Twisted - WI5 / 120m
GUIDED ICE CLIMBING ASCENTS WITH INTERNATIONALLY CERTIFIED C9 MOUNTAIN GUIDES
Situated directly above the Trans-Canada Highway near Field BC, Twisted can be recognized from afar as the tower of ice on Mount Stephen Buttress. Each of its three pitches provides something different: the route begins with WI3 ice requiring delicate moves, and continues onto the steep and technical WI5 pitch that will give most climbers a good bump before the final WI4 pitch of small mushrooms in a central runnel. Before booking, please be aware that this route has significant overhead exposure to complex avalanche terrain. Parks Canada commonly controls these upper slopes throughout the winter and our team will often only entertain ascent during periods of low or moderate hazard, limited snowpack complexity, or immediately after an explosive control run that releases critical amounts of avalanche prone snow from the slopes above.
A stimulating ascent with each pitch providing a different kind of a challenge right above the Trans-Canada Highway.
Please note that if booking this ice climbing ascent in advance, our Mountain Guides will reserve the right to shift your booking to an alternate objective on the day should we feel that avalanche hazard poses an unreasonable level of risk. For the best chances of success, get in touch with our program managers, express your interest in the route, and we'll stay in touch letting you know when conditions are suitable for an ascent.
VARIED AND ENGAGING CLIMBING HIGH ABOVE THE VALLEY BOTTOM
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED*
SUPPORTED BY OUR PARTNERS AT BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT
IFMGA CERTIFIED MOUNTAIN GUIDES
CLIMB WITH ONE OF OUR HIGHLY EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
Length & technical difficulty:
120 Meters - III - WI5
Suitable for Intermediate+ or Advanced Climbers
average ascent Times:
4-6 HRS RETURN
ITINERARY
ARRIVAL & PRE ASCENT
7 Days in advance of your ascent our Program Managers will touch base to provide you with an update on expected route conditions, avalanche hazard (if applicable), and expected weather for your ascent day. Your Guide(s) will be in touch 24-48hrs in advance of departure at a minimum, to further discuss final logistics and your expectations, for your day with us.
Your Ascent Day
Our Program Managers and your Guide will discuss with you in advance an appropriate meeting point, relative to the location of your accommodation here in the Bow Valley, or considerate of your intended travel plans for arriving in Banff early on our ascent day. Typically we will aim to meet up at Laggan's in Lake Louise for 0700hrs, from where we'll convoy together to Yoho Valley Road near Field BC.
Typically the approach will take approximately 40min to reach the base of the ice, with average ascent and descent times usually requiring 4-6hrs. A 40min return from the base of the ice to the parking lot is considered average.
LOGISTICS
Guide : Guest Ratios
Twisted can be Guided easily with capable parties at a 1:2 Guide to Guest ratio.
Travel to LAKE LOUISE
Our suggestions for your most efficient way to access the program venue from a variety of locations and international ports of entry:
-
Calgary (YYC) to Lake Louise:
-
Those Guests traveling from or arriving by air at Calgary International Airport: Your most efficient route to join us for the program start is by arrival in Lake Louise. A rental car may be required, though public transfers or transportation options are also available to you from Banff.
Find a travel plan here
-
-
Edmonton (YEG) to Lake Louise:
-
Those Guests travelling from or arriving by air at Edmonton International Airport: the fastest route is via Calgary by AB-2 S and then Highway 1 to Lake Louise. An alternative and more scenic route goes via Rocky Mountain House, then Saskatchewan River Crossing, turning south on HWY 93N toward Lake Louise. A rental car or personal transportation will be required.
Find a travel plan here
-
-
Travelling from British Columbia:
-
For our Guests travelling and arriving from locations in British Columbia: Please use the following map link to aid in your planning directly at the Laggan's in Lake Louise.
Our Meeting Point at the Laggan's in Lake Louise
-
Transfers from Calgary international Airport:
Transfers are available departing Calgary International, arriving in Canmore and Banff. We'd suggest The Banff Airporter for those requiring transfer services.
Early ARRIVALS
ACCOMMODATION & TRIP PREP
For those looking to arrive early ahead of your program, there are a variety of useful pre-trip amenities and comfortable accommodation options around our base in Canmore, Alberta, the townsite of Banff, a further 20-minute drive inside the East Gates of Banff National Park, and Lake Louise. The following are our suggestions for accommodation as well as gear and equipment retailers to help you prepare post-arrival:
-
ACCOMMODATION:
-
GEAR PURCHASES PRE-TRIP:
For those looking to purchase gear and equipment prior to your course, we would suggest the following local Bow Valley retailers:
- Vertical Addiction
- Located in Canmore, Vertical Addiction offers a complete selection of technical climbing, mountaineering and ski equipment along with a broad selection of technical clothing.
- Located in Canmore, Vertical Addiction offers a complete selection of technical climbing, mountaineering and ski equipment along with a broad selection of technical clothing.
- SkiUphill
- Located in Canmore, SkiUphill is a collective of experience driven individuals each with their own history, knowledge and stories of getting out there and getting after it. They offer expertise in backcountry skiing, trail running, climbing and any combination of those activities all while offering the best selection of curated equipment.
- Located in Canmore, SkiUphill is a collective of experience driven individuals each with their own history, knowledge and stories of getting out there and getting after it. They offer expertise in backcountry skiing, trail running, climbing and any combination of those activities all while offering the best selection of curated equipment.
- Monods Sports
- Located in Banff, Monods is one of the longest operating outdoor equipment and clothing retailers in the Bow Valley. Monods has a large selection of technical clothing and equipment offerings.
- Located in Banff, Monods is one of the longest operating outdoor equipment and clothing retailers in the Bow Valley. Monods has a large selection of technical clothing and equipment offerings.
- Ortovox
- Our Partners at Ortovox are known for their high-quality technical outerwear and are a supporting partner of C9G and our ski guiding programs.
- Our Partners at Ortovox are known for their high-quality technical outerwear and are a supporting partner of C9G and our ski guiding programs.
- Black Diamond Equipment
- Black Diamond Equipment has been providing skiers and alpinists with technical equipment since 1989, and is a supporting partner of C9G and our guided ski programs.
- Vertical Addiction
YOUR MOUNTAIN GUIDE'S TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION COSTS
In addition to your Ice Climbing Package Fee, an additional fee of $50 will be applied to your order. These amounts are paid in full and directly to our Guiding Staff to cover the transportation routes required to arrive at Lake Louise. In circumstances where you are able to provide your Guide with Transportation from our hub in Canmore, and where no other factors prohibit this option, this fee will be waived.
Required Equipment & Personal Items
- Backpacks - Small Day Pack ~ 35L
- Mountaineering Boots (not provided)
- Ice Axes (can be provided upon request)
- Crampons (can be provided upon request)
- Harness (can be provided upon request)
- Helmet (can be provided upon request)
- ATC Style Belay Device (can be provided upon request)
- 2 Locking Carabiners (can be provided upon request)
- 120cm Sewn Sling (can be provided upon request)
- Leash or Personal Anchor System (can be provided upon request)
- Sunglasses (We suggest Julbo Sun Glasses)
- 50+ SPF Sunscreen
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Water Bottle - min. 1L
- Blister Kit
- Camera
- Trekking Pole
essential clothing
- Base Layers - Tops and Bottoms (Wool or Synthetic Only)
- Mid Layers - Tops and Bottoms (200 Weight Wool or Synthetic is Ideal)
- Socks - Wool Blend is best, no cotton
- Light Collared Synthetic Shirt (optional, nice for the really hot sunny days)
- Softshell Jacket and Pants
- Gore-Tex Jacket and Pants
- Buff Style Neck Tube or Similar
- Insulated Hat
- Gloves - Heavyweight and Lightweight Options
- Down or Synthetic Insulated Jacket
TRIP CANCELLATION & INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
The best method to protect your investment with us should unforeseen arise, requiring you cancel your booking, is to purchase a Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance Policy.
Lifestyle Insurance has covered many of Cloud Nine Guests on trips all over the world, and we have first-hand experience seeing these policies activated by our Guests.
Safeguard your trip costs and investment with us. Request a Quote from Lifestyle Financial.
Is this coverage required?
- For Canadian Residents, coverage is suggested but not required to register.
- For Non-Canadian Citizens, coverage is suggested but not required. It is strongly suggested that your policy includes Emergency Medical Coverage, unless you carry an alternative policy which will respond in the event of medical emergency.
WAIVER - Release of Liability & Indemnity Agreement
Prior to booking you will be required to acknowledge that you have been provided a copy of our Waiver of Liability Agreement for your review. All participants, or their legal guardians wishing to participate on any Cloud Nine Programs, must acknowledge that they have been presented this document in advance of booking, have read it in its entirety, and understand the agreement being entered into by signing. While there is no obligation to enter into this agreement with us, it is a condition of our service provision.
Booking TErms & Conditions
Before you book your course, please review our Booking Terms & Conditions. We do not accept bookings without your voluntary acceptance of these terms. Please read carefully as these terms outline specific policies and guidance for both our staff and clients with respect to refunds, cancellations, rescheduling etc.
Book a free consultation
Book a phone call or video call with either of our Program Managers or with our Director of Operations.
This is an excellent preliminary step towards booking a trip with us. It allows us to better understand your requirements and needs for your desired objective.
