The Alt-Left is a 5.11b A0 big wall multi-pitch climb located high above the Town of Canmore. This route is a modern mixed climb featuring all the best climbing that the Bow Valley is known for.
Arch Enemy (5.11d, Stanley Headwall) is what I would consider the ultimate modern classic. A simple approach, straightforward climbing, and well-protected, short cruxes in one of the most epic locations imaginable. This is like Takkakaw Falls on steroids, but far better rock, far better climbing, and even better views.
Minotaur Direct (5.11+, IV) – is a serious, but world-class 16-pitch alpine granite rock climb located on the East face of Snowpatch Spire in Bugaboos Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada. This climb was first established in 2016 by Jon Walsh, Colin Moorhead, and Michelle Kadatz. Sadly, the original https://alpinestyle.ca website has disappeared from the web…
In 2019, I made the decision to commit to putting in the effort I knew would be required to send my first 5.13b. Over the years, I had attempted several – including The Hood at Acephale, Blue Jeans, and Army Ants (13c). Despite my attempts, I had not yet come to the conclusion that I…
Hero’s knob is a feature located in Kananaskis country offering a wide range of good quality skiing and open alpine terrain. Kananaskis has a variety of reputations ranging from “trash” to “incredible”, depending on who you ask and where you go (and when!). While conditions certainly can warrant a negative reputation at times, there is…
Surprise Pass ski tour, near Lake Louise Alberta, is one of those iconic backcountry tours that deserves a revisit at least once per year when conditions are good. This classic ski tour requires a solid 3-6 hours to complete the approximately 900m of elevation gain over roughly 6km from the parking lot. The first 2-3km…
Mt. Whymper avalanche and accident report. Sometimes things go a bit differently than expected in the mountains. Mt Whymper was a great day that was a bit closer to the edge than we planned for.
It’s a great experience to explore a new zone that has seen little, or possibly no traffic in the past. This is especially true. when the zone is as perfect and feature-rich as the Apollo Bowl on the west rib of the imposing Mt. Hector on the Icefields Parkway. Apollo bowl ski touring should be…
The Sugar Cube is an awesome day tour located near Helen Lake. A short Couloir, and a number of relatively long slopes offer lots of opportunities for ski touring.
Mount Field is a classic backcountry ski tour located in Little Yoho just west of Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Now… the word “classic” gets thrown around a lot. So lets get one thing clear – Mount Field is definitely a true Canadian Rockies Ski Tour. What makes it a classic? It has all…