Adventure type

alpine climbing

Try Ice climbing, learn to Rock climb, Lead & multi pitch – all in the David Thompson Corridor and Bow Valley, Alberta.

Alberta Rocky Mountains, in the alpine, view of the horizon looking at a hanging glacier

Tim Taylor, ACMG Guide, smiling with a client while alpine climbing in the Alberta Rocky Mountains

Smiling alpine climber alpine climbing in the Alberta Rocky Mountains

Tim Taylor with a smiling client while alpine climbing in the Alberta Rocky Mountains

Tim Taylor guiding a client alpine climbing who is summiting a ridge line in the Alberta Rocky Mountains

Tim Taylor alpine climbing with a client in the Alberta Rocky Mountains, looking off to the horizon

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Let’s get into the Alpine!

Alpine climbing is an incredible way to get to some of the less accessible places in the mountains. Climbers travel through diverse terrain with a mixture of rock climbing, scrambling and hiking. Tick off a major summit goal (the Canadian Rockies are home to many 11,000ers!), build skills, and reach spectacular heights in the mountains!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Alpine Climbing

How do I get into alpine climbing?

Alpine climbing requires skill and competence in the mountains. A great start is to learn to rock climb, as almost all alpine climbing involves some alpine climbing. Here are some basic suggestions:

Learn to rock climb
Get the proper equipment
Take a rock climbing safety course
Find someone to learn and to climb with.
Hire a guide

How do I stay safe when alpine climbing?

Have the right equipment – alpine climbing is a technical type of climbing. It is very important to ensure you have the right safety equipment and that you know how to use it.
Climb within your ability.
Group dynamics – make sure your group has good communication. Weather and other stressors can impact one’s ability to hear and to communicate. Ensure your group knows the plan to communicate and is capable of communicating both interpersonally and with the correct tools.
Have a plan – make a plan before you head out on your trip. Knowing what you will do if someone gets injured, if the conditions or weather is poor, or the trip is taking longer than planned, is crucial to a safe trip. Also make sure you share this plan with someone who is not going on the trip to enable emergency support if needed.

Additionally, know the route and track your progress using maps and navigation tools

Check the weather forecast and conditions.

What do I need to go alpine climbing?

Climbing helmet
Climbing harness
Guide belay device
Non locking carabiners
Locking carabiners
Double length (120cm) dyneema runner
Ice Axe
Crampons
30-40 Litre backpack

OPTIONAL BUT BENEFICIAL:

5 Meter bundle of 7mm cordelette
Petzl Micro Traxion and Tiblock
Short Prusik or 13.5 inch Sterling Hollow Block

Is alpine climbing the same as mountaineering?

Mountaineering is where the climber’s main goal is to achieve a climb at high altitudes, while alpine climbing is when the goal is to climb with more technical challenges. Alpine climbing includes rock climbing and/or ice climbing with snow covered terrain at some point.

What is the difference between alpine climbing and rock climbing?

Rock climbing often focuses on the physical challenge of rock climbing, while alpine climbing requires greater technical skill and competence to safely climb a route.

Alpine climbing also involves more specific equipment like ice tools, and crampons.