Alpine Climbing
IFMGA guided ascents of Western Canada's most iconic peaks. Rogers Pass, Bugaboos, the Rockies, and more.
The Selkirks — Canada's alpine climbing heartland.
Rogers Pass, located in Glacier National Park just 45 minutes east of Revelstoke, is Brad's home range and the area he knows most intimately. The quartzite peaks of the Selkirks — Mount Sir Donald, Mount Tupper, the Swiss Peaks — offer routes of every grade and character, with jaw-dropping scenery and highway access that is unmatched anywhere in Canada.
Classic Rogers Pass Routes
| Route | Grade | Duration & Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Tupper West Ridge | PD · 5.4 | 2 days · 2:1 ratio |
| NW Ridge of Mt Sir Donald Marquee objective | D– · 5.4 | 3 days · 1:1 ratio |
| Swiss Peaks Traverse | AD– · 5.0 | 2 days · 2:1 ratio |
| SE Ridge of Rogers Peak | PD+ · 5.6 | 2 days · 2:1 ratio |
| Asulkan Ridge Traverse | PD+ · 5.4 | 2–3 days · 2:1 ratio |
| SW Ridge of Mt Macdonald | PD+ · 5.6 | 2 days · 1:1 ratio |
| North Ridge of Mt Swanzy | AD+ · 5.7 | 2–3 days · 2:1 ratio |
Grades follow the French alpine system. Contact Brad to discuss the right objective for your experience level.
Sample Trip — 2-day Tupper West Ridge (PD, 5.4)
A perfect introduction to Rogers Pass alpine climbing. Stunning views, moderate technical terrain.
Morning gear check and conditions briefing in Revelstoke. 45-minute drive to Rogers Pass. Afternoon approach to high camp or the ACC hut at Hermit Meadows campground. Final gear review, weather check, and early night.
Early alpine start (3–4 AM). Ascent along the Tupper West Ridge with views of the Swiss Peaks and Mt Macdonald. Summit celebration and careful descent back to Rogers Pass. Return to Revelstoke by early evening.
The Canadian Rockies — big mountains, big routes.
The Canadian Rockies offer a lifetime of alpine climbing objectives — from the classic routes on Mt Temple and Mt Athabasca to the remote peaks of the Freshfield Icefield. The Rockies are characterized by their distinctive limestone and quartzite ridgelines, long approaches, and dramatic exposure. Brad is available for custom alpine objectives throughout the range.
Classic Rockies Routes
| Route | Grade | Duration & Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Mt Athabasca — North Glacier | AD · 50° | 2 days · 2:1 ratio |
| Mt Temple — East Ridge | AD– · 5.4 | 2 days · 1:1 ratio |
| Mt Victoria — North Summit | PD | 3 days · 2:1 ratio |
| Mt Louis — Kain Route | TD- · 5.7 | 3 days · 2:1 ratio |
| Mt Fay — West Ridge | PD+ · 5.4 | 3 days · 2:1 ratio |
Grades follow the French alpine system. Contact Brad to discuss the right objective for your experience level.
Sample Trip — 3-day Mt Athabasca
Drive to the Columbia Icefield area along the Icefields Parkway. Afternoon gear check, route briefing, and short acclimatization walk. Early dinner and rest.
Pre-dawn start across the glacier approach. Ascent of the North Face on mixed snow and ice terrain. Summit views encompassing the Columbia Icefield. Careful descent and return to camp.
Weather buffer day — used for an additional objective or a rest day in the stunning Icefields scenery before returning home.
The Bugaboos — world-class granite spires.
The Bugaboos are among the most dramatic granite spires in the world — a true bucket-list alpine objective. Rising from the Purcell Range near Brisco, BC, the Bugaboos offer spectacular granite climbing on some of the most photogenic peaks in North America. The area is accessed via a 5km approach hike to the Conrad Kain hut.
Brad has guided and climbed extensively in the Bugaboos and can help you plan a trip to this incredible range, whether you're targeting the Beckey-Chouinard on South Howser Tower or looking for a more approachable introduction.
Classic Bugaboos Routes
| Route | Grade | Duration & Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Bugaboo Spire — NE Ridge | PD+ · 5.6 | 3 days · 1:1 ratio |
| Crescent Spire — Crescent Crack | PD+ · 5.8 | 2 days · 2:1 ratio |
| Pigeon Spire — W Ridge | PD · 5.4 | 3 days · 2:1 ratio |
| Snowpatch Spire — Surf's Up | TD- · 5.9 | 3 days · 2:1 ratio |
| S Howser Tower — Beckey-Chouinard 50 Classic Climbs of North America | D · 5.10 | 3 days · 1:1 ratio |
Grades follow the Yosemite Decimal System and French alpine system. Contact Brad to discuss the right objective for your experience level.
Sample Trip — 3-day Bugaboo Spire NE Ridge
Drive to the Bugaboos parking area near Brisco, BC. 5km approach hike to the Conrad Kain hut with stunning views of the spires. Gear check and route briefing. Early night.
Early start across the Crescent Glacier to the base of the NE Ridge. Sustained granite climbing on excellent rock with increasing exposure. Summit views of the entire Purcell Range. Return to hut for the night.
Weather permitting, use the morning for a second objective or hike to a viewpoint. Afternoon hike out and drive back to Revelstoke or your departure point.
Everything you need.
Alpine climbing FAQ.
What climbing experience do I need?
For PD-grade routes, basic mountaineering experience (glacier travel, crampon use, rope teams) is helpful but not required — we can discuss your experience at the time of booking. The Northwest Ridge of Mt Sir Donald (D–) requires confident rock climbing at 5.4 and prior alpine experience. Brad will discuss appropriate objectives based on your background.
Why is the guide ratio 1:1 for Mt Sir Donald?
The Northwest Ridge of Mt Sir Donald is a technically demanding route in Rogers Pass and is a long, committing day. Brad guides this objective with a single guest for maximum safety and speed.
What's the best time of year for Rogers Pass climbing?
Mid-June through early September offers the best conditions. Early season (June) may have lingering snow on routes, which can be an advantage or challenge depending on the objective. Late July through August typically offers the most settled weather.
Can I alpine climb if I only have indoor climbing experience?
There are numerous approachable and stunning alpine climbs that can be completed by less experienced climbers. Overall fitness tends to be more important than climbing experience. Contact Brad to discuss which objectives suit your background.
