CASCADE Falls - WI3 / 300m

GUIDED ICE CLIMBING ASCENTS WITH INTERNATIONALLY CERTIFIED C9 MOUNTAIN GUIDES
 

Cascade Falls is easily the most visible ice climb in Banff National Park. Sitting above the east exit into the Banff Townsite, it's a route we all remember well. As you look up after your ascent day, driving by on the highway below, you might recall how quickly the lower half was climbed, or the sound of running water below the ice on the 4th pitch, or reflect back on how narrow the exit and top out were as you roll over the last few meters of the route.  

An excellent ascent with a very short approach and fine positions above the Bow Valley and the east boundary of Banff National Park.

 Please note that if booking this ice climbing ascent in advance, our Mountain Guides will reserve the right to shift your booking to an alternate objective on the day should we feel that avalanche hazard poses an unreasonable level of risk. For the best chances of success, get in touch with our program managers, express your interest in the route, and we'll stay in touch letting you know when conditions are suitable for an ascent.

 

 classic Ice climbing with an alpine feel

VARIED AND ENGAGING CLIMBING HIGH ABOVE THE VALLEY BOTTOM
 

 TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED*

SUPPORTED BY OUR PARTNERS AT BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT
 

 ACMG & IFMGA CERTIFIED MOUNTAIN GUIDES

CLIMB WITH AN EXPERIENCED GUIDE & AVALANCHE PROFESSIONAL

 

 

Length & technical difficulty:

       

300 Meters - III - WI3
Suitable for entry level & intermediate climbers with good base of fitness

 

 

average ascent Times:

6-8 HRS RETURN

 

 

AVALANCHE TERRAIN EXPOSURE RATING:

  

ATES Rating:
 COMPLEX - Learn More Here

 

 

 

ITINERARY

 

ARRIVAL & PRE ASCENT

7 Days in advance of your ascent our Program Managers will touch base to provide you with an update on expected route conditions, avalanche hazard (if applicable), and expected weather for your ascent day. Your Guide(s) will be in touch 24-48hrs in advance of departure at a minimum, to further discuss final logistics and your expectations, for your day with us.
 

Your Ascent Day 

Our Program Managers and your Guide will discuss with you in advance an appropriate meeting point, relative to the location of your accommodation here in the Bow Valley, or considerate of your intended travel plans for arriving in Banff early on our ascent day. Typically we will aim to meet at the Cascade Falls Parking lot no later than 0800hrs.

Typically the approach will take approximately 15min to reach the base of the ice, with average ascent and descent times usually requiring 6-8hrs. A 10-15min return from the base of the ice to the parking lot is considered average.

 

LOGISTICS

 

Guide : Guest Ratios

Cascade Falls can be Guided easily with capable parties at a 1:2 Guide to Guest ratio. 
 

Travel to Canmore

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 Cascade Falls:
    • Those Guests traveling from or arriving by air at Calgary International Airport: Your most efficient route to join us for the program start is by arrival in Banff. A rental car may be required, though public transfers or transportation options are also available to you.
      Find a travel plan here

  • Edmonton (YEG) to Cascade Falls: 
    • Those Guests travelling from or arriving by air at Edmonton International Airport: the fastest route is via Calgary by AB-2 S and then Highway 1 to Banff. An alternative and more scenic route goes via Rocky Mountain House, then Saskatchewan River Crossing, turning south on HWY 93N toward Lake Louise and then Banff. A rental car or personal transportation will be required.
      Find a travel plan here

  • Travelling from British Columbia: 

Transfers from Calgary international Airport:

Transfers are available departing Calgary International, arriving in Canmore and Banff. We'd suggest The Banff Airporter for those requiring transfer services.

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:
     
  • 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. 
         
    • 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.
         
    • 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.

 

Required Equipment & Personal Items

  • Backpacks - Small Day Pack ~ 35L
  • Mountaineering Boots (not provided)
  • Ice Axes (can be provided upon request)
  • Crampons (can be provided upon request)
  • Harness (can be provided upon request)
  • Helmet (can be provided upon request)
  • ATC Style Belay Device (can be provided upon request)
  • 2 Locking Carabiners (can be provided upon request)
  • 120cm Sewn Sling (can be provided upon request)
  • Leash or Personal Anchor System (can be provided upon request)
  • Sunglasses (We suggest Julbo Sun Glasses)
  • 50+ SPF Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm with SPF
  • Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
  • Water Bottle - min. 1L 
  • 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
  • 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 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 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. 

ORTOVOX - Proud Supporting Partner of the Outdoor Rock Climbing Series Courses
Cloud Nine Mountain Guides are Internationally IFMGA Certified
Rock Courses Supported by Black Diamond Equipment