Alberta Ice, Rock, Alpine, & Via Ferrata Climbing Guides
Rise Above,
Reach Within
Alberta Ice, Rock, Alpine, & Via Ferrata Climbing Guides
Rise Above, Reach Within
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From Tim’s Rocky Mountain Climbing Journal
Discovering the Untouched Beauty of David Thompson Country in Winter (2025)
Head out on a scenic winter drive along Highway 11 past Nordegg and into David Thompson Country, Alberta, and discover the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies. This picturesque route, stretching east to west, is framed by dense forests and towering peaks. It’s the perfect setting for a winter road trip featuring activities like snow camping, ice climbing, exploring frozen canyons, and hunting for the mesmerizing methane ice bubbles on Abraham Lake—a phenomenon that continues to draw photographers and adventurers from around the world.
Top Things to do in Nordegg in Summer (2025)
Nordegg and its surrounding area which boasts beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, and some of the best recreational opportunities in both the province. Nordegg is on the David Thompson Highway in Central Alberta, and is often noted as a hidden gem. Some visitors stop for gas, a coffee, and a quick photo op on their way to Banff or Jasper, but wise travellers take the time to explore the area and all that it has to offer.
How to Climb Steep Ice: Gear and Techniques Guide
Steep ice climbing is an exciting challenge that combines skill, technique, and the right equipment. This guide covers all you need to know to climb steep ice safely and efficiently, including key techniques, gear recommendations, and training tips to help you prepare for the adventure.
We Believe Adventure is Transformational
Our approach to mountain guiding is centered around you, and bring out your best while adventuring with you in the mountains.
Our years of climbing and exploring the majestic mountains have taught us that being amidst those giants provides far more than just physical fitness and adventure; we have discovered that our time spent in the mountains has a profound effect on our overall wellbeing, both in a spiritual and holistic sense.
The mountains also challenge us to exceed our expectations on both an individual and collective level, pushing ourselves to be better than what we initially thought was possible. We want this for all out our guests.
ACMG Certified Guides
in the Alberta Rockies
Find the sweet spot where challenge and growth come together to create profound opportunities for personal development. At Girth Hitch Guiding we foster safe and meaningful experiences in the mountains where ever we take guests in Alberta. We love seeing guests grow on a one-day adventure trying ice climbing while traveling through the David Thompson Country as much as we like planning a big objective guiding a guest up one of Alberta’s famed 11,000 foot peaks.
We also love the joy a group of friends experience the first time they get to climb a Nordegg Via Ferrata together – whether it is the easier ‘The Fox’ or harder ‘From Nordegg with Love’. Via Ferrata is such a great, accessible mountain activity you can do in David Thompson Country, it is a must try activity in the mountains!
Do you want to make the jump from climbing gym to outdoor climbing at the crag? We have programs teaching climbers from all over Alberta how to lead climb, clean and efficiently deal with climbing outdoors in Nordegg. We can also advance to placing and leading on gear while traditional climbing in the Rockies, and annually in our camp in Skaha, Penticton, BC.
