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 the area early on our ascent day. Typically we will aim to arrive at the South Ghost Parking lot no later than 0700hrs.

Typically the approach will take approximately 45min to reach the base of the ice, with average ascent and descent times usually requiring 4-5hrs. A 30min return from the base of the ice to the parking lot is considered average.

LOGISTICS

Guide : Guest Ratios

Wicked Wanda can be Guided easily with capable parties at a 1:2 Guide to Guest ratio. 
 

Travel to BANFF

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 Banff:

  • 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 Banff. A rental car may be required, though public transfers or transportation options are also available to you.
    Find a travel plan here

• Edmonton (YEG) to Banff: 

  • 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 Banff. An alternative and more scenic route goes via Rocky Mountain House, then Saskatchewan River Crossing, turning south on HWY 93N toward Lake Louise and then Banff. 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 Sunshine Village Meeting Point. 
    Our Meeting Point at Sunshine Village Resort
     

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.

• The Banff Airporter
   

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:
   

  • CANMORE 
    ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA
    THE PAINTBOX LODGE

  • BANFF
    BUFFALOBERRY LODGE

• 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. 
       
  • 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.
       
  • Black Diamond Equipment
    • Our Affiliate Partners at Black Diamond Equipment are our first choice for technical clothing and equipment. Check out their broad range of technical clothing and equipment and purchase at either Monods or Vertical Addiction locally.

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. 

   REVIEW OUR WAIVER OF LIABILITY HERE

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.

   REVIEW OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS HERE

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.