Canadian Classic Icefalls 2027
Level 2 : Guided Climbing
Climb some of the world's finest frozen waterfalls in the spectacular wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. From classic icefalls to steep, technical routes, discover an extraordinary winter climbing adventure among towering peaks, vast frozen valleys & the wild beauty of Canada's mountain landscapes.
The Canadian Rockies are one of the world's great ice climbing destinations. With hundreds of frozen waterfalls, towering limestone walls and vast mountain wilderness, Banff and Jasper National Parks provide an extraordinary setting for a truly memorable ice climbing adventure.
ISM offers two consecutive weeks of professionally guided ice climbing, combining some of Canada's most celebrated icefalls with expert instruction, coaching and the opportunity to develop your skills in this remarkable environment.
Our Classic Canadian Icefalls week (Level 1) explores some of the Rockies' finest WI4 and WI4+ routes. The emphasis is on enjoying classic ice climbing while developing sound technique, confidence and the experience needed to tackle longer, more adventurous icefalls.
For those wanting to take their climbing further, our Technical Canadian Icefalls week (Level 2) builds on that experience, moving towards steeper WI4+ and WI5 routes, more demanding climbing and the skills and judgement needed for bigger objectives. This week can be enjoyed as a natural progression from the first or as a stand-alone adventure for suitably experienced climbers.
Whether you join us for one week or both, the experience is about much more than individual routes. It's about travelling through the Rockies, discovering new climbing areas, learning from experienced Guides and enjoying the adventure of climbing in one of the world's most spectacular mountain environments.
Course Highlights
Experience world class icefall climbing
Stunning scenery in the Canadian Rockies
Quiet mountains and icefalls which makes for a wild and adventurous trip
Expert guiding from an experienced ISM Guide with 25 years' climbing in the Rockies
Week 1 - Climbing Classic WI4
Our first week is all about discovering the exceptional classic ice climbing of the Canadian Rockies, combining memorable routes with the opportunity to develop your technique, confidence and experience.
We begin by climbing some of the well-known icefalls around Banff, allowing everyone to settle into the rhythm of Canadian ice climbing. From there, we'll follow the best available conditions, choosing routes and venues that offer rewarding climbing and suit the experience and objectives of the group.
Throughout the week, we'll explore climbing areas across Kananaskis Country, Banff, Kootenay and, where conditions and logistics allow, Jasper National Park. Travelling between these areas is part of the adventure, taking us through vast mountain landscapes, dramatic valleys and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Rockies.
The focus is on climbing a varied selection of classic WI4 and WI4+ icefalls while continuing to develop efficient movement, sound technique and confidence on steeper ice. Your Guide will provide coaching and instruction throughout the week, helping you understand the techniques and decisions that make ice climbing both safer and more enjoyable.
This week is a fantastic stand-alone climbing holiday, but it also provides the ideal foundation for our second, more technical week. For those joining us for both, there's the opportunity to build momentum, gain experience and progressively take on more challenging objectives.
Week 2 - Climbing Technical WI4+/5
Our second week takes the adventure a step further, exploring some of the steeper, longer and more technical icefalls that have made the Canadian Rockies famous throughout the climbing world.
Designed as a natural progression from our Classic Canadian Icefalls week, this programme builds on your existing skills and experience, with the opportunity to climb demanding WI4+ and WI5 routes in some of Canada's most spectacular mountain settings. It also works as a stand-alone week for climbers who already have the experience and confidence required for this level of climbing.
The emphasis is on developing the technique, efficiency and judgement needed for more sustained and adventurous ice climbing. Through a combination of challenging routes, professional coaching and shared decision-making, you'll gain a deeper understanding of movement on steep ice, route choice and managing longer, more committing climbs.
As with all ISM courses, the programme remains flexible. We'll select objectives according to ice conditions, weather and the abilities and ambitions of the group, making the most of the opportunities available throughout the Rockies.
Expect superb climbing, big mountain scenery and the satisfaction of progressing on some of the world's most celebrated frozen waterfalls — all within the remarkable wilderness of the Canadian Rockies.
Selection of Routes Climbed
WI4
- Professor Falls
- Moonlight
- Lake Louise Falls
- Guiness Gully
- Extra Lite
- Bow Falls
- Murchisson
- Nothing But The Breast
- Elliot Lefthand
- Weeping Wall
- Shades of Beauty
WI4+ to WI6
- Spray River Falls
- Nemesis
- Carlsberg Column
- Superbok
- Pilsner Pillar
- Field of Dreams
- Oh La Tabernac
- Kitty Hawk
- Polar Circus
- Weeping Wall
- Curtain Call
Further information
If you are interested in joining either or both weeks please contact Adrian Nelhams for further information adriannelhams@alpin-ism.com
Please Note: Accommodation on this course is on a bed and breakfast basis - click on Information Sheet for full details.
Course Dates & Booking
Meet the Team
Matt Stygall
IFMGA British Mountain Guide
Originally from the flatland of Norfolk, Matt soon escaped to the highlands of Scotland, to cut his teeth on the Scottish winter climbing scene there. He then worked full time at Plas Y Brenin in North Wales…
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Adrian Nelhams
ISM Director and IFMGA British Mountain Guide
As a Director of ISM, Adrian splits his time between guiding, the ISM office, family and climbing for himself. During his 30+ year commitment to the team, Adrian has played a key role in the development of ISM.
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Rose Gare-Simmons
ISM Marketing
Rose is a Summer Mountain Leader, healthcare professional, and passionate advocate for the healing power of the outdoors. Her work is rooted in the simple belief that time in the mountains can change how we feel, how…
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Christian Türk
IFMGA Swedish Mountain Guide
Christian was born in Sweden and had his first skiing experience in Austria as a youngster.
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Terry Ralphs
IFMGA British Mountain Guide
Terry learnt to climb on the gritstone edges of the Peak District then after graduating from Leeds University he decided to make his living in the outdoors, moving to North Wales to work at Plas y Brenin…
Read MoreVital Information
Please check the vital information below to help when booking a course
All Vital Information
