Meet at the Rat's Nest Cave parking lot at 9:30am, depart at 9:45am towards the Playground. The route grades vary from D5-Dveryhard;). Lead climbing is not required. This event is dependent on good snow/rain/wind conditions, the back-up plan is The Drive-In.
Beginners are welcome but you must have passed the EP belay test (top rope only ok) and have the necessary gear.
If you're completely new to climbing -> Take the “Learn the Ropes” program at EP, pass your belay test and then come join us!
PRE-SCREENED
If we've never climbed together please email me (click my name above in the trip leaders section and that will display my email). Let me know your climbing experience level and let me know if you've been drytooling/mixed or ice climbing before!
Required Items to Bring:
TOOLS, CRAMPONS, & CLIMBING EQUIPMENT ARE REQUIRED
Participants must have their own crampons, harness, belay device, ice tools with dry or mixed picks, thin-gloves for gripping tools while climbing, headlamp, and a helmet.
Gear Up Canmore rents drytooling tools and crampons: +1 (403) 678-1636
Those who have them please bring PAS, quick-draws, rope, and an anchor kit.
I only have one personal rope. Highly recommended if you want to climb that you bring a rope :)
Recommended Items to Bring:
Layers, snacks, water, hot drink, rain jacket, hiking pole.
I will bring a Garmin Inreach, a basic first aid kit (I recommend you bring a personal first aid kit), and bear spray.
How to Get There:
Event Directions:
Approach Park at the Rats' Nest Cave parking lot located off of Highway 1A between Canmore and Banff (51.0523°N -115.2565°E). We will then take the trail to the crag.
Drytooling is full of hazards, tons of sharp objects that can cause problems. A few examples: Tools can be dropped and hit the climber or belayer, tools can pop out of the wall and hit the climber or belayer, crampons can easily twist ankles while falling, increased chance of dislodging rocks while climbing, sharp points can cut skin, rope, harness, etc. To mitigate these risks, belayers will be tied in at the bottom whenever possible to avoid them getting pulled in case of a fall, and helmets must be worn at all times.
WEATHER & CANCELLATION
This event is weather dependent and the back up plan is The Drive-In.I will send an email the previous evening if the event gets moved or canceled.
If you decide to cancel or have to bail for whatever reason let me know before 8:00am. That way we're not waiting for you at the parking lot. Anyone who cancels or bails and does not unregister themselves or notify me of their change in plans by 8:00am will be marked as “no show.”
A NOTE ON TRIP LEADING
This is a recreational trip and I am volunteering as a trip leader and not acting in the role of a guide.
Cancellation Policy If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Rocky Mountain Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.
Waiver and Membership Requirement
Participation in this activity is subject to you having a current membership and a current signed
ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”), which is signed in conjunction with purchasing/renewing your membership.
A separate Waiver is not required. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. If your
membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to the foregoing waiver terms. Bookings
without a current Waiver at the time of the activity will be cancelled.
The Waiver is a legal document by which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.
SIGN UP HERE
The trip coordinator needs to review and accept your application for this event. Add yourself to the waiting list here.