Bow-Yoho Traverse Trip INformation
This information package is for guests who have already booked a trip. If you have landed on this page via an internet search then you may contact me for information about this trip or others like it.
If you are signed up for the trip please read the following information carefully. It should answer all of the questions you may have.
If you get nothing else from this information package, please do the following:
Read and understand the guide waiver carefully ahead of time. You don’t need to sign the waiver now, you will do that once you arrive for the trip.
Have a look at the gear list and make sure you are able to bring everything on the list.
Let me know if you need me to provide any equipment for you.
The following information is included in this package:
Risk discussion
Mountain Rescue and Rescue Insurance
Medical Insurance
Food and Medical Issues
What the trip price includes
Trip Preview
Important Dates and Times
Delays
Car Shuttle
Gear
Communications
RISK DISCUSSION
It is important to understand that no matter how well prepared we are there is still an element of risk to backcountry skiing. These risks are shared by both the group and the guides. Some of these risks include:
snow avalanche
cornice fall
falling into a crevasse
falling while climbing
falling while skiing
collisions while skiing
rockfall
icefall
weather events
You will all need to sign a waiver when you arrive for the trip. Please read the waiver before the trip so you understand what the risks are and what you will be signing when you begin the trip.
Safety is our number one priority. You trust the guides to be dialed in and able to rescue you in case of an accident, but it goes both ways. Our risk is shared and we need to trust you to do the same for us!
The most important person in managing your personal risk and the risk of the group is YOU. If you prepare even just a little bit beforehand it is very helpful and the families of both the other participants and the guides thank you. There are a variety of ways you can help manage risk on this trip:
Be physically fit and rested when coming into the trip.
Listen to the guides’ instructions and if you are uncertain of what is expected of you please ask!
Be aware of the situation around you. As you travel through the terrain think of what you can do to reduce risk for yourself and the group (EG place yourself in a safe spot at regroups in avalanche terrain, keep the glacier rope tight, place yourself in the best position to avoid rockfall etc).
Take an avalanche course. I can provide a private course for you or your group, or you can find a list of scheduled courses with other providers here: AST courses
Take the online avalanche course at the Avalanche Canada website.
Practice avalanche rescue prior to the trip. At the very least understand all of the functions of your avalanche transceiver and how to search for at least 2 burials. We would really appreciate if you practice with the entire kit before the trip: transceiver, shovel and probe. A full rescue practice where you work as a team and recover a couple of buried packs with transceivers in them would be best, but even working in the backyard doing a simple transceiver search, and making sure your shovel and probe are in good working order is helpful. Please practice before the trip, the safety of your fellow skiers and the guides rely on YOUR skills.
Speak up. If you see something you feel is hazardous, mention it to the guide. If you feel uncomfortable with what you perceive is a risk, mention it to the guide. We can discuss your concerns and change what we are doing if necessary.
Traveling in the mountains together as a group is all about having trust in each other’s abilities. In over 30 years of guiding I have only had to deal with three minor incidents requiring an immediate evacuation. We do not expect an accident but we need to be prepared in case there is one. The more we trust each other the more we will all enjoy our time in the mountains together because we know we are able to take care of each other in the unlikely case there is a problem.
MOUNTAIN RESCUE AND RESCUE INSURANCE
This trip is entirely within Banff and Yoho National Parks. Mountain rescue in Canadian National Parks is performed by professional rescue crews who are constantly on stand-by. It is free if you have paid the park admission fee. You may buy this pass at the gate when you enter the park or at any park information centre. It is your responsibility to obtain this pass. No other rescue insurance is required for this trip.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Travel health insurance is ESSENTIAL for all foreign participants. Health care in Canada is not free.
Even Canadians may need additional medical coverage if traveling outside their home province. This is especially true for Quebec residents.
Lifestyle Financial Insurance Services specializes in offering insurance services for high risk activities through Tugo Insurance. Other brokers will also be able to offer Tugo policies, or insurance through other companies. I do not receive any financial compensation if you buy insurance from Lifestyle or Tugo, the links below are for your convenience only.
Protect yourself against unexpected illnesses or injuries while you’re away from home with Emergency Medical Insurance. Available for all ages as a Single Trip or Multi Trip Annual plan, this travel medical insurance is ideal for Canadian residents travelling outside of their home province.
You will need to add the Sports and Activities Coverage upgrade to be covered for our mountain activities.
More information:
Sports and Activities Coverage Upgrade
Buy Now via Lifestyle Financial (to add the Sports upgrade, choose Customize on the Quote page and then add the appropriate sport from the dropdown menu).
There is more information on my Cancellation Insurance and Health Insurance page.
FOOD AND MEDICAL ISSUES
If you have any food allergies or strong preferences, or any pertinent medical issues, please make sure you inform me as soon as possible.
WHAT THE TRIP PRICE INCLUDES
The price includes:
One lead guide, one tail guide.
National park permits and fees.
Liability insurance coverage.
It does not include:
Your transport to and from the start and finish of the trip. A car shuttle is required.
Food.
Portering services.
Poor weather or conditions may interrupt all or part of our trip. You are responsible for any expenses incurred for yourself and the guides if we need to change plans.
Trip Preview
The Bow-Yoho Traverse travels across various icefields, glaciers and cols to link Bow Lake with Emerald Lake. Each day involves 300-700 m elevation gains and 6-15 km horizontal travel. There are two major descents on the trip: Isolated Col to Stanley Mitchell and Iceline trail to Emerald Lake. The huts are comfortable but basic. They have all the cooking equipment that will be required and mattresses but we need to bring our own food and sleeping bags. All the huts have some form of heating.
If you are interested in doing some research about the trip beforehand you can order a map of the Wapta Icefield here. Or you can buy Chic Scott's and my ski touring guidebook of the area here.
Important dates and times – all times are Mountain Time
Day 1, 7.30 am
We meet at the Lake Louise Alpine Centre (hostel) to have a look through your gear and sign the waivers. Google Maps location is here. We should try to be heading out of town by about 9.00 am. A car shuttle is required as this is a point to point trip. This will be arranged as we get closer to the trip. We will be on the trail by mid-morning for the half day ski to Bow Hut.
Day 2
We spend the day skiing near Bow Hut, probably climbing a peak in the process. Another night is spent at Bow Hut.
Day 3
From Bow Hut we travel across the Wapta Icefield to the Guy Hut.
Day 4
This day takes us over the Des Poilus Glacier to Isolated Col and a descent to the Stanley Mitchell Hut. A lower elevation option is via the Whaleback, in case weather or conditions are not optimum.
Day 5
There are many options for skiing or peak ascents around the Stanley Mitchell Hut. A second night at Stanley Mitchell.
Day 6
On our final day we take the Iceline trail to Yoho Pass and then Emerald Lake. A lower elevation option goes down the Little Yoho Valley past Takkakaw Falls to Highway 1.
Delays
Although very unusual on this trip, there is always the chance that conditions will force us to spend an extra night out. We should be prepared for this and bring a bit of extra food.
Car Shuttle
On Day 1 we need to get at least one vehicle to Emerald Lake. This vehicle will be used to get back to the start point at the end of the trip. We also need enough vehicle space to get the entire group and guides to the trailhead at Bow Lake. This car shuttle will be arranged by email a few weeks ahead of the trip. If renting vehicles be prepared to have enough space to accommodate this.
Gear
Communications
The guides will have a radio that can be used to contact rescue crews in an emergency.
They will also have a satellite messenger that can call for help. They will share how this works with the group at the beginning of the trip.
Questions?
If you have any questions let me know!
The Bottom Line
Read and understand the guide waiver carefully ahead of time. You don’t need to sign the waiver now, you will do that once you arrive for the trip.
Have a look at the gear list and make sure you are able to bring everything on the list.
Let me know if you need me to provide any equipment for you.