The 6-Day Alpine Skills Week is an immersive program designed to build the technical foundation for safe and rewarding alpine climbing. Under the mentorship of certified ACMG guides, you’ll master glacier travel, crevasse rescue, navigation, and hazard assessment across snow, ice, and rock. The week seamlessly blends expert instruction with real-world application, culminating in multi-pitch objectives and alpine summit attempts.
Course Details
6-Day Alpine Skills Week
Overview
Provided by the Guide
- ACMG/IFMGA certified guides
- Max. 3:1 ratio on summit attempt
- Max 2:1 ratio on Alpine rock routes
- Group technical gear (ropes, trad rack)
Not Included
For any personal technical gear you need, send us a message for gear rental price. Additionally, if you need local insights, we’re happy to provide recommendations for nearby accommodations or help you coordinate transportation.
- Personal climbing equipment (see gear list)
- Food
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Park Passes
What to Bring
- Mountaineering boots
- Standard mountaineering axe
- Climbing harness
- 10-12 point mountaineering crampons (must fit your mountaineering boots)
- Climbing helmet
- 3 locking carabiners
- 2 non-locking carabiners
- 2 x 5m 6mm prusik cord
- 1x60cm sewn sling
- Belay device (tube style only - no Grigri)
- 2x13cm ice screws
- 40-55L Backpack
- Rock climbing shoes
- Chalk bag
- Micro traction and/or Triblok (optional)
What You Will Learn
Crampon and ice axe useRappelling systemsSnow and ice anchors (V-threads, T-slots, ice screws)Rock anchorsLead climbing (sport and trad)Multi-pitch transitionsRope managementGlacier travelCrevasse rescueRoute navigationRoute planningHazard assessment
Find a Partner for This Course
Don't have a partner yet? Click below to join our Partner Finder community, where you can post your availability and connect with other climbers looking to take this course.
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2
We will be meeting early at the Columbia Icefields Campground, so plan to arrive the evening before Day 1. We will be training for the summit attempt and spending the evenings at a local campground or hotel.
Columbia Icefields
Day 3
We will be attempting to summit Mount Athabasca, A2 or Hilda Peak. There will be a 3:1 guest-to-guide ratio for the attempt. Afterwards, we will travel to Lake Louise or Banff to spend the evening at a local campsite, hostel, or hotel.
Summit Attempt!
Day 4-5
We are climbing at Lake Louise or Banff and spending the evening at a local campsite, hostel, or hotel.
Lake Louise or Banff
Day 6
Multi-pitch climbing day with a 2:1 guest-to-guide ratio.
Lake Louise or Banff
Meet Your Guide
Since 2005, Alpine Air Adventures has provided world-class instruction to thousands of climbers in the Canadian Rockies, led by a team of elite ACMG/IFMGA certified guides. Our courses are designed to be both educational and fun for everyone, whether you are tying into a rope for the first time or you're a seasoned climber.
Experience Required
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Unsure if you meet the prerequisites? Reach out to us or the guide and share a bit about your climbing background, and we'll help find the right course for you.
Course Length: 6 Days
This course begins on the following dates:
Scheduled days (2)
September 2026
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
Available Days
2 Days
Location
The course will cover multiple locations. On Day 1, we will meet at the Columbia Icefields campground. On Day 3, we will attempt to summit Mt. Athabasca, A2, or Hilda Peak. We will then wind our way back to Lake Louise or Banff to finish off the course.
- Columbia Icefields Campground, Alberta(Directions)
Price Per Person
All prices in CAD
All prices include taxes.
People
6 Days
1 person
$2,063.25
2 persons
$2,063.25
3 persons
$2,063.25
4 persons
$2,063.25
5 persons
$2,063.25
6 persons
$2,063.25
7 persons
$2,063.25
8 persons
$2,063.25
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancellation Policy
Alpine Air Adventures reserves the right to modify or cancel any trip or course at any time due to insufficient enrollment, unfavorable weather conditions or other reasons without penalty to Alpine Air Adventures. Guests will be notified as soon as possible.
In the unlikely event Alpine Air Adventures has to cancel a trip or course, you will receive a full refund of payment.
Guest cancellations made before three weeks of the trip departure date will receive a full refund. However any deposits and expenses already incurred by Alpine Air Adventures will not be refunded.
Guest cancellations made within three weeks of the trip departure date will receive no refund.
If availability exists you can transfer to another course or program date, an administrative charge of $30.00 will be applied.
Alpine Air Adventures
4.8out of 5
254 Google Reviews
6 months ago
By completing the AST1 course, expertly led by Tamara and the Alpine Air Adventure team, I now feel ready to progress into guided backcountry splitboard tours. The online theory portion provided a solid introduction to the fundamentals of avalanche safety. Gaining a clearer understanding of snowpack, terrain characteristics, and avalanche reports really highlighted how essential proper education is for staying safe and riding pow within your comfort zone. The field day was an eye‑opening experience, especially practicing with an avalanche transceiver and learning how to manage rescue scenarios. I highly recommend this course, and I’d like to personally thank Tamara for her exceptional guiding. She’s a true backcountry badass who will absolutely spark your passion for exploring beyond the resort.
Climb Onsight
5.0out of 5
9 Google Reviews
a year ago
Had a fantastic time on an ice climbing trip booked through Climb Onsight! The process was seamless and we saved so much time on researching guides. The Muskoka Mountainworks guides are the best. They were patient with us newbies and made sure everyone had a nice balance of challenge and fun. The incredible location also made for an unforgettable day.