Catamount Glacier Mountaineering Trip

A six-day backpacking and mountaineering expedition into the heart of the Purcell mountains, from early July through late September.

This trip was chosen by Explore Magazine as one of Canada's Top Trips for 2003!

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Depart Canmore at 6 am. It's a three-hour drive to the trailhead, which is located at the end of a logging road 42 km west of Radium Hotsprings. From here we begin the hike up Forster Ck to a camp just below the headwall guarding the toe of the Catamount Glacier.

Day 2 - Hike up the headwall and onto the glacier. Afternoon crevasse rescue practice.

Day 3 - Attempt a peak in the area suitable to the skill level of the group. A wide range of Grade I to II mountaineering routes, both technical (class 3 to 5) and non-technical (walk-ups), abound in this area; e.g. Mts. Griffith, Galloway, Harmon.

Day 4 - Move camp to below Mt. Gwendoline, attempt to climb Gwendoline (II, 4th class) or Black Fang (II, 5.5)

Day 5 - Move camp to North Star or Centaurus Glacier. Attempt Mount Alpha Centauri (N Face route, II, 4th class), Carmarthen Pk, Galaway Peak.

Day 6 - Exit via North Star Ck to Forster Ck. Drive home.

Cost

If you are an individual we may be able to place you with another individual or group; please call (403-678-4997) or email () for details.

What you provide

Your own transportation (good clearance 2WD--i.e., not a Honda Civic!--or 4WD required), equipment, food, insurance (accident, travel, medical, trip cancellation).