Itinerary
 

• 0900hrs - Meet Your Guide Here at the car park under Mt Stelfox, located along the David Thompson Highway, where we'll start with a brief round of introductions and a pre-departure briefing which will include the following:
  • Debrief for the day and what it will look like
  • Distribution of required technical equipment
  • Presentation of physical Waiver of Liability Document & Signing
     
• 0915hrs - Begin approach to the bottom of the Mt. Stelfox Via Ferrata
   
• 0930hrs - After a short approach you will arrive at the bottom of the Via Ferrata
  • Your Guide will give you a quick rundown of how to use your Protective Lanyard system which is used as your safety attachment to the steel cord that leads you up
     
• 0945hrs - Commence your journey up the route, taking in the amazing views and sights of the surrounding mountains. You will have mesmerising views of Abraham lake as you ascend up.
   
• 1145hrs - The whole route will take you between 1.5hr to 2hr to ascend depending on group ability level
   
• 1200hrs - Enjoy your lunch with your Guide at the top of the route and continue to be in awe of the Mountains and lakes all around you
   
• 1230hrs - Once you have finished your lunch, you will begin the 30min walk out, descending from the top back to the car park
   
• 1300hrs - Arrive back at the parking lot and your day is complete

Logistics
 

GUIDE : Guest RATIOS

Our Via Ferrata program is offered at the maximum Guest to Guide ratio of 1:8.

TRAVEL TO MOUNT STELFOX 

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 Mount Stelfox:

  • Those Guests traveling from or arriving by air at Calgary International Airport: Your most efficient route to join us for the program start at Mt. Stelfox will be through our base in Canmore, Alberta via Lake Louise then by turning North along the Icefields Parkway. A rental car or personal transportation will be required.
    Find a travel plan here.

• Edmonton (YEG) to Mount Stelfox:

  • Those Guests travelling from or arriving by air at Edmonton International Airport: Your most efficient route to join us for the program start at Mt. Stelfox will be through Red Deer then turning West towards Nordegg on the David Thompson Highway. 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 Mt. Stelfox.
    Mt. Stelfox car park - Meeting Place

Early ARRIVALS

ACCOMMODATION & TRIP PREP

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

• ACCOMMODATION:
   

  • CANMORE 
    ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA
    THE PAINTBOX LODGE

  • BANFF
    BUFFALOBERRY LODGE

  • LAKE LOUISE
    CANADIAN ALPINE CENTRE
    THE POST HOTEL
     

• GEAR PURCHASES PRE-TRIP:

  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. 
       
  • SkiUphill
    • Located in Canmore, SkiUphill is a collective of experience driven individuals each with their own history, knowledge and stories of getting out there and getting after it. They offer expertise in backcountry skiing, trail running, climbing and any combination of those activities all while offering the best selection of curated equipment. 
       
  • Monods Sports
    • Located in Banff, Monods is one of the longest operating outdoor equipment and clothing retailers in the Bow Valley. Monods has a large selection of technical clothing and equipment offerings.
       
  • Ortovox
    • Our Partners at Ortovox are known for their high-quality technical outerwear and are a supporting partner of C9G and our ski guiding programs.
       
  • Black Diamond Equipment
    • Black Diamond Equipment has been providing skiers and alpinists with technical equipment since 1989, and is a supporting partner of C9G and our guided ski programs.

NATIONAL PARK ENTRY PASSES

Guests are responsible for obtaining a National Park entry pass required for the drive through Icefields Parkway, 93N if arriving from the South.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The following is and Gear, Clothing, and Equipment list. You will be required to arrive with these items on your day. This will allow you to make sure that you have the best and most enjoyable of experiences. 

• Trekking Pole
• Water Bottle or Collapsible Water Bladder (1L)
• Hiking Boots (Sturdy pair of shoes)
• Sunglasses + Spares (CAT3-4 Protection Suggested)
• Personal First Aid Kit (optional, all our guides carry a First Aid Kit)
• Sunscreen (min. SPF 50+)
• Camera, batteries, memory cards & accessories
• Daypack (at minimum, 1 x 18L-35L backpack. to carry your food)

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING

• Merino Wool Blend Socks (no cotton please)
• Base Layer
• Mid Layer
• Long Underwear (bottoms - In case temperatures are cool)
• Lightweight Pants
• Lightweight Jacket
• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Pants
• Warm Hat
• 2 X Buff Style Neck Tube / Headband
• Sun Hat (ball cap or full brim bucket style)
• Large Gloves (ski glove or similar, depending on weather conditions)
• Thin Gloves (useful as you hold on to the iron steps)

Provided by Cloud Nine

The following gear and equipment is generally provided by us, and included in your course fee. However, if you have the following items, please feel free to bring them with you on the program:

• Helmet 
• Rock Harness
• Via Ferrata Lanyard 

TRIP CANCELLATION & INTERRUPTION INSURANCE

The best method to protect your investment with us should unforeseen arise, requiring you cancel your booking, is to purchase a Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance Policy. 

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 but 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 an 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 PRIVATE GROUP 

For those who prefer our smallest and most focused learning environments. Groups of 4+ can book a Private Group and one of our ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guides will join you on your terms. You pick the Group Size, and have the option of alternative venues and dates outside those available on our Public Courses. 

Group Booking Discounts of between 5-15% are available depending on the total participants.

How Do We Book It?

Contact our office to confirm availability for your preferred dates. We'll provide you with a private booking link for you and your group to register either together or individually.