Pigeon Spire, The Bugaboos. See Rock Climbing page for trips.

Cirrus Alpine Guides specialize in custom alpine climbing trips. Be guided up one of the Rockies’ classic alpine snow and ice routes in style. All Guides are certified local IFMGA/ACMG Mountain or Alpine guides. We offer 16 years of professional experience guiding the peaks of the Canadian Rockies.  Some routes are long day trips from the road, but most are two or three day venues. Trips offered here have alpine hut accommodation with climbing venues nearby. If you are looking for mountaineering instruction try one of our Summer Mountain Craft courses. Here are a few of the most aesthetic routes and venues around. They attract climbers from around the world.

Lake Louise Group
These trips are out of the Lake Louise area. Prices are as quoted and include guiding fees only, food for out trips can be catered for $33.00 per person per day. Park entry pass, hut fees and travel expenses are extra. June through Sept. 2009

Mt Victoria 3464m/Mt Lefroy 3424m.  One of the most popular alpine trips in the Canadian Rockies with a well equipped and comfortable stone hut to base from. A mix of rock, snow and ice ridge travel with a few 5.5 moves on the rock.

1 day trip: We attempt the North Peak of Mt Victoria via the North glacier route from Lake Louise.
With an early start about a 10 - 12 hour day of glacier travel and some easy rock climbing along the upper ridge. Cost- 1:1 $450.00,  2:1 $275.00 pp.

2 day trip:
We jump on the 10:30 pm bus arriving at Lake O’Hara at 11:15 and hike up to the Abbott hut, 5hrs hiking. The next day we attempt the classic South East Ridge of Mt Victoria high above Lake Louise, a full day of ridge travel on snow, ice and rock. Then we hike down to lake O'Hara and bus out to the car park, we are back in Lake Louise by dinner. We may have the option of descending a different way back via the Huber Ledges, 2 days total.
Cost- 1:1 $825.00,  2:1 $470.00 pp.

3 day trip, two nights at the hut including an ascent of Mt Lefroy's West Face a snow and ice route to the top of another 11000er with the option of heading out via the Furman Ledges down to Lake Louise or out via the bus at Lake O'Hara.    
Cost- 1:1 $1250.00, 2:1 $690.00 pp.

Mt Fay 3234m. This North Face offers a selection of 8 pitch snow and ice ascents as well as the 5.5 West Ridge Route. These routes are climbed from the Niel Colgan hut.

Day one we climb the Perren route up to the hut (6-8 hrs) mostly 4th class with a few short sections of 5.5 on quartzite rock. Day two we climb to the summit of Mt Fay via the North Face or West Ridge then descend back to Lake Louise via the Perren route or the Schiesser Ledges.       (10-12 hrs). 2 days total. Cost $850:00 for one $1050:00 for two climbers.  This hut works well for a 3-4 day trip if you are interested in a variety of snow/ice routes and or 4th class climbs on peaks all over 3020m.

Mt Temple 3543m  East Ridge. Highest peak in the Lake Louise group, one of the “50 classics”. A long ridge climb on quartzite, mostly lower 5th class climbing with two pitches of 5.7 rock climbing and a snow and ice finish. Most try this route with an overnight bivy at the big ledge. If your fit and ready I have guided this route in a long day, 16-18 hours with one climber only.
1 or 2 day ascent, 1:1 $900.00, 2:1 $1200:00.

Mt Aberdeen 3151m. The North Glacier Route, a snow and ice route that is a 10-12 hrs day from Lake Louise. You can also summit Mt Haddo 3070m via the SW ridge on route to Aberdeen.  Cost- 1:1 $450.00,  2:1 $275.00 pp.

Unnamed Peak 3155m East Ridge. This classic rock ridge day trip from Lake Louise has great views of Mt Victoria, Mt Lefroy and Mt Saddleback.
Cost- 1:1 $450.00,  2:1 $275.00 pp.
 

Columbia Icefields, Jasper National Park

These two high snow and ice peaks attract climbers from around the world. There location is road side 2 hours north of Lake Louise and one hour south of Jasper Alberta. They offer short approaches to large alpine snow and ice climbs of all difficulties. Mt Athabasca provides some excellent big mountain terrain for general mountaineering style climbing as well as multi pitch snow and ice routes. There is hotel, hut or car camping available at the base. Training days are for climbing skills refresher, warm up and or acclimatization if needed. Cost includes guiding fees as well as all guides expenses.

Mt Athabasca 3491m
 
North Glacier or A/A Col Route as well as the Silver Horn Route.
Climb only, 1.5 days. Meet the evening before a preposition at the ice fields for peak ascent early next day. Cost- 1:1 $625.00, 2:1 $350.00 pp,  3:1 $270.00 pp.
  
Climb with full training/refresher day on day one, peak ascent day two.
1:1 $850.00  2:1 $500.00 pp, 3:1 $375.00 pp.

North Face and East Ridge Routes.
Climb only 1:1 $700.00, 2:1 $400.00 pp. With training day, 1:1 $900.00, 2:1 $500.00 pp.


Mt Andromeda 3450m
 
North Face Route and Sky Ladder Route.
Climb only 1:1 $700.00, 2:1 $400.00 pp.  With training day, 1:1 $900.00, 2:1 $500.00 pp.
 

Mt Columbia 3747m  East Face. A mini expedition to a classic snow and ice route with spectacular views of the Columbia Icefield and it's surrounding peaks.  The highest point in Alberta and also the largest ice fields in the Canadian Rockies. We are also in position for an alpine ascent of Mt Castleguard from base camp. This trip requires camping out to preposition for the climb and takes 6-8 hrs on day one. Peak ascent on day two and out day three. A weather day can be a good idea for this trip. Late Aug and Sept are the best times for clear sky's.

Four day trip three nights, walk in via the Athabasca glacier $1700.00 for one $2100.00 for two. Food can be catered for $33.00 per day per person.       

Three day trip two nights cost $1275.00 for one, $1575.00 for two.  Includes guiding and safety gear, food can be catered at $33.00 per person per day. Helicopter from Nordegg Alberta one way in cost $1100.00 4 climbers max.

Mt Edith Cavell 3363m, East Ridge. One of the 50 classic climbs of North America. A 10-12 hr long quartzite ridge route on excellent rock in the Jasper area. The route requires crampons and ice tool early in the season. A preposition at the camp ground or the Hostel at the base of the route is required for an early morning start. 1.5 days total cost per day 1:1 $625.00, 2:1 $350.00 pp.  Hotel at base is also an option. 

Yoho National Park

The President/Vice President 3138m. The approach day up the Little Yoho Valley  to the Stanley Mitchell Hut is about 4.5 hours on excellent hiking trails. This beautiful compact area sports 3 snow and ice peaks all over 3000m. The President, the Vice President and Mt McArthur all make for excellent general mountaineering objectives with glacier travel and alpine ridges to traverse. Day climbing trips from the hut are 6-8 hour days. Two day and up to four day trips work well in this area. Camping at base in the Little Yoho camp ground is also an option.

Two day cost- 1:1 $850.00, 2:1 $500.00 pp, 3:1  $375.00 pp, 4:1 $300.00 pp.
Three day cost- 1:1 $1275.00, 2:1 $750.00 pp, 3:1 $550.00 pp, 4:1 $450.00 pp.
Hut fees are $35.00 per night pp. Food can be catered for $33.00 per person per night.

Glacier National Park

The Rogers pass area in the Selkirk Mountains offers extensive glaciated terrain with good alpine rock climbing and alpine mountaineering on long quartzite ridges and faces. The Asulkan hut as well as camping in the Hermit Meadows make for excellent 2-3 day general mountaineering trips, climbing local snow and ice peaks.

Mt Tupper 2816m West Ridge at 5.5 grade. A 7-10 hour day. Some of the finest quartzite alpine rock in the Rogers Pass. This route is the most popular and requires camping in the Hermit Meadows for one night. 1.5 days total.
Cost-  1:1 $650.00, 2:1 $350.00 pp.

Mt Sir Donald 3297m. The great North West Ridge, the most prominent peak in the Central Selkirk's and a 2 day trip. This is the classic big line in the area, easy climbing but a long 12-14 hour day that requires good weather and a good pace.
Meet and hike in to camp at base day one, climb ridge next day on excellent 5.5 rock with incredible positions. Cost- $900.00 One guest per guide only due to the length of the route.

Mount Robson Provincial Park Mt Robson,12973 ft.                     “King of the Rockies” This is a Six day alpine style ascent of the classic North East face. Day 1- Drive to Mt Robson Provincial Park and helicopter into the Extinguisher Tower camping sites. Day 2- Glacier travel and snow climbing to gain our high camp on the Dome. Day 3- We attempt the summit via the Kain Face, 1500 ft of snow and ice up to 55 degrees, then 3 hrs of moderate snow travel to the summit.  Day 4- Try Mt Robson again if no luck on day 3.  Or an ascent day of near by       Mt Resplendent, 11241ft or opt for a rest day or bad weather day. Day 5-  Option to climb Mt Resplendent or fly out and preposition to climb        Mt Edith Cavell, 11034 ft near Jasper. Day 6- Travel and fly out to car park. Previous experience climbing snow and ice and strong fitness levels are a must for this trip. Dates: Aug 15 - 20, 29 - Sept 3  2009 Cost is per person and includes:guiding, food, camping gear and helicopter flight. A second guide is brought in for more then 2 clients. 1 client $4900.00;                           2,3 or 4 clients $2850.00pp.

Mt. Robson's North and Emperor Face Other climbing route options Mt Robson's South Face.                                    3 day, 2 night all inclusive trip based from the Ralph Forester Hut. 1:1 client guide ratio only, with fly in as an option.    The South Face is the most direct way to climb the mountain.  Day 1- A 5000 ft. hiking ascent to the hut. Day 2- 5000 ft. climb on snow and ice, including some steep ice climbing. Day 3- Hike down from the hut and out to car park. Cost $1800.00 pp.  All inclusive.

Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park

Mt Assiniboine, 3618m                                                                                       “Matterhorn of the Rockies” . 

The North Ridge is the classic line to the top of the highest peak in the Southern Rockies and is a 3 or 4 day trip.                                                                                                             This route is 1:1 client guide ratio when the route is in time consuming mixed conditions. Often in late Aug the route is dry of ice and snow all the way to the summit ridge and a second climber is suitable.            

Day 1- We fly in from Canmore on the east side and climb up to the Hind hut via the Mosers Ledges.

Day 2- Ascend the north ridge of Mt Assiniboine.  A 10 to 12 hour climbing day depending on conditions with rock moves up to 5.5  

Day 3- Climb and hike down from the hut to fly out from Assiniboine Lodge.

Day 4- Allows for bad weather and a second try for Assiniboine or an ascent of nearby Mt.Sturdy.

Mt Sturdy:  This peak is on the west side of Mt. Assiniboine and is not far from the hut at a much lower elevation. There are options of a 5 pitch snow and ice route up to 50 degrees or mixed routes on low 5th class terrain. These routes take 6-7 hours from the hut and are great for bad weather days or if you have climbed the big guy on day 2.

Prices include helicopter, hut, food and guiding services. July through Sept. Mid week is best.

3 day trips fly Wed-Fri and Fri-Sun: Cost $2100.00 for one person, $3600.00 for two.                  4 day trips fly Sun-Wed: Cost $2500.00 for one person and $3900.00 for two.                           

Alpine Climbing Education

Cirrus Alpine guides specialize in personalized and innovative instruction. We teach modern state of the art techniques that are used by professional Mountain Guides.

We provide a custom personal interactive learning environment and offer 2:1  client instructor ratio only for our alpine skills adventures. Yes this does cost a little more then being with a larger group but allows for more climbing options and flexibility and saves time. We actually get out and do some alpine climbing on routes that are more then a walk up and suitable for one guide and two clients. This means maximizing our safety and enjoyment while you develop and experience essential skills.

Improvised Rope Rescue Course
A one day improvised rope rescue course for climbers and skiers. We teach snow, ice and rock anchor systems as well as self extraction techniques. Learn the components of the Canadian drop loop rescue system and be able to secure, transfer, raise and lower a climber or skier. Cost $190.00 per person 4 max and includes use of all technical gear. Held at the Columbia Icefield on the Athabasca glacier or Rundle Rock in Banff.  Dates available upon request.

Summer Mountain Craft - 2 Day 2009 An introduction to alpine climbing. Snow and ice climbing movement skills, use of ice axe, crampons, rope and hardware. Glacier travel techniques and hazard awareness. The second day you continue to develop new skills while climbing a suitable snow and ice peak. This course is held at Mt Athabasca in the the Columbia Icefield. This areas allows easy and near  access to the glacier and excellent introductory snow and ice alpine routes.   Dates: June 6-7, 20-21 July 4-5, 11-12, 18-19. Aug 8-9, 15-16, 29-30. Sept 5-6. Cost- 1:1  $825.00, 2:1 $450.00 pp.  Includes instruction, guiding and use of all technical gear like ice tools, crampons, harness, helmet and rope. You must provide food, suitable clothing and mountain boots. Hut, hotel or car camping available at base.

Mt. Logan's East Ridge and tent camp

Summer Mountain Craft - 5 Day 2009

An intense, comprehensive alpine skills course designed to help develop the independent mountaineer. Trip planning, equipment considerations, rock, snow and ice climbing, anchor building, belaying and rappelling, glacier travel techniques, route selection and navigation, improvised rope rescue and hazard awareness are all part of the curriculum. Learn “hands on” while leading your team to a number of summits during the week.

You can also custom this course for 3 or 4 days in length June through to Sept, book any time for preferred dates.

Three possible locations and possible objectives: The Columbia Icefield area, based around Mt Athabasca and Andromeda, The Lake Louise Group, Mt Victoria, Mt Lefroy, Mt Fay, hut based or the Bugaboos, Pigeon, Bugaboo Spires and Marmolata or Pigeon Feathers Traverse, also hut based.
   
Dates: June 6-10, 20-24. July 4-8, 11-15. Aug 15-19, 29-Sept 1.  Sept 5-9. 

Cost 1:1 $2000.00, 2:1 $1200.00 pp, 3:1 $860.00 pp, 4:1 $750.00 pp.
Includes instruction, guiding and use of all technical gear such as Ice tools, crampons, helmet, harness, rope. You need to provide mountain boots, suitable clothing and food. Huts cost $25.00 pp per night, camping at the ice fields cost $15.00 per night.

If you have any questions or concerns or to receive a logistics package call: Mark Stewart at CIRRUS Alpine Guides Tel: 403-678-8567 e-mail: cirrus@shaw.ca