Canadian Classic Icefalls 2027
Level 2 : Guided Climbing
Climb among the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, home to some of the finest ice climbing on the planet. With endless frozen waterfalls, dramatic mountain scenery and 33,000 square kilometres of pristine national park, Canada truly is the mecca of modern icefall climbing.
Experience the ultimate ice climbing adventure in the Canadian Rockies, home to some of the finest frozen waterfalls and most iconic icefalls in the world. ISM offers two weeks of unforgettable climbing in the spectacular wilderness of Banff and Jasper National Parks, where vast mountain landscapes and world-class ice combine to create the perfect winter playground.
Our Level 1 Canadian Icefalls Course focuses on developing your skills and experience on some of the Rockies' classic WI4 and WI4+ icefalls, building confidence and technique while climbing in this incredible environment.
For those looking to take their climbing further, our Level 2 Canadian Icefalls Course can be taken as a natural progression or as a stand-alone adventure. This week moves into more technical terrain, tackling some of the world's finest WI4+ and WI5 icefalls while developing the skills, judgement and confidence required for longer, more challenging routes.
Whether you join us for one week or combine both, you'll experience exceptional climbing, expert coaching and the unforgettable atmosphere of climbing among the towering peaks and wilderness of the Canadian Rockies.
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
We get straight into the adventure, beginning the week by climbing some of the classic icefalls in and around Banff. From there, we'll shape the itinerary around the best available conditions, choosing venues that offer the most rewarding climbing and the best experience for the group.
The Canadian Rockies offer an incredible variety of ice climbing, and throughout the week we'll explore some of the finest areas including Kananaskis Country, Banff, Kootenay and Jasper National Parks. Moving between venues allows you to experience the scale and beauty of this extraordinary mountain range, from the spectacular scenery along the Continental Divide to the unique culture and wildlife that make Canada such a special destination.
Throughout the week you'll develop your ice climbing skills and confidence while climbing a fantastic selection of classic routes in a truly unforgettable wilderness environment.
This first week works perfectly as a stand-alone adventure if you have limited time, or as the ideal foundation for our Level 2 Canadian Icefalls Course, where you'll progress onto longer, more technical icefalls and continue exploring the incredible climbing opportunities the Rockies have to offer.
Week 2 - Climbing Technical WI4+/5
This second week is designed as the natural progression from our Level 1 Canadian Icefalls Course, creating an unforgettable two-week ice climbing adventure in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone technical week for climbers looking to challenge themselves on some of the finest icefalls Canada has to offer.
Building on the skills, experience and confidence developed during the first week, we aim to climb more technical and committing routes on the classic icefalls that have made the Rockies famous. From steeper WI4+ and WI5 waterfalls to longer, more adventurous lines, you'll experience the incredible variety, scale and character of Canadian ice climbing.
Our choice of venues will be guided by conditions, weather and the ambitions of the group, allowing us to seek out the best possible climbing each day. Expect spectacular mountain scenery, wild landscapes and the unforgettable atmosphere of climbing among the towering peaks 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
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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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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Tommaso Dusi
IFMGA Italian Mountain Guide
Tommaso is a an experienced Italian mountain guide and regular year-round ISM team member. He loves the mountains and helping people to connect and find happiness in nature.
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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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Vital Information
Please check the vital information below to help when booking a course
All Vital Information
