MountainLIFE

Via Ferrata at Mt Norquay

Connect, explore and play in Banff’s MountainLIFE programs. MountainLIFE is designed for adults aged 31 and up that want to connect with their peers, get outdoors and enjoy mountain life to the fullest. 

Note: Banff residents may only register for one course of each type per year (i.e. one ice climbing and one Avalanche Safety Training). 

To register for a program or class:

Upcoming Programs

Advanced Glacier Travel Skills
 Learn how to enhance your glacier travel skills in this advanced glacier skills course. Topics include advanced skills for roping up, route finding and crevasse rescue techniques. Transportation is included to the Wilcox Campground near the Columbia Icefields. Technical equipment is provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Sunday, June 25, 2023, 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Register Online 

Glacier Travel Skills
Learn how to rope up for glacier travel, route finding, and crevasse rescue techniques in this two-day course. On the first day you will meet your guide at the Wilcox Campground near the Columbia Icefields. You will need to check in and setup at your campsite, as campsites are not included in the trip and are first come first serve. Once you complete a gear check, head out to a crevasse rescue practice site. On day two, you’ll travel onto the North Glacier of Mt Athabasca. Technical equipment is provided. Transportation is included. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Saturday, June 24, 2023, 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 25, 2023, 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Register Online 

Guided Hike
Learn about wildlife safety, best practices for hiking in Banff and more during this guided hike. This trip is suitable for new and beginner hikers. The hike location will be chosen closer to the trip date to take advantage of the best conditions. Transportation provided. This program is generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Register Online 

Guided Scramble
Scrambling is a form of mountaineering for ascending steep terrain using your hands to help in holds and balance. On this guided day trip, you’ll head up a local summit learning techniques and skills for effective scrambling in the Canadian Rockies. The location will be chosen closer to the date to take advantage of the current weather conditions. Transportation provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Register Online 

Learn to Lead Rock Climb
Gain the knowledge, experience, and confidence to head out and lead climb your favourite routes. Some of the topics in this course include route selection, building anchors, cleaning anchors and routes, lead climbing techniques, and more. Technical equipment is provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023,7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register Online

Mountain Navigation
The ability to navigate efficiently in the mountain is a core skill for any outdoor enthusiast. In this course, you’ll learn route planning, map and compass skills, introduction to GPS and digital mapping app use, terrain assessment, and more. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Thursday, June 22, 2023, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Register Online 

Mt Temple Scramble
Join a certified guide in an attempt to summit one of the highest peaks in the area. The day starts with a hike along Moraine Lake followed by hiking inclines into Larch Valley, then up again to Sentinel Pass. From there you will make your way to the summit of Mount Temple where your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and lakes far below. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 5 a.m. - 5 p.m. Register Online 

Multi-pitch Climbing
Progressing from single pitch to multi-pitch sport climbing is a dream of many climbers. This course will provide you will the skills to successfully climb multi-pitch routes. Learn rope management, what gear is essential, how to use it, communication, belay systems, and more. Transportation provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday, July 20, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Register Online

Rock Climbing
Learn the basics of outdoor rock climbing with the help of an ACMG certified guide in a small group setting. You’ll get hands-on experience with various rock climbing gear, ropes and belay systems. With the help of your guide, you’ll try beginner level top rope rock climbs. Technical equipment and transportation provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Register Online
Sunday, August 27, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Register Online

Rock Rescue for Climbers
In this two-day course you will develop essential skills required to carry out simple rock rescues on climbs. You will learn how to deal with the many hazards and problems that can arise when out climbing in the mountains. You will get the skills needed to help yourself, your partner or another climbing party on a route. Transportation provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Monday, May 29, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 30, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Register Online 

Standup Paddleboarding
Join a Paddle Canada certified instructor in an introduction to stand-up paddleboarding. The class will cover all the basics of getting on and off the water, controlling your board, paddle strokes, required safety equipment and more. Stand-up paddleboarding equipment is provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Monday, July 24, 2023, 12 - 2 p.m. Register Online 

Trad Climbing
Trad or traditional climbing is a style of rock climbing in which the climber places all the necessary protective gear to arrest falls as they are climbing. In this two-day course you will learn essential skills required to trad climb. Learn how to place gear, build anchors, assess safety and other best practices. Transportation is provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Monday, June 12, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Register Online 

Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata is a type of mountain climbing where you wear a harness that is attached to steel cables secured to the mountain to climb to the summit. On this ACMG-guided trip, you’ll hike to the base of Mt. Stelfox before climbing the 180m protected route. Once you arrive on the summit enjoy the spectacular views of Abraham Lake before hiking back down. Technical equipment provided. Transportation is provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Saturday, June 3, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Register Online
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Register Online