Castle mountain & The Eisenhower tower - 2752M

GUIDED ASCENTS WITH INTERNATIONALLY CERTIFIED C9 MOUNTAIN GUIDES
 

The Eisenhower Tower is one of the most visible and recognizeable summits for those travelling between Banff and Lake Louise. Standing more than 1300m above the floor of the Bow Valley below, our objective on this itinerary is to climb the eastern-most tower on the peak, The Eisenhower Tower.

The ascent has the feel more of a long but consistent day in the mountains than it is does a hard or challenging technical ascent. The peak is approached from Castle Junction via the Rockbound Lake trail, the ascent broken up into sections that match 2 very independant tiers in the geological strata of the mountain. The lower tier is primarily 4th class, while the upper tier involves more of the technical climbing to 5.3 in difficulty. Typically our Guides will ascend via a feature known as the Dragons Back to access the base of the Tower proper providing incredible positions and short roping to the base of the main towwer. From here a series of long pitches interspersed with short-roped 4th class terrain give access to one of the most asthetic summits in the Bow Valley.

 

 INCREDIBLE POSITIONS 1000M ABOVE THE BOW VALLEY

ONE OF THE MOST AESTHETIC PEAKS VISIBLE BETWEEN BANFF AND LAKE LOUISE
 

 ALL TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED*

SUPPORTED BY OUR PARTNERS AT BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT
 

 MEAL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

HEALTHY MOUNTAIN MEALS TO KEEP YOUR FURNACE FIRING
 

 BOOK WITH A partner AND SAVE

BOOK WITH A PARTNER - STARTING AT $475 / PERSON. 

 

Your Ascent Day 

On our first day, you will Meet Your Guide Here at the Rockbound Lake Trailhead at ~ 0445hrs where we'll start with a brief round of introductions and a pre-departure briefing which will include the following: 

  • Review of any expected changes to weather or climbing conditions.
  • Expected Hazards, risk management plan, and associated mitigations for the duration of the trip.
  • Distribution and repacking of meal program and trip food for participants
  • Distribution of any required technical equipment you require
  • Presentation of physical Waiver of Liability Document & Signing.

The day begins by approaching as for Rockbound Lake. This trail is followed for approximately 45min. to a natural spring flowing across our approach trail with the towers now almost directly visible overhead. Leaving the Rockbound Lake trail we trend south along the climbers approach to arrive at the lower teir of the peak. This marks the beginning of the technical climbing.

Much of the first tier below the Goad Plateau is easily passed while short roping (4th class). A short walk over the goat plateau brings us to the base of the main tower. From here a number of options to start are possible. Our route will depend on our timing and progress and position in relation to other climbing teams.

The main tower can take 3-4 hours return from the Goat Plateau, consistently transitioning between 4th class and low end 5th class terrain (5.3). The summit is reached having ascended a little more than 1300m from the valley floor below.

Views to the west are breathtaking with Mount Temple and most of the Ten Peaks in full view. The Bow Valley unfolds to the east with Banff and Mount Rundle in the distance.

Reversing the route with a series of rappells, down climbing and short roping, our teams will commonly be arriving back at the trailhead between 1500-1600hrs, just in time for the dinner hour.

 

Guide : Guest Ratios

Given the technical nature of the ascent of Castle Mountain via The Eisenhower Tower, this program is offered at a maximum Guide to Guest ratio of 1:2. Private ascents at 1:1 ratios are certainly welcome.
 

Travel to Rockbound Lake Trailhead

Our suggestions for your most efficient way to access the program venue from a variety of locations and international ports of entry:

  • Calgary (YYC) to the Rockbound Lake:

    • Those Guests traveling from, or arriving by air at Calgary International Airport: Your most efficient route to join us will be through our base in Canmore, and onward to the Rockbound Lake trailhead. A rental car or personal transportation will be required. 
      Find a travel plan here.

  • Edmonton (YEG) to Rockbound Lake: 

    • Those Guests travelling from, or arriving by air at Edmonton International Airport: Typically this will require travel via Calgary, onward to Canmore, prior to arrival at the Rockbound Lake Trailhead. A rental car or personal transportation will be required.
      Find a travel plan here.

  • Travelling from British Columbia: 

    • For our Guests travelling and arriving from locations in British Columbia: Please use the following map link to aid in your planning and arrival at The Columbia Icefields. 
      The Rockbound Lake Trailhead Location
       

Early ARRIVALS

ACCOMMODATION & TRIP PREP

For those looking to arrive early ahead of your program, our base in Canmore, Alberta as well as the townsite of Banff, a further 20 minute drive inside the East Gates of Banff National Park, offer a variety or useful pre-trip amenities and comfortable accommodation options. Following are our suggestions for accommodation and gear and equipment retailers to help you prepare:

  • ACCOMMODATION:
     
  • GEAR PURCHASES PRE-COURSE:

    For those looking to purchase gear and equipment prior to your course, we would suggest the following local Bow Valley retailers:

    • Vertical Addiction
      • Located in Canmore, Vertical Addiction offers a complete selection of technical climbing, mountaineering and ski equipment along with a broad selection of technical clothing. 
         
    • Monods Sports
      • Located in Banff, Monods is one of the longest operating outdoor equipment and clothing retailers in the Bow Valley. Monods have a large selection of technical clothing offerings
         
    • Black Diamond Equipment
      • Our Affiliate Partners at Black Diamond Equipment are our first choice for technical clothing and equipment. Check out their broad range of technical clothing and equipment and purchase at either Monods or Vertical Addiction locally.
         

Your Mountain Guide's Transportation

TRANSPORTATION COSTS

In addition to your Ascent Package Fee, an additional fee of $200 CDN will be applied to your order. These amounts are paid in full and directly to our Guiding Staff to cover the longer transportation routes required to arrive at the Columbia Icefields. In circumstances where you are able to provide your Guide with Transportation from our hubs in either Canmore or Lake Louise, and where no other factors make prohibit this option, this fee will be waived.
 

MOUNTAIN MEAL PROGRAMS

MEAL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO ADD ON

Meal Programs are available as an additional add-on to your program at time of booking. Guests are welcome to provide their own meal programs for the duration of the trip if desired.
 

 

Required Equipment & Personal Items

  • Backpacks - Small Day Pack ~ 35L
  • One of the following: 
    • Mountaineering Boots
    • Lightweight Alpine Rock Boots
    • Hiking Boots
  • Approach Shoes
  • Rock Shoes
  • Harness (optional)
  • Helmet (optional)
  • Sunglasses (We suggest Julbo Sun Glasses)
  • 50+ SPF Sunscreen
  • Lib Balm with SPF
  • Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
  • Water Bottle - 2 X Collapsable Nalgene Style Water Bottle
  • Blister Kit
  • Camera
  • Trekking Pole

essential clothing

  • Base Layers - Tops and Bottoms (Wool or Synthetic Only)
  • Mid Layers - Tops and Bottoms (200 Weight Wool or Synthetic is Ideal)
  • Socks - Wool Blend is best, no cotton
  • Light Collared Synthetic Shirt (optional, nice for the really hot sunny days)
  • Softshell Jacket and Pants
  • Gore Tex Jacket and Pants
  • Sun Hat
  • Buff Style Neck Tube or Similar
  • Insulated Hat
  • Gloves - Heavyweight and Lightweight Options
  • Down or Synthetic Insulated Jacket

 

Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance

The best method to protect your investment with us should unforeseen is to purchase a Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance Policy. We strongly recommend purchasing coverage.

Lifestyle Insurance has covered many of Cloud Nine Guests on trips all over the world, and we have first hand experience seeing these policies activated by our Guests. 

Safeguard your trip costs and investment with us. Request a Quote from Lifestyle Financial.

Is this coverage required?

  • For Canadian Residents, coverage is suggested by not required to register.
  • For Non-Canadian Citizens, coverage is suggested but not required. It is strongly suggested that your policy includes Emergency Medical Coverage, unless you carry alternative policy which will respond in the event of medical emergency.

 

WAIVER - Release of Liability & Indemnity Agreement

Prior to booking you will be required to acknowledge that you have been provided a copy of our Waiver of Liability Agreement for your review. All participants, or their legal guardians wishing to participate on any Cloud Nine Programs, must acknowledge that they have been presented this document in advance of booking, have read it in its entirety, and understand the agreement being entered into by signing. While there is no obligation to enter into this agreement with us, it is a condition of our service provision. 

   REVIEW OUR WAIVER OF LIABILITY HERE

 

Booking TErms & Conditions

Before you book your course, please review our Booking Terms & Conditions. We do not accept bookings without your voluntary acceptance of these terms. Please read carefully as these terms outline specific policies and guidance for both our staff and clients with respect to refunds, cancellations, rescheduling etc.

   REVIEW OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS HERE

 

Book a free consultation

Book a phone call or video call with either of our Program Managers or with our Director of Operations.

This is an excellent preliminary step towards booking a trip with us. It allows us to better understand your requirements and needs for your desired objective.