Wapta Traverse Spring 2023

The Wapta Traverse is the ‘Haute Route’ of the Rockies with big peaks, enormous glaciers, and huts!

Mid-March to late April is the high season in the Rockies and the best time to complete this traverse. Let our fun and safety-oriented A.C.M.G. ski guides deliver the trip of a lifetime. Below is important information about our guided traverse. Enquire today by joining our waitlist!

Wapta Traverse Application

Bow - Yoho Wapta Traverse

2023 Trip Details & Itinerary

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Classic Wapta Traverse

2023 Trip Details & Itinerary

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About Wapta Traverse

The Wapta Traverse is a ski traverse that travels along the continental divide, otherwise known as the B.C. Alberta border. Several huts along the traverse and variations of the traverse are possible. The trip starts along the Icefields Parkway and ends at the Trans Canada Highway near Field B.C. or Lake Louise, Alberta. It is a Canadian classic that takes four to five days to complete.

The Wapta Traverse is the 'Haute Route' of the Rockies with big peaks, enormous glaciers, and huts! The terrain is mostly moderate and reasonable for intermediate skiers. The vistas are always spectacular (unless the weather rolls in!) Many peaks are begging to be bagged along the way, and some epic descents are possible!

Mid-March to late April is the high season in the Rockies and the best time to complete this traverse.

We are planning two trips to the Wapta for the spring of 2023. Adventures include the "Classic Wapta" over Balfour High Col and the Bow Yoho Traverse, which visits the new "Guy" hut.

Dates and trip costs are listed below. Select the blue WAPTA TRAVERSE APPLICATION button below and take your first step towards this incredible experience. For more information, check out our Mountain Conditions Report from our Bow to Yoho Traverse in April 2022.

Wapta Traverse Application

Mountain Conditions Report - Wapta Bow to Yoho April 2022

Wapta Traverse Trip Summary

Trip Dates:

Bow/Yoho April 6th-10th, 2023 *1 spot left*

Classic Wapta April 12th-16th, 2023 *1 spot left*
Staging:

Lake Louise
Location:

Wapta Icefield
Elevation:

3000 meters
Terrain:

Alpine, Glacier, Open Bowls
Group Sizes:

1 guide per 6 guests
Trip Cost:

$1850 +GST
Booking & Cancelation Policy

Wapta Traverse Application

This trip includes:

4-6 Guided days
Guided by A.C.M.G guides
Partially Catered
Park Passes + Hut Fees
Pre-trip support
New and old friends on a trip of a lifetime

This trip does not include:

National Park passes for vehicles.
Gratuities for services (guides, custodians, chef, KBG)
Touring Equipment (*see info package)
Travel +Accommodation to and from Lake Louise, AB

Wapta Traverse Trip Details

Bow to Yoho Wapta Traverse Info Package

Below is our Waptra Traverse: Bow to Yoho Info Package PDF for April 2023. It includes information regarding hut amenities, equipment and packing lists, staging and directions, cost and deposit, etc.

Download PDF here

Classic Wapta Traverse Info Package

Below is our Waptra Traverse: Classic Info Package PDF for April 2023. It includes information regarding hut amenities, equipment and packing lists, staging and directions, cost and deposit, etc.

Download PDF here

Fitness & Skill Requirements

HAVING AN APPROPRIATE FITNESS LEVEL FOR THE TRIP OR COURSE YOU ARE JOINING IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF MOUNTAIN SAFETY.

Fitness Level: Flying Squirrel

Flying Squirrels have been ski touring at least ten times and are confident they can put in a 6.5-hour day of moving in the mountains. They can ski or splitboard 1000 vertical meters (3000ft) on back-to-back days and travel for 10km while following a track. They keep in shape and want a normal day of ski touring, hanging with friends, and having a good time.

Ski/Splitboarding Skills: Flying Squirrel

Flying Squirrels have ridden powder in bounds and out of bounds and have had a taste of what deep powder can be. Flying Squirrels can ride tree runs but enjoy open bowls more. They are confident on a black diamond runs in bounds but cliffs and steep chutes might not be their thing. Flying Squirrels are mostly looking for a good time with their squirrel friends and can join most of our courses and tours.

Sample Itinerary: Bow to Yoho

Pre-Trip Orientation:

15:00-18:00 Meet at Lake Louise Hostel. Go over group gear, sort out food and go over plans for the following day.

Day 1:

06:00-0700 breakfast
07:00 depart and organize vehicle drop
10:00 depart Bow Lake for Bow Hut, arrive, and do crevasse rescue practice. Attempt to get some turns.

Day 2:

07:00-08:00 breakfast
08:30-17:00 Traverse to Guy hut. Attempt to get some skiing in if possible.

Day 3:

07:00-08:00 breakfast
08:30-17:00 Traverse to Stanley Mitchell hut. Attempt to get some skiing in if possible.

Day 4:

07:00-08:00 breakfast
08:30-1700 Ski around Stanley Mitchell hut. There are many excellent objectives within striking distance of the hut.

Day 5:

07:00-08:00 breakfast
08:30-14:00 Ski out the Yoho Valley. Our goal is to make it to the vehicles by 14:00

Wapta Traverse & Terrain View

The Wapta Huts

The Wapta huts are remote and minimally equipped. There is no cell service, electricity or showers. People should be prepared to spend four nights with minimal connection to the outside world. KBG will be bringing an Inreach Device that is capable of text messaging. We reserve this device for emergency communication. If you need to connect to family or friends, we recommend bringing your own satellite communication device.

Hut Info:

What's Included/You Need To Bring

WHAT IS INCLUDED

ACMG SKI GUIDES
Partly Catered (Dehydrated meals)
Hut Fees
National Park Fees

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

Backcountry ski gear including:
- Alpine Touring skis, Telemark skis or split board, skins, poles in good repair and ski boots that have been broken in
- Avalanche safety gear – transceiver, shovel, probe
- 35-40 L day pack (Balloon pack, Avalung, ABS or another avalanche pack - optional)
- Gortex jacket, Gortex ski pants or other snow repellent fabric, down or puffy jacket, base and mid-layers, 2 pair of ski gloves, toques, buff, ball cap
- Ski goggles, helmet
Thermos, water bottle (or hydration pack), Re-useable lunch sack
Toiletries, toothbrushes, toothpaste.
Extra socks, long underwear, and a couple of changes for the week and hut booties
Prescriptions, medications, and basic 1st aid supplies that you might need
Sunglasses, reading glasses, headlamp, writing pad, pens and pencils
Camera and charger; VHF or family band radios with charger

Crevasse Rescue Equipment

Climbing harness for glacier travel (These are lightweight and prioritize movement over comfort)
2 locking carabiners
2 non-locking carabiners
Prusik Cords (2, 5m length of 7mm cord)
1.5m section of 6mm cord
120cm Dyneema Sling

The following are optional but highly recommended if you plan on doing any future glacier trips
- Petzl Micro Traxion Pulley
- Petzl Tibloc

Glacier Travel Gear For Rent: $50 for the whole trip:

2 locking carabiners
2 non-locking carabiners
Prusik Cords (2, 5m length of 7mm cord)
1.5m section of 6mm cord
120cm Dyneema Sling

Not Available For Rent:

Lightweight Ice Axe
Ski or splitboard crampons.
Climbing harness for glacier travel (These are lightweight and prioritize movement over comfort)

The following are optional but highly recommended if you plan on doing any future glacier trips:
- Petzl Micro Traxion Pulley
- Petzl Tibloc

Wapta Traverse Application

Before You Book...

View Waivers

Please ensure you have read and understood the waiver.

Your guide will go over the waivers on the morning of your tour or course, and you will sign in front of them so they can witness. If you are under the age of 19 you will need to have your parent or legal guardian sign for you.

VIEW WAIVER HERE

Booking & Cancelation Policy

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE BOOKING & CANCELATION POLICY

Each guest must familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions and the information on our website. By submitting, deposit, or payment, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below:

Fitness Levels & Ski/Split Skills

Please ensure you have reviewed our fitness and ski skill descriptions

Having an appropriate fitness level for the trip or course you are joining is a critical component of mountain safety. Please rate yourself honestly and accurately.