Alberta

Description 

Alberta is the epicenter (or epicentre) of Canadian Alpine climbing with countless snow and ice covered peaks, glaciers and famous north faces. Alberta is also famous for some of the best ice climbing in the world.

Fortunately, Alberta is also well rounded and has sport and trad rock climbing a-plenty. The limestone and quartzite in the river canyons in the Canmore area probably have Canada's greatest concentrations of sport routes. Trad cragging is perhaps a little more limited than some other areas as the limestone of famous peaks like Yamnuska have great history and great routes but less solid rock; the climbing is more adventurous than a granite-trained tradster might be used to.

Getting There 

Calgary provides easy access to Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and all of the surrounding areas. Edmonton provides access if your destinations are further north.

The Classics

Featured Route For Alberta

Centre Ice Bulge Direct WI3  International : Canada : ... : Mount Fay

The second biggest strip of ice from the east (left) side of the mountain. Cross the 'shrund at the place of most convenience for you and start climbing this calf burner. The ice starts out at a low angle and ramps up the higher you climb, up to about 60/70 degrees depending on which line you take. There may be a cornice on the top, and definitely watch for rocks falling down along the sides of the route. When I did the route we simulclimbed...[more]   Browse More Classics in International

Photos of Alberta Slideshow

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Looking up at the East Ridge of Mt. Temple, one of...	Standing on the Athabasca Glacier with Mt. Androme...	BETA PHOTO: The south face of Mt. Temple showing the east ridg...
You got to love this place, even the routes that I...	Above the morning fog. On the Athabasca Glacier...	On thee Athabasca Glacier.
North Face of Athabasca	Athabasca North Face	Sunset on the North face of Mt. Assiniboine