Camp Highlights

  • An ACC and Canadian tradition since 1906
  • Purpose built basecamp and basecamp support services
  • Access a remote mountain wilderness by helicopter 
  • Sumptuous meals prepared by on-site chefs

Dates & price

  • July 2nd - Aug 18th, 2022

    • Dates of individual weeks

    • July 2nd - 9th (Week 1)
    • July 9th - 16th (Week 2)
    • July 16th - 23rd (Week 3)
    • July 23rd - 30th (Week 4)
    • July 30th - Aug 6th (Week 5)
    • Aug 6th - 13th (Week 6)
    • Aug 13th -18th (Artists Week)
    • $2,495 per person

Register Now

Mountain Hardwear sponsors the General Mountaineering Camp and we thank them for their assistance.

Come Join the Tradition in 2022!

The ACC’s annual General Mountaineering Camp (GMC) has been a Canadian mountaineering legacy for over 114 years. Set in a different, remote, and little-explored mountain wilderness of the western ranges each summer, the camp gives everyday folk an introduction to modern-day mountain exploration.

In 2020 we had to cancel the GMC for the first time since it's debut in 1906 due to COVID-19. Cancelling this ACC historic camp left quite a void for all the dedicated chefs, guides, camp managers and volunteers who support and work at the camp. It also left a void for many people who come back year after year. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers a plan was put in place to run the GMC at the base of the spectacular Mt Mummery last year. The 2021 GMC camp staff and volunteers adapted all of the day to day operations and procedures to accommodate for safety protocols during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We are happy to say that it was a success and want to thank everyone who was able to join and spend time in the mountains! We could not have run it without the optimism and support from everyone who attended.

Still riding high from the success of the 2021 GMC, we are excited to announce that the 2022 GMC will be happening this coming summer at International Basin. A location that has been visited by a GMC before and that many have been anxious to get back to or visit for the first time based on great feedback the last time we were there. This location has much to offer from hikes through alpine flowers and lakes to more technical peaks requiring ice and rock skills.

Whether you're looking to challenge yourself on remote alpine summits, savour delicious chef-prepared food at 2000m, or enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, the GMC offers it all. But the camp sells out every year so register early to avoid disappointment!

If you stayed home in 2021 we support your decision and look forward to having you back again in 2022 along with all the new participants from 2021 and those wishing to visit a GMC for their first time.

*Please check out the info pack (located on the right hand side of this webpage) for more details on adaptations from the regular camp to keep people safe during Covid. This plan will continue to adapt as we navigate the ongoing pandemic.  It is currently mandatory to be fully vaccinated in order to fly on the helicopters we use for the GMC, under the mandates from Transport Canada. At this time no exceptions can be made to the vaccination policy.

COVID-19 Cancellation Policy: Should a program be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic , you will be fully refunded for your camp registration. Should you have Covid Symptoms within 2 weeks of the program starting you will receive a 100% credit towards the ACC and not be permitted to join the program. The ACC remains committed to providing a safe environment for its members and thanks participants for their understanding.

Camp Objectives

Our heli-accessed basecamp will be located at 2090m in the International Mountain Basin. The adjacent peaks provide a variety of challenges for mountaineers just starting out as well as for seasoned veterans. Depending on participants’ level of experience, fitness, and goals, potential objectives might include:
  • Mt Sibbald
    •
  • Strutt Peak
    •
  • International Mountain
    •
  • David Peak
    •
  • Coney Peak
    •
  • Malachite Spire
    •
  • Horseman Spire
    •
  • Sandilands Peak
    •
  • and more

    Because of the exploratory nature of the camp, various nearby high points, ridges, and alpine features will also be visited over the course of the summer. The area also provides a perfect setting for our ice, snow and rock schools, an excellent option for those looking to develop their mountaineering abilities and become more autonomous in the alpine environment.
    • Day by Day Adventure Itinerary 
    •  
    • Day 1: Meet early in the morning at the helicopter staging area from where you and your gear will be flown into the remote basecamp. Upon arrival, you'll be introduced and orientated to the camp by our Camp Manager for the week and assigned a tent. You'll also have the chance to meet some of the week's guides and go on a short hike to explore the immediate area.
    •  
    • Day 2 - 7 (a typical day)

    • 4.30am: Early breakfast is served

      5am: Rope teams leave camp for longer days/bigger objectives

      6am: General Wake-up Call

      6.30am: General Breakfast is served

      7am: More rope teams leave camp for shorter days, cragging etc.

      Through the day: In the field you will likely spend the day in a group with a Guide and/or amateur leaders. Ratios will vary depending to your chosen objective. Objectives may include prominent peaks in the area, nearby peaks and ridges, or curriculum fine-tune your knowledge and skills. Approaches to climbs may be lengthy with significant elevation gain, and will likely involve roped glacier travel. Many factors (including weather) will determine your groups’ success in reaching any summits. All-in-all the focus of the day is to have fun!

      2-4pm: Rope teams arrive back at camp

      2-6pm: Free time (showers, tea time, etc.), and the choice of objectives for the next day is posted

      6pm: Supper is served

      7.30pm: Buffet set out to make lunches for the next day

    • Day 8: After a final breakfast, photos and goodbyes, you will fly back to civilization via helicopter.

    Is this camp for me?
    All Abilities!

    The GMC is open to all! 16 years of age or older, novice to expert, intrepid or laid back. The large camp size (typically 31 participants, 5 guides and 4 volunteer leaders each week) allows for different groups to target a wide ranges of objectives. Each day you get to decide which group you'd like to join depending on your ability, fitness and desired length of day.

    Food, Accommodation and Guiding

    Food

    Evenings will be spent enjoying great food, socializing in the dining or tea tents and resetting for the next day’s climbing. All our food is prepared by a dedicated team of chefs in a dedicated cooking tent. And all ingredients are flown in fresh each week meaning you'll be treated to meat, fruit and vegetables (not to mention some killer desserts) through the week, no dehydrated stuff here! Have you even had a turkey dinner above 2000 meters?


    Accommodation

    During the course of the camp you'll be assigned a Mountain Hardwear Trango tent with a companion of your choice or a fellow guest. The tents are large (3 or 4 person) so there is plenty of space for both of you and your gear. If you prefer your own personal tent, this is also an option although we do charge an extra fee of $200 for this as tents are limited.

    As well as your sleeping tent, there is a communal dining tent, drying tent and tea tent to hang out with your fellow participants. The camp also has two specially prepared outhouses for guests as well as two private showers (now with hot water!)

    Guiding

    Our ACMG certified alpine or full mountain guides will help to orientate you at the camp. Each day they will also be leading different groups to different alpine objectives. Our guides will be welcome to answering questions about the region as well as everything from crampon technique to gear recommendations.

    As of 2022, we added an additional alpine guide to each week of the GMC. Along with full guides and ACC amateur leaders, this means that participants can expect to be in small groups of 3-5 people all day which adds to the enjoyment of the experience and ensures participants can travel at a pace which is right for them and interact closely with their guides.

    Our full guiding roster will be listed below as each guide is confirmed.

    • Beautiful location, easy access to all routes, lots of variety for trips to satisfy differing levels of motivation day-to-day.
    • The attitude from the guides and camp staff was infectious and they were all very inspiring.
    • A perfect week...I’m addicted to the GMC!
    - Past GMC Participants-

    "To stand on top of a mountain, to listen to the roar of an avalanche, to see ravens floating in the air and a cascade of alpine flowers was sorely needed. We were not only able to dream, but make memories.

    As always the camp was located in a spectacular location where the worries of our day, was focused on our objectives not on things beyond our control. The camp ran as a normal camp, in a time when normal has been so elusive.

    People laughed and joked, told stories, and worked together as a team to climb mountains. Their expressions were not hidden behind masks, but their joy, excitement and occasionally fear was clearly written across their faces.

    We left camp with memories, new friends and more than just a glimmer of hope for the future.

    With many thanks, Bill Summers - GMC 2021 Week 2"

    Adventure Map


    More Information

      Email us
       403 678 3200 ext. 213     
      Gear list  

    Info Pack

    • Local Knowledge - based out of Canmore, AB, we know the Rockies region and the best local caterers, guides and porters
    • Dedicated resources - full-time office staff, ACMG guides and group equipment on-hand to ensure your trip runs smoothly
    • Not-for-profit - any money we make on camps and courses is reinvested into providing services for our members and the mountain community

    Cancellation policy and travel Insurance

    Please be sure to review our cancellation policy before registering for ACC Adventures:
     
    Cancellation Policy  
    We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips: 

    Travel Insurance  

    Included WITH YOUR CAMP FEE

    • Return helicopter flights
    • 7 days guiding and instruction by ACMG-certified guides supported by ACC amateur leaders
    • Full basecamp setup including: tent accommodation, kitchen, communal tents, outhouses, warm showers, garbage removal etc.
    • Meals prepared by a dedicated team of camp cooks (from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8)
    • All group gear inc. ropes, group first aid kit, emergency communication devices etc.

    Participants Must Provide

    • Transportation between the meeting area in Golden and the staging area (a shuttle bus is available for an additional fee)
    • Personal gear (see gear list)