the cross country skiers cruised. I never put my skins on for the ski out to Mt Shark but I did use grip wax.

Mt Assiniboine is a beautiful area in the winter and I look forward to getting back for some turns.

Len Youden

Senior Guide and avalanche training expert Steve Blagbrough was impressed with the keen group who braved -22 degree temps for the field training day. The snowpack was surprisingly good for instruction but of course we have offered our November avalanche course students an additional field day to ensure they get the best field training possible. There was some ‘whumping’ with the settling of the recent snow and the November rain crust was evident so it’s safe to say we are well into the avalanche season.

Thanks to everyone for choosing us for your avalanche course training and for being responsible in getting educated.

Jana lives in Canmore and before coming to play in the mountains she held various logistical positions within the oil and gas industry. Her experience will ensure our guests have the best gear for their programs and that all the details for their trips will be expertly coordinated.

This weekend marks the official start of our winter season and with all this snow and ice around us, it sure feels that way too. The next time you are here for a trip or course, be sure to say Hi to Jana.

You all knew it was coming but today it’s official. Based on the popularity of our summer promotion, we are announcing our ‘Win with Yamnuska this Winter’ promotion. Like our summer promo, it’s pretty simple.

Beginning Nov 15 through to May 16, 2011 one of our guests will win a $500 credit towards their next trip with us. Any guest who attends a scheduled or private program during the period above is eligible to win.

Here is how you can win:

While you are on your Yamnuska Mountain Adventures trip, take pictures or video then post it on our Facebook site. The picture or video that receives the most ‘likes’ by May 16, 2011 wins the prize. It’s that simple.

This is a great way to share your pictures and video with other participants plus win a $500 credit. Each year we are overwhelmed with pictures that our guests send us, now you can post them yourself for everyone else to see.

Our summer promotion ended in an exciting ‘photo finish’ and we expect nothing less from the winter contest. So when you are on your program, pull that camera out – it could win you a $500 credit towards your next mountain adventure.

Our first Avalanche Skills Training 1 Course (AST1) runs this weekend, Nov 20 at our office in Canmore. For those who are taking this course, it will run as scheduled. However, because we want our students to get the best avalanche training possible, we are offering our November students a chance to come back on another field day to ensure they see a more complex layered snow pack.

By running an additional field day, we maintain our commitment as the leader in technical training and guest service. Anyone who takes an avalanche course from Yamnuska will walk away with exposure to the highest industry standards. We are committed to being the premier mountain school in Canada and believe we live up to this reputation by constantly reviewing the output and quality of our programs.

Also, due to overwhelming demand for our early season AST 1 courses, we have added an additional Canmore-based program for the December 11th -12th/10 weekend. You can register on the program website or give us a call at the office to book a spot.

Thank you for choosing us as your avalanche training provider!

We have now set our summer 2011 program dates and our website is up to date so you can start browsing.

Coming soon, 2012 dates will be added and going forward we will always be at least a year ahead. To help our international guests plan trips and for those who have to set vacation dates well in advance, we are making it easier for you to trip plan. We are implementing this change as a result of feedback from you, our valued guests.

In the meantime winter looks like it has finally hit. Ice is forming nicely and we are experiencing the season’s first snow storm. See you out there.

Yamnuska offers gift certificates at all dollar values for that person on your list who is addicted to the outdoors. Or perhaps you want to drop a not so subtle hint to others that a gift certificate from Yam would be the perfect gift for you.

If you want to order a gift certificate that never expires and is guaranteed to be a hit, just give us a call or order online. Gift certificates can be issued in any value and be applied to any of our trips or private guiding. Stocking stuffers or that dream gift – we can hook you up with whatever you have in mind, and you don’t have to brave the dreaded mall parking lot. We can ship anywhere in the world or you can swing by our office to say Hi.

Save time this holiday season and give the coolest gift ever.

As many of the scheduled openings for the ski resorts in the Rockies approach, you may be thinking about learning to Backcountry Ski. This incredible sport takes your on-piste resort skills and opens up a whole new world of terrain. Although your resort skiing skills will help you make the transition to backcountry skiing, there are enough differences to make an introductory course well worthwhile.

Ski touring boots and bindings are the first obvious differences as well as the use of ‘skins’ to walk uphill. Learning the subtleties of set up and use are critical to enjoying your backcountry skiing experience. There is also a difference between skiing groomed runs and untracked lines – again technique is everything and will mean the difference between falling down every turn or truly enjoying a fresh powder run.

Like all of our Intro courses, Intro to Backcountry Skiing is a low commitment weekend course that gives you a first taste of getting out there on touring gear and finding great ski runs. Our certified guides will show you everything you need to get started and take you out to a few classic spots in Banff and Kananaskis.

As always, before venturing out into the Backcountry, we recommend formal avalanche training. It isn’t a prerequisite for our course but it is invaluable training if you spend any amount of time in the backcountry.

Don’t forget we also do Private Guiding days where you can get individual instruction or have one of our guides take you out for an unforgettable skiing experience. This is very popular for people who are staying in Banff or Canmore to ski the local resorts but want to really experience what Rockies powder is all about.

Now bring on the snow!

For those of you residing in our fair province’s capital, there is also the Edmonton Ski and Snowboard Show this same weekend that will feature a Trade Show, Gear Swap and a killer Snowboard Rail competition on an indoor rail park! It is time to get stoked for the ski season and check out the next generation of toys to get you out enjoying the slopes.

Outdoor festivals and shows are a great way to interact with fellow adventurers, learn what is the latest and greatest in the industry, and plan for an exciting winter of adventure in the mountains. Yamnuska will be at both shows this weekend to chat with folks about our new winter program line-up and get people excited for the coming winter ski and climbing season.

Also, don’t forget to get your tickets to the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festivals coming up October 30th to November 7th/10. With a Radical Reels night, an adrenaline pumping Snow Show, featured author readings, and a full weekend of trade shows and film screenings (Nov. 5th – 7th/10), this will be an exciting week of pure clean mountain adventure with something for everyone! Yamnuska guides will be on hand at our booth November 5th, 6th, and 7th to chat about their adventures and help you plan yours for this winter.

We hope to see you there.

It’s that time of year at Yamnuska Mountain Adventures where we are looking at our equipment needs for this winter and next summer. What does that mean to you? Some great deals on our old gear! We will have 3 tables at the Mountain Equipment Co-op gear swap in Calgary to sell the gear we will be replacing. All of our gear is well maintained, in good shape and ready for adventure!

Here is a partial list of some of the more popular items we are selling:

• Petzl Quarks ice climbing axes
• Petzl Nomics ice and mixed climbing axes
• Petzl Cosmic mountaineering axes
• Black Diamond Ice Screws (various sizes)
• Petzl crampons (waterfall ice and general mountaineering)
• BCA Tracker avalanche beacons
• Probes and shovels

As well, we have harnesses, helmets, sleeping bags, tents, rock shoes, mountaineering boots, cooking gear, pickets and a good assortment of carabiners. Cash only, all sales final.

We’ll see you there!! October 17, 10am-3pm in the MEC Calgary parking lot.

The event which is held on September 20, 2010 is in support of the Sir Edmond Hillary Foundation which is committed to improving the quality of life of the Sherpa people of Nepal in the areas of Health Care, Education and the Environment.

On Sunday, September 19, 2010 the Sherpa Stair Climbing Challenge with Everest Summiteers Apa Sherpa (20 times to summit), Ang Dorjee Sherpa (14 times to summit), Mingma Tenji Sherpa (2000), Laurie Skreslet (1st Canadian), and Byron Smith (2000) will climb all 828 stairs.

The gala dinner event will be held on Friday October 22 at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel. To attend the dinner or sponsor one of the fun events visit the foundation’s website for more details. There will be a host of incredible prizes for auction at the gala dinner.

It turned out to be every bit as good as we expected with the new portion north of Loomis Lake (we had checked out the southern section 2 years ago) even better than expected. Every night we camped at a different lake, starting with Carnarvon Lake in the south and finishing at Running Rain Lake in the north with Lake of the Horns and Loomis in between.

Linking the lakes we followed mostly game trails at or near treeline that took us across the ridges that radiate from the Divide, to spice it up there was also a peak ascent, a scree slog and some bush bashing. The views were fantastic and there was very little sign of the trails being used by other hikers for the most part.

Several of us are enthusiastic fly fisherman and great fishing in the lakes each evening were a nice bonus.

This was a unique trip that was at times very strenuous and challenging. For folks that are in great shape and like being well off the beaten trail it’s a great opportunity. I’d encourage anyone interested in joining us on this or a similar trip next year to get in contact with us immediately so that we can gauge whether or not the interest is there to include it again.

For the full trip slideshow visit David’s album on Picasa.

David Begg

“Each year we show our support for the Alpine Club of Canada and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides by sponsoring this event that celebrates those guides who have completed their certification testing” says Len Youden, Yamnuska’s General Manager. “This year Yamnuska’s senior guide Grant Meekins will be recognized for having completing the highest level of certification and we couldn’t be more proud”.

In addition to our sponsorship we have donated a spot for our summer 2011 Intro to Mountaineering to the silent auction. We hope you can join us for this fun evening at the Rim Rock where Patron Pat Morrow will be honored for his lifelong commitment to climbing and the mountain environment.

“I am looking forward to helping develop and execute on the marketing strategy for this incredible part of the world” says Len. “Yamnuska has been a member of Tourism Canmore for many years and I think our company represents the high caliber of activities and attractions that are available to residents and visitors. We epitomize ‘mountain adventure’ and as custodians of the mountains we can responsibly promote our products to people all over the world”.

In the upcoming annual strategy session, Len is looking forward to being an advocate for an increased web presence for Tourism Canmore and actively promoting the activities of our region.

“The Wapta Ice Hike is a unique hiking trip that goes from hut to hut across the Wapta Icefields just north of Lake Louise. It’s a great trip for hikers who’d like to experience some beginner mountaineering in stunning surroundings.

I’ve never seen so much snow on the glacier at this time of year. It means that the crevasses are well covered and travel over the snow is very easy. I anticipate great conditions for the rest of the summer. In addition the Alpine Club has renovated both Bow and Peyto Huts which are very comfortable and clean.

Our guests, Dinah who’s from Ontario and Vincent from here in Canmore did really well and enjoyed the adventure we had. The pictures I’ve included tell the story!”

We are pleased to announce that we have signed an agreement with Outward Bound Canada as the logistical support provider for their Rocky Mountain Wilderness Adventure and Rocky Mountain Wilderness Discovery programs.

These incredible 21 day adventures for youths aged 15 – 18 are world renowned programs that build strength and character in addition to sparking that life-long love of the mountains and outdoors. In addition to this arrangement, Outward Bound is also co-branding our Intro to Youth Mountaineering program running July 31st to August 5th.

To be partnered with a strong and respected brand is an honor for us at Yamnuska. Our experience with this age group is unmatched as we are the western Canada adventure trainer for the army cadets in addition to running our own Youth Mountaineering Program. Anyone who has taken our programs knows our logistical expertise in planning mountain adventures and we look forward to providing the highest quality logistical support for these distinguished Outward Bound programs.

Wow! What a combination for our first summer mountaineering program!

We hosted Vancouver 2010 Olympic Snowboarding Gold Medalist Maelle Ricker for our May 22nd/10 Snow and Ice Long Weekend Program. We paired her up with Yamnuska’s Associate Director and Master Alpinist Barry Blanchard to take on Mt Athabasca and you can guess what happened from there! That’s right, we’d expect nothing else but a summit from these two world class athletes. With Barry as her mentor, we think this outstanding young Canadian is headed for success as an Alpinist. Here is Maelle’s blog about the weekend and we look forward to climbing with her again!

Road tripping across BC fill up some of my favorite memories in the past decade. I love camping and exploring right at my doorstep, especially when I’m finished a crazy year of travel abroad. Sitting still at home is just not in my blood; however, being in the mountains is. When I’m not on my snowboard I try to get out and about in the summer months. I’ve done some backpacking with friends over the years and now I’m yearning to go deeper, higher, whatever… the next step. I also love backcountry free-riding as well when I’m not racing down a snowboardcross track.

Last summer I got my first taste of “mountaineering” when some friends took me up Mt. Rainier. I absolutely loved it and realized it’s something I want to do more of, and wished I had some knowledge to be out there with a clue! So this May long weekend I decided it was time to do something about it, and why not start with an introductory course from the experts. My teammate Rob and I filled up his car with all sorts of fun toys for a good couple of weeks on the road. We left Squamish and drove to the Columbia Icefields campground to meet up with the other participants and guides of the Yamnuska Snow and Ice Long Weekend Course.

Saturday morning was filled with the usual formalities of signing waivers and getting gear together. There were 18 of us taking the course but the three guides, Barry, Andrew, and Matt did a fantastic job “herding the kittens” and teaching us the ropes. We started off with some exercises around the camp area, learning how to get roped in and familiarize ourselves with walking around being linked up to one another. After a quick lunch break, we headed out to a snow slope to learn some self-arrest techniques with the ice axes and got started on crevasse rescue. Day one finished with some chilly snowstorms and good times around the campfire with new friends from the course.

Day two was just as fun and even more informative as the first day. By this point we got to start working on the North Glacier of Mt. Athabasca. I was lucky enough to have been in a team of 6 instructed by Barry Blanchard. I was quite happy to listen to every lesson and story told by Barry, hoping his expertise and experience would somehow seep into me via osmosis or some equivalent.

The last day was the big day of climbing Mt. Athabasca. I love the early morning starts, especially when I wake up in a cozy tent in the mountains. The fresh air is always nice, even at 2am. We got going by about 4am and ascended the mountain by mid morning. The views were incredible and the company was fantastic. I had a great time making my way up the glaciers to the peak. Luck was on our side as we had sunny skies and little wind on the summit… perfect for enjoying the view and lunch before making our way back down. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit disappointed I didn’t have my snowboard for the ride out. The conditions were perfect for a nice cruise down to the cars below. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one with this mindset, as I watched Rob and Andrew picking out lines!

I absolutely loved the course and hope to take part in more of Yamnuska’s programs in the future!

Maelle

I am finding this the jacket that I get the most use out of in year round activities. The Ferrosi is a lighter weight breathable soft shell fabric with shoulders and arms made of cordura and lycra. The rest of the jacket is a blend of abrasion resistant, ripstop and spandex. This equates to a thinner but durable soft shell jacket that moves with you. The Hoody is water repellant and wind resistant and really breathable.

The Ferrosi has a decent zippered radio pocket on the chest and two zippered hand pockets. The front zipper is offset at the neck to prevent rubbing on the chin.

My only negative points are that I am not really a hoody kind of guy. The hood did come in handy however last fall while climbing in the desert when the afternoon winds came up and my hat was back in camp. The weight of the jacket is just an ounce shy of a pound (427 grams) which, in my opinion, is a tad on the heavy side for shells, buts that’s a minor point given the versatility of this jacket.

I use this jacket ski touring, rock climbing, mountain biking and also for everyday use. I have had a lot of use on my jacket and it still looks good.

I chose this jacket for our 2010 guiding staff as it is a durable, functional Jacket with a pretty darn, good price point. Check it out! 

Dave Stark - Director of Operations

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/m_s_ferrosi_hoody.html

I hope you had a great long weekend and got outside. Congrats to our Snow and Ice Long Weekend guests who topped out on Mt. Athabasca on the weekend – well done.

I had an inspiring weekend which started at the TEdx Canadian Rockies conference at the Banff Center which I would like to share. Then I read stories and blogs about the many Everest Summits that happened over the past 72 hours and that always gives me pause for reflection.As many people are planning their summer vacations I encourage you to do something different and go outside of your comfort zone. Instead of sitting on a crowded beach (which yes I did do once and it was ok for the first 30 minutes) put on some boots, throw only what you need in a pack, and head for the mountains with us. You’ll be amazed at how you feel physically and emotionally. ‘Self Propelled’ vacations as we call them are the most fulfilling. Along the way, take time to reflect on your environment and within yourself. When you go back to work you are bound to have tired muscles but you’ll be way more relaxed, feel better about yourself, and be more creative. That cool beverage at the end of the trip will be especially well deserved and I bet you even have a few new friends.

You’ll learn technical skills on our adventures and that’s what most people sign up for. However, a majority come home talking about what they learned about themselves and feel like their accomplishments were significant because they weren’t sure they could even do the trip (I won’t mention the beautiful scenery because that is a given). Accomplishment is always more meaningful when it is achieved under some level of adversity – and that adversity doesn’t have to be climbing Everest. This summer I encourage you to find your own Everest and hike it, ski it or climb it….but do try it.

Join us for a backpacking, skiing or climbing adventure. I bet you’ll be glad you did.

Len

To book a private trip with Grant or to join one of our scheduled trips he is leading, give us a call.

Again, congratulations Grant!

Continuing our cross-Canada Adventure Show journey, we will be in Vancouver April 24th and 25th at the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show in the new convention center. The mountain culture is firmly embedded in British Columbia and we are excited about seeing past and prospective Yamnuska alumni. Just like in Calgary and Toronto we have excellent prizes to give away. Stop by our booth for a chance to win an OR Jacket, a Deuter pack and a world famous Yamnuska Outdoor Rock Intro Weekend course. We look forward to showcasing our piece of Canada’s West to our friends in British Columbia.

We are also pretty excited about what we see as an excellent summer in 2010. We had to add spaces for our Snow and Ice Long Weekend courses in May and our Intro to Mountaineering programs will certainly fill also. It’s great to see people pumped about getting an early start to the summer season. For those looking for an exclusive mountaineering experience, our Women’s Intro program starts July 18 and our Youth Intro (ages 14 – 17, parents welcome) starts July 31 – talk about summer camp for cool kids!

Believe it or not we have also started Rock Climbing in the Bow Valley this week. Yup, you could have rock climbed and ice climbed on the same day! Many of our guides have spent the past few days tuning up those rock skills and with 20+ degree weather coming this weekend none of us will be inside, that’s for sure. We hope you get to do the same and we’ll see you in Vancouver.

Len

When deciding on the semesters accommodations for the program, we took into consideration many things:

• First we had to consider the dimensions of the tent – the internal space, height and weight.  Internal space depends on the needs of you or your group.  A 3 man tent is really a 2 person tent with internal space for gear and likewise a 4 man comfortably fits 3 people with gear without using the vestibules as overflow.  Having said that both the 3 and 4 person tents are quite cozy and comfortable for the # of bodies stated using the extra square footage provided outside with the fly. The Trango 4 offers 65 sq ft of internal space and weighs 12lbs. This may seem like a hefty price to pay for the room but, divide that 12lbs by 3 or 4 people and you’re laughing all the way up the mountain!  With an internal head height of 50 inches this really adds ease to getting ready in the morning or crawling into your sleeping bag at the end of the day and for packing your gear in and out of the tent.
• Another important feature not to be overlooked is the vestibules. From experience we knew that the space offered in the vestibules of the Mountain Hardware Trango 3.1 tents was much appreciated during last year’s semester program. The 2 vestibules on this tent offer 24 sq ft of extra space – one is poled for maximum space usage. This space is valuable for the storage of backpacks, ski boots and a changing/staging area out of the elements.
• Set up and take down of a tent plays a big role in the enjoyment of a trip. The Trango 4 offers a 4 pole system with clips instead of tubes – which has proved to be more user friendly in both luxurious campgrounds and on potentially unforgiving glaciers.
• Also an important factor when considering your back country living quarters is the warranty. Mountain Hardware offers a lifetime warranty on all of their products – a true testament to the quality of their craftsmanship and confidence in their goods.

We are very satisfied here at Yamnuska Mountain Adventures with our purchase of the Trango 4 tent, and we’re confident that our guests this summer will also be very happy with the comfort and space that they provide.

Review performed by Jana Christison, Logistics Co-ordinator

** Yamnuska was not paid by Mountain Hardware to do this review.

Its been a busy winter at Yamnuska between ice climbing, avalanche training and our ski touring trips but we never stop thinking about our summer hikes. With longer days and temperatures rising, the green is beginning to win out over the white in the Bow Valley and it is time to start thinking about summer adventures.

If you want to get out for an early season trekking trip in the Canadian Rockies to tune up those muscles for the upcoming summer, we have our Bluerock Country hike beginning in June. With the heavy snowpack still in the mountains, we picked this hike to run early in the summer as the front ranges are an excellent place to start the hiking season. Most of our other treks run July – September which gives the high altitude trails time to shed their snow, but the Bluerock is snow free in June and not a shred of beauty is spared. Bluerock is suitable for beginners but it’s also very popular with people who are planning a later season or more complex hike with us to get those leg and shoulder muscles in shape. Start the season off early with an incredible hike and be ready for any trail come the July – September Rockies hiking season.

Don’t forget, as with all of our Canadian Rockies trekking adventures we provide group gear and the famous Yamnuska meals prepared and dehydrated onsite in our kitchen.  You will also be traveling with certified backpacking guides who are not only knowledgeable about the area, but are also great companions to spend time in the mountains with! It looks like a busy season for us with many hikes already filling up and we are excited about what looks like an incredible summer. As always, call us if you have any questions and we’ll see you this summer!

Len Youden

Living in Canmore, and especially this year with our dry winter, some trails are enjoyable almost year round for hiking and scrambling. One of the first big peaks to really dry out is Mt. Lady MacDonald, and I wasn’t the only one who decided to get out and stretch the old legs on Saturday.  There were many other groups making their way towards the summit and while most (including myself) decided to peak out at the abandoned Tea House, a few dedicated individuals scrambled the last couple hundred meters of elevation to gain the peak.  Most of the lower trail was dry and snow/ice free, there were a couple of slippery sections to watch out for on the last couple of switchbacks heading up to the tea house ridge.

This trail is amazing for panoramic views up and down the valley and offers a great perspective on the town of Canmore.  You can see the entire town laid out at your feet and it is great fun to try and pick out your house or hotel  from your bird’s eye view.  While strenuous and steep in some sections, the hike is very enjoyable and its proximity to town means that it is one of the most accessible mountain trails of any in the valley.  I make a point of hiking this route every year, as it is great early season training for a summer’s worth of backpacking trips.  Often you can spot Big Horn Sheep, Marmots, and Golden Eagles along the mountain’s flanks, however this weekend the only close encounter I had with the Rockies’ famous wildlife was with a hitchhiking Tick who decided to follow me home.  He didn’t make it…

We’ve had a lot of interest in all of our hiking and backpacking trips coming up this summer and it is definitely time to start planning summer adventures and vacations! We’ll be at the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show this weekend (Mar. 27th – 28th/10) at the BMO Center in Stampede Park. Drop by and have a chat, or feel free to give us a call at the office if you would like some suggestions of how best to get out and enjoy these beautiful mountains at any time of year!

Hope to see you in the Mountains!
Andrew

As a founding guide and former long term employee, Barry re-joins Yamnuska in this pivotal senior position.

“I’m thrilled to have Barry on board. I believe his incredible personal brand is a great match for Yamnuska” says Len Youden, Yamnuska’s General Manager.

“Barry is one of the world’s most accomplished alpinists, so having him as a senior guide and mentor to our guiding team is a huge advantage for Yamnuska. We will be featuring programs and trips that will have Barry’s unique imprint; the ability to provide unsurpassed alpine adventures for our guests.”

More on Barry:

• Check out the current Edition #29 of Alpinist Magazine for Barry’s feature article ‘Dragons in the Mist’ which profiles 100 years of climbing Mt Robson including his own 13 year odyssey to establish a new route on the Emperor Face.
• The current Patagonia ‘Heart of Winter’ catalogue introduction describes the saga of Barry and his team’s avalanche survival story on Nanga Parbat the world’s 9th highest mountain titled ‘Unroped’.
• Keynote presenter at the 50th anniversary Calgary Mountain Club celebration on June 11th in Calgary
• On July 14th at the Squamish Mountain Festival, don’t miss Barry’s thrilling slideshow on his experience of climbing in Canada
• Sponsored athlete for Black Diamond’s complete line of skiing and climbing equipment.

There is more information at www.barryblanchard.ca and www.yamnuska.com to arrange your own trip, expedition or presentation by Barry. Follow Barry on Facebook and Twitter for trip reports, pictures, and commentary. Check out the Yamnuska Blog for regular posts and information on upcoming events (www.yamnuska.com)

Our guests know we have the best hikes and best guides and now so do the people at Explore Magazine. Check out the latest edition of Explore where Yamnuska’s Highwood Circuit and Elk Highline trips are inducted into the ‘Classics’ category in the March/April 2010 edition. Don’t believe us, or Explore… come see for yourself!

The article by Ryan Stuart, adds the Highwood hikes to the ‘Classics’ list for Explore and we couldn’t agree more. When you book your hike with Yamnuska, you can be certain we have the experience and the credibility to offer only the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies. We know this area better than anyone and our backpacking selection comes from our picks of what we know are the best trips for people at all levels. From beginner to advanced hikers, we have done all of the research and you have our word that our trips are ‘the best of the rockies’.

Most people are still focused on ski touring and ice climbing given that it is only February, but we have logistics and details sorted out for our summer adventures already! With our over 30 years of experience, you can trust that we are the experts and work on our trips year round because we never lose our passion for the mountains.
For those of you in the Toronto area, don’t forget to come by and see us at the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show for some great prizes and show specials. 

We look forward to seeing you this summer.

Len

Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its meadows and easy hiking peaks which lie below the Matterhorn-like summit that towers above. Using a helicopter to transport our guests and gear, we by-pass the typically strenuous hike to reach this alpine paradise. With our food and gear transported in we travel light during the day as we explore the lakes, peaks, meadows and passes that surround our base for the four days.

This relaxed hiking program is for those interested in experiencing four days of walking in the beautiful sub-alpine region. There are not many areas where it is possible to do this and avoid carrying the heavier backpack usually required to visit such a place.

Climb Mount Assiniboine!

Our certified ski guides will teach you how to use the gear, travel on 'skins' and backcountry skiing technique in this course. Whether your objective is to ski untracked backcountry powder or to experience the beauty of alpine ski touring, this weekend course will introduce you to one of the fastest growing winter activities in the world.

The opportunity for backcountry skiing in Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis and Lake Louise is nearly limitless. Discover this magnificent sport and learn the skills to get out backcountry skiing where its 'fresh tracks' nearly every run. Caution: You may never return to a ski hill again!

Serious backcountry skiers and riders who expect to be skiing Rogers Pass in the future will find this course offers the best of both worlds - indepth knowledge of 'the pass' from one of our knowledgeable guides along with your AST 2 training.

The Rogers Pass AST 2 will help you build a solid knowledge base to safely expand your backcountry horizons. It will be a valuable investment in your mountain safety in addition to exposing you to some magical terrain.

This is a hands-on program featuring extensive practical field experience augmented with one day of classroom theory. The curriculum is designed to give a solid grounding in the essentials and is based on the requirements set out by the Canadian Avalanche Center (CAC). Your instructors are guides seasoned in touring, heliskiing and forecasting. This program is suitable for those who have taken the AST 1 program in the past and who are advanced/intermediate backcountry skiers looking to expand their skills.

If you're a serious backcountry skier or winter mountaineer wishing to build a solid knowledge base to safely expand your backcountry horizons then this is the course for you. It will be a valuable investment in your mountain safety and significantly increase your avalanche knowledge.

This is a hands-on program featuring extensive practical field experience augmented with one day of classroom theory. The curriculum is designed to give a solid grounding in the essentials and is based on the requirements set out by the Canadian Avalanche Center (CAC). Your instructors are guides seasoned in touring, heliskiing and forecasting. This program is suitable for those who have taken the AST 1 program in the past, or for experienced backcountry skiers looking to expand their skills.

For advanced skiers we also offer this four day program in Rogers Pass. This is one of the most exciting backcountry ski locations in Western Canada, and is a great spot to learn how to evaluate avalanche conditions to keep safe in steeper terrain.

Our classroom days in Canmore and Calgary are full instructional days dedicated to the theoretical study of avalanche types and terrain. Then on the second day, we travel to field locations in Banff National Park or Kananaskis Provincial Park for some hands on training. 

Winter activities in the Canadian Rockies are growing in popularity. An introductory avalanche skills course will help you identify avalanche hazards and minimize unnecessary exposure to risk. Winter is an amazing time to explore the mountains, but safety is paramount.

We consistently get superb feedback from our avalanche skills training course students. For your convenience we offer classroom courses in both Calgary and Canmore. We can offer private courses in British Columbia and Alberta.

Our Canmore and Calgary courses fill quickly with many people booking both the AST 1 and AST 2 courses. Take advantage of our Winter 2011/2012 promotion to reveive a 10% discount when you book our AST 1 and AST 2 courses at the same time. This is great value.

Often referred to by locals as "K-Country", it is a region of tightly folded limestone peaks and alpine lakes. The grey of the mountains contrast sharply with the blue of their lakes and the conifer green of the forests cloaking the lower elevations.

The area offers a multitude of landscapes and trails. It is also home to a large variety of wildlife including wolves, grizzly and black bears, elk, moose, deer and big horn sheep.

This five-day trip across the South and North Kananaskis Passes offers varied scenery with lots of lakes, glaciers and spectacular canyons gouged through the rock.

The following topics are covered in great detail: patient assessment, body systems, environmental injuries, anaphylaxis, patient extrication, patient carries, backcountry medicine, and of course CPR.

Where appropriate, the curriculum is taught and examined using simulation exercises. The course is recommended for anyone who leads adventure trips and those who are in the backcountry for days or weeks at a time and may have to care for a patient over an extended period. In the outdoors, emergency response time is not always quick.

This program is recognized by Alberta Occupational Health & Safety as an Advanced First Aid certificate and is an important distinction when choosing a wilderness first aid course. There is a pre-requisite if you require the recognition by Alberta occupational Health and Safety. Please see 'Certification Options' on the sidebar.

The intent of Scrambling Skills is to give you the skills to safely climb the scramble peaks and not put yourself or partners at unnecessary risk. We will focus on the most important elements of scrambling safety: route finding, hazard assessment and movement skills on loose steep terrain and on snow and iced rock. Most scrambling accidents are the result of bad route choices and poor terrain assessment.

Rope use and technical aspects of mountaineering will not be taught on this program.

The Banff Highline Trail is a wonderful journey through the Canadian Rockies during which we encounter much of the diversity to be found in these beautiful mountains. Day after day we cross spectacular passes interspersed with alpine lakes. Craggy peaks constructed of multi-hued quartzite give way to the massive gun-metal grey limestone slabs typical of the Front Ranges.

Different elevations feature a variety of flowers and vegetation from the delicate moss campions of the alpine zone to the flowering shrubs and berries of the forest floor. A daily constant will be Mount Assiniboine's massive pyramid, first seen from Arnica ridge on Day 2 then gradually getting closer until we reach its base three days later.

We picked the most beautiful and accessible sections of the Continental Divide and hike south through Banff National Park. We straddle the Continental Divide hiking through both British Columbia and Alberta. There is excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout this whole trip. We will hike more than 100km of trails.

This is one of our most popular backcountry hikes - and for good reason!

Add comfortable huts, home cooked meals and light daypacks to get a walking experience that is pure mountain enjoyment!

Access is exclusively by helicopter, a great way to start and finish the trip.

Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its meadows and easy hiking peaks which lie below the Matterhorn-like summit that towers above. Using a helicopter to transport our guests and gear, we by-pass the typically strenuous hike to reach this alpine paradise. With our food and gear transported in we travel light during the day as we explore the lakes, peaks, meadows and passes that surround our base for the four days.

This relaxed hiking program is for those interested in experiencing four days of walking in the beautiful sub-alpine region. There are not many areas where it is possible to do this and avoid carrying the heavier backpack usually required to visit such a place.

Climb Mount Assiniboine!

Of course, covering all of the "Best of the Rockies" in one short week is really quite impossible. We should have included trails in Waterton National Park and around Jasper but have chosen not to - because of the driving distances involved. We want the "Best of the Rockies" to be not just the best walking and hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies but also to be the best use of your limited time. Don't spend time driving when you can be walking!

From late May to mid August the forest and especially the meadows are lit in glorious wildflower shades of red, blue, yellow and white. By late August wildflower color is replaced by the reds and golds of Fall. September is in some ways the most spectacular month as the alpine larches turn the treeline into a blazing line of gold and incandescent aspens that speckle the valley floors.

We live and play in these mountains and we really enjoy showing them to you. We will spend two nights here in Canmore before taking you for two nights each in Banff and Lake Louise. We look forward to introducing you to the great hiking we have here in the Canadian Rockies! This is a hotel based trip so we carry light day packs and sleep in a comfortable bed.

This program can be combined with the "Mount Assiniboine Walking Tour", our backcountry hiking tour to magnificent Mount Assiniboine Park, where the scenic rewards of walking far from the highways in these exceptionally spectacular alpine meadows makes roughing it (we stay in rustic log cabins) all worthwhile!

Join us for an adventure that combines hiking and mountaineering: The Kananaskis Alpine Traverse. The objective: a traverse of the peaks and glaciers of the Main Divide from Aster Lake in the south to the Robertson Glacier in the north.

Located just south of Banff National Park, the Kananaskis region continues with the best of the alpine and sub-alpine worlds of the Canadian Rockies: peaks, glaciers, lakes, meadows and forest, all superlative! The experience of this traverse, too, encompasses the best of both: traversing glaciers in the early morning light, peaks stretching in every direction, cool, shady forest trails and wildflowers everywhere!

This traverse is designed for very fit, athletic hikers and beginner mountaineers (no previous mountaineering experience required). We go early in the summer when there"s still plenty of snow and climbing conditions are not too difficult.

Due to the remoteness of this area there are few trails and those we find are rough so in addition to a strong sense of adventure you will need to be in good hiking and scrambling shape. Compensating us for our effort are beautiful lakeside camps, wonderful fishing, great views and an ambiance quite different from that found further north.

In the remote headwaters of Jasper National Park's Brazeau River, where Poboktan and Jonas Creeks pass, there are huge expanses of alpine meadows that we call the Jasper Highlands! Our hiking journey circumnavigates much of this expanse in a huge triangular route also known as the "Brazeau Loop". The South Branch of the Brazeau River which we follow for the first two days is a very old trail long used by the indigenous people and later followed by European trappers and explorers. Now this trail is used by backpackers and wildlife including wolves and the elusive mountain caribou.

The ambiance of this valley is evocative of all that is wild, remote and beautiful in the northern reaches of the Canadian Rockies in what is one of our most challenging hiking trips.

If you have already enjoyed the Mount Assiniboine Backpack or the Rockwall Highline this is a natural step onto another level of mountain adventure. It's a more challenging and remote trip that should be on the list of any backpacking enthusiast.

We especially recommend this hike to those of you who like to avoid high season travel and who want to explore less beaten trails.

North of Lake Louise in Banff National Park, a series of gentle Icefields stretch for miles across the Great Divide of the Canadian Rockies. Known collectively as the Wapta Icefields they provide a unique opportunity for fit walkers and hikers to enjoy amazing mountain scenery that is normally reserved for mountaineers.

In the course of this three-day traverse we start at Bow Lake and hike up to and over the Bow Glacier to the Peyto Glacier staying in well equipped alpine huts en-route. If you've never spent any time on a glacier, its an absolutely amazing experience. Our guides will show you this complex and fragile alpine environment in an up close and personal way.

Standing on an icefield is like being on the ocean where you'll quickly get a sense for the vastness of the glacier. Jagged peaks pop out of the ice to stand 10,000 plus feet above sea level. It is a surreal experience.

This trip is a Canadian Tourism Commission 'Signature Experience'.

The more we hike in the Rockies the more special places we discover! Join us this summer for our Banff-Sawback Traverse during which we travel to lakes and passes in the Front Ranges of Banff National Park. From spectacular Johnson Canyon we head north to Lake Louise via Pulsatilla Pass and Baker Creek with a visit to high and wild Badger Pass.

We offer a short but breathtaking backpacking tour of the Skoki region that is designed for newcomers to the activity or for those who enjoy a more relaxed approach to backcountry hiking.

The trails are good, the campsites are located in spectacular settings and the mountain ambiance around Lake Louise is as good as it gets!

This hike is designed specifically for hikers and backpackers who want to avoid more difficult itineraries whilst still preserving a true back country experience. We start with a day and a half in the core area around the base of Mount Assiniboine before heading out on a three-day backpack trip to Sunshine Meadows.

From the vast park-like Assiniboine Meadows we drop into the eerie rockscape of the aptly named "Valley of the Rocks". The next day we climb to Citadel Pass back to beautiful meadows which will lead us the next day to the trip's conclusion at Sunshine.

Join us in July and August when the alpine wildflowers are in full bloom or in September when the fall begins by tinting meadows and larches yellow and red  in summer's final explosion of color!

If great scenery, healthy exercise and good company sound like a great holiday then come and join us for an unforgettable mountain experience.

Climb Mount Assiniboine!

This sublime backpacking tour encapsulates much of the unique ambiance of the southern Canadian Rockies. Why is this? Perhaps it's the representative landscapes and the way they are revealed to us as we crest each pass and enter each valley: Primeval forests, flower-strewn meadows, turquoise lakes reflecting rugged peaks and glaciers with the occasional added glimpses of wildlife.

Walking is never boring in this wonderland with unbelievable flowers in July and August to be followed in September by the blazing fall colors of the larches which punctuate and define the alpine meadows.

With its mostly moderate distances and opportunities for ridge hiking The Rockwall Highline can be  a great first time backpacking experience in the Canadian Rockies, not only is there  exquisite scenery but you will also be sharing the trail with like-minded people from around the globe. However we calculate, it all adds up to an active and exhilarating mountain holiday!

Our easiest backpacking trip begins with a helicopter drop off deep in Mount Robson Provincial Park and away from the crowds. We spend two days sampling some of the excellent hiking in the region before shouldering our packs for the easy three day hike back to civiization,

This is a great trip for a first backcountry backpacking experience or for those who like to keep pack weights to a minimum. The tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies doesn't need to be climbed to be fully enjoyed but we can do that if you so desire! Click the link below.

Climb Mount Robson!

The Canadian Rockies is one of the finest hiking areas in the world. The mountain scenery is superb and easy access to exciting areas allows for a range of different styles of trip.

We organize trips for individuals, for families and for groups of friends of all ages. Whilst we operate mainly in Canada we can also organize trips to other parts of the world such as the Himalayas, Andes or European Alps.

You can ask us to organize a trip you've always wanted to do or we can work with you to develop an itinerary. We can even help you organize a package that includes local transportation and accommodation before and after the trip. We can arrange for rental equipment and supply all out trip meals.

Alberta Workplace Health and Safety recognizes our course as meeting the requirements for "standard" first aid making it a valuable workplace qualification for those working in more remote environments.

North of Lake Louise in Banff National Park, a series of gentle Icefields stretch for miles across the Great Divide of the Canadian Rockies. Known collectively as the Wapta Icefields they provide a unique opportunity for fit walkers and hikers to enjoy amazing mountain scenery that is normally reserved for mountaineers.

In the course of this three-day traverse we start at Bow Lake and hike up to and over the Bow Glacier to the Peyto Glacier staying in well equipped alpine huts en-route. If you've never spent any time on a glacier, its an absolutely amazing experience. Our guides will show you this complex and fragile alpine environment in an up close and personal way.

Standing on an icefield is like being on the ocean where you'll quickly get a sense for the vastness of the glacier. Jagged peaks pop out of the ice to stand 10,000 plus feet above sea level. It is a surreal experience.

This trip is a Canadian Tourism Commission 'Signature Experience'.

Designed for those who do not have the time for one of our longer trips, or just want to get out and give backpacking a try for the first time, this progression of programs will have hikers enjoying the sense of remoteness and beauty that comes from stepping into the vast wilderness of these wonderful mountains.

This summer we highlight three of our favourite parks: Banff National Park, Kootenay National Park and the local secret: Kananaskis Country! Come and join us for a brief brush with the wild side of these Rocky Mountains and enjoy the ambiance that backcountry camping and hiking has to offer!