Camp Highlights

Bag iconic ski mountaineering summits such as The President
Cross the Wapta, Des Poilus and Yoho glaciers
Backcountry specific food portered in to reduce backpack loads
Visit the brand new Guy Hut and the more traditional Stanley Mitchell

Dates & price

April 10th - 16th, 2022
$2, 295

* Dates may change slightly depending on local COVID-19 restrictions

The Powder, Peaks and Adventure of the Wapta, Without the Crowds

Crossing the Wapta Icefield east to west rather than north to south, the Bow-Yoho traverse is less publicized than the Wapta. But we have no idea why because this adventure offers the same great hut experience, exciting glaciated terrain and spectacular summits in arguably a more peaceful and isolated setting.

This route will take you over two additional glaciers (Yoho and des Poilus) to the Wapta Icefield, making it perfect for those who have been on the Wapta already and are seeking something new. The Yoho Valley is a particular gem, hosting iconic summits such as the President, Vice President, Mt. McArthur, fairytale log cabin accommodation (the Stanley Mitchell hut) and typically more powder than the Wapta. There's a reason Chic Scott calls a visit here the "quintessential Canadian Rockies ski experience".

Let us take care of everything from the huts, to the guiding, to the catering and and join us on a true ACC Adventure this winter!

*Please note that in order to join any Alpine Club of Canada trip that is based out of a backcountry hut you will need to show proof that you are double vaccinated for Covid-19*

Camp Objectives

Everyone on your camp will travel across the icefields together, but there is flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate individual objectives such as learning skills in glacial travel, bagging winter summits, completing a first major ski traverse, or even hunting powder.

There will be time and opportunities to summit some coveted peaks. Possible ski-mountaineering objectives include mounts Rhondda (3,055m), St. Nicholas (2,970m), Olive (3,130m), Gordon (3,202m), Collie (3,116m), Yoho (2,760m), Des Poilus (3,166m), McArthur (3,015m), Isolated Peak (2,823m), the President (3,138m) and Vice President (3,066m). Many of these mountains can be skied directly from the summit!

Other highlights of the trip include passing the beautiful Takakkaw Falls frozen in its winter coat, and the potential to ski both President's Pass and the Iceline Exit from the Stanley Mitchell Hut.

Day by Day Adventure Itinerary

The basic Bow-Yoho route could be completed by a strong party in 3 days, but our extended itinerary allows your group plenty of time for day trips to classic summits, passes and powder bowls, without your heavy pack. We think it's these experiences which make the Bow-Yoho truly unique.
Day 1: Meet at 7AM (MST) in the Canadian Alpine Centre hostel in Lake Louise. Go over paperwork and gear, organize the car shuttle and begin your trip by skiing across Bow Lake and up to the ACC's Bow Hut. There will be plenty of time on this day to run over skills such as crevasse rescue and opportunities for your first turns in the glades or slopes close to the hut.
Day 2: Explore the eastern side of the Bow-Yoho Traverse, overnighting at Bow Hut again. Opportunity to summit St. Nick, Mount Olive, Rhondda South or Thompson.
Day 3: Travel to the ACC's newest and most modern hut, the Louise & Richard Guy. Summiting either Rhondda, Gordon or Collie is possible en route before you drop into the Des Poilus glacier basin.
Day 4: A day out of the comfortable Guy Hut will give you the opportunity to ski some nice turns off Yoho Peak or get more adventurous and try to summit Collie or Des Poilus.
Day 5: This is one of the crux days of the traverse as the traditional route takes you over Isolated Col - an exposed and crevassed high pass which is susceptible to avalanches. From the col, a good weather day could see you summiting McArthur. Either way, you are guaranteed some nice turns as you descend into the Yoho Valley and check in to the Stanley Mitchell Hut.
Day 6: Chic Scott describes skiing in the Yoho Valley as “the quintessential Canadian Rockies skiing experience”. You will have a full day to explore the region from the convenience of the Stanley Mitchell Hut. If conditions allow, the run off off President Pass is a must! And summiting the Vice-President or President is the icing on the cake for many a Bow-Yoho traverse.
Day 7: Return to civilization to Emerald Lake or the Transcanada Highway either by the Iceline exit (a stunning, high elevation route) or down the Yoho Valley road past Takakkaw Falls (the second tallest waterfall in Canada). Debrief with your guides and head home with life long memories.

Is this Camp For Me?

Intermediate

No previous mountaineering experience is required, however, you must have backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience and be able to comfortably ski the equivalent of blue/intermediate runs at downhill ski areas in variable conditions (powder, crust, icy etc.) with a heavy pack. Familiarity with touring equipment and the use of avalanche transceivers is also essential as is good all round fitness. You need to be capable of skinning uphill for several hours with a 35-40lb pack.

If you have any concerns about your suitability for this camp please contact the office before registering.

Food, Accommodation and Guiding

Food

Evenings will be spent enjoying great food, socializing in cozy hut surroundings and resetting for the next day’s skiing. Food supplies will be carried in by porter to reduce pack weights and increase the quality and enjoyment of skiing. There will be a mix of lightweight but nutritious backpacking meals and snacks to keep you properly fuelled and hydrated for your adventure. All of our food is provided by specialized backcountry caterers based out of the Bow Valley. Check out our sample menu for full details of catering on ACC Adventures camps and courses.

Accommodation

Completing the Bow-Yoho wouldn't be the same without also getting the full ACC hut experience. You'll visit three very different styles of hut - the Bow, Guy and Stanley Mitchell - with two nights at each. The Bow Hut is by far the largest and most accessible of the huts, you can expect day and overnight trippers here and a social vibe. The Guy offers modern comfort in a spectacular location; until 2016, the traverse required camping at this location so this addition has made the traverse more accessible and comfortable for ski tourers. The Stanley Mitchell is a classic log-style, cosy cabin built in 1940. Staying here is an experience in itself with fantastic views across the mountains and communal and social dining. Guests will be expected to assist the guides with hut duties such as collecting snow for water helping with dishes.

Guiding

Our ACMG certified ski guides will ensure your journey across the Wapta is both safe and enjoyable. Our guides will be welcome to answering questions about the region as well as everything from ski technique to gear. The maximum ratio of guides to participants will be 5:1 to ensure participants can travel at a pace which is right for them and have the chance to ask questions.

The ACC hires guides certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). Visit the ACMG website to learn more about what they do!

“The entire trip was a great experience. I am very impressed with the ACC hut system and the guides were excellent!”

“Five bluebird days and then two whiteout days, i.e. the full experience!”

- Past Icefields Program Participants -

Adventure Map

More information

Email us
403 678 3200 ext. 213

COURSE DOCUMENTS

Gear List
ACC Liability Waiver (En)
ACC Liability Waiver (Fr)
Covid Health and Exposure Declaration
ACC Model Release

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

7 days low-ratio guiding by ACMG certified ski guides
6 nights accommodation at Bow, Guy and Stanley Mitchell Huts
Meals starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 7
Food portering services (to reduce pack weight)
Parks Canada Wilderness Pass
Group equipment (InReach, emergency equipment, ropes etc.)

Participants Must Provide

Transportation to and from Bow Lake (participants will be expected to use their own vehicles and carpool to Bow Lake)
Breakfast and lunch on day 1, dinner on day 7
Pre and post-camp accommodation
Personal gear (see gear list)

Organizing Fantastic ACC Adventures For Over 100 Years

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

Your Guides

Chris Girard

Chris Girard is an ACMG Ski Guide based out of Cochrane, Alberta and takes great pleasure is sharing his passion for the mountains. His guiding aspirations began through volunteering and leading trips through various ACC sections.

In addition to being an ACMG Ski Guide, Chris is also a professional member of the Canadian Avalanche Association, and an AST Provider with Avalanche Canada. Now a Father of two, Chris is well practiced in staying calm and keeping his sense of humour in times of chaos. During his off season, Chris works as a guide on the Athabasca Glacier.