A MINI GUIDE TO DAVID THOMPSON ICE

© 1992, 1994 Cyril Shokoples

This third update to the David Thompson Ice mini guide contains much revised information. Grades, names and even approach descriptions have been modified to provide the most current information available. This update includes many previously unrecorded ascents. A three star rating system has been introduced to indicate the general appeal of a route. This takes into account such characteristics as view, situation, ice, access and other intangibles. One star (*) after a route grade means good, while three stars (***) means very good. As always, grades and appeal ratings are very subjective and are extremely variable dependent upon current conditions.

The route descriptions describe ice climbs located East of Whirlpool Point (beyond Saskatchewan Crossing) and west of the town of Nordegg along the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11). It is not an exhaustive list, but includes almost all the more accessible climbs in this area. Most of these climbs form consistently each year and the area receives relatively little snowfall. Dates are for the first recorded ascent of which I am aware. The climbs are listed in order from east to west. Climbers are listed alphabetically.

Directions on the climbs are given facing up and into the ice. Directions for the descent on each route are given facing down and away from the ice, unless otherwise stipulated.

The most comfortable inexpensive accommodation for all the climbs listed in this mini guide is the Shunda Creek Hostel [phone (403) 721 - 2140]. This fully modern hostel is a short distance from the town of Nordegg and is only one half hour to an hour from the climbs. It can be booked through the Canadian Hostelling Association office in Edmonton at (403) 439-3139. For the more easterly climbs, accommodation can be found at the Ramparts Creek Hostel [reservations (403) 762-4122], 12.3 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing along the Banff - Jasper Highway.

Emergency telephones are located at Saskatchewan Crossing, across the road from Cavalcade Campground (near Two O'clock Falls), at the David Thompson Resort near Cline River and at the town of Nordegg. Nearest gasoline and other supplies are either at Nordegg on highway 11 when heading East, Lake Louise when going down highway 93 south toward Banff or in Jasper if heading North along highway 93. Both David Thompson Resort and Saskatchewan Crossing are closed during winter months.

Crescent Falls 25m II, 3

Greg Grant, Cyril Shokoples; March 1981

APPROACH: 11 miles west of Nordegg, turn right and follow the road to Crescent Falls. This road may be difficult or impossible to travel at times.

THE CLIMB: The falls are formed by the Bighorn River spilling over a large rock ledge. The climb is half a rope length long with good belays from trees on top. Watch for open pools of water at the base of the falls.

Captain's Log 110m III, 3 *

Len Babiuk, Tom & Will Black, Vic Marchiel, Dan Mathes, Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples; February 8, 1987

APPROACH: This climb is visible south of Mt. Abraham across Abraham Lake. It is in a north facing gully on Mt. Michener and spills over the slabs on the left sidewall of the gully. Be Warned; to reach the climb you must first cross Abraham Lake, which is the reservoir formed by the Bighorn Dam blocking the North Saskatchewan River. After crossing the reservoir / lake follow the stream bed and gully to the base of the climb in two hours.

THE CLIMB: Both 50m pitches are undulating 70 to 80 degree ice, the first ending at a tree belay.

DESCENT: Rappel the route. A bolt and piton anchor is located at the true right hand edge of the upper pitch near the edge of the rock slab. Both rappels require two 50m ropes.

Dry Ice 400 m IV, 3 *

Yves Carignan, Cyril & Sandra Shokoples; January 11, 1992

APPROACH: This route is on Mt. Stelfox, north of the David Thompson Resort on Highway 11. It is in the leftmost of two obvious avalanche gullies. Although the climb has formed in many years, fear of the great white wave from the hideous avalanche bowl above has kept visitors away. When snow conditions are stable, this is another fine climb. If the avalanche hazard is high, drive on. From the swamps near the David Thompson Resort, bushwhack (easy) through open spruce forest, then poplars, to the creek bed / gully at the bottom of the climb in 1 1/2 hours. Stay out of the creek bed as long as you can. (83C/2 340832)

THE CLIMB: The climb begins with six steps (short, short, long, short, short, short) that vary from 2 to 20 meters in length. Varying amounts of snow separate the steps. Some steps may bank out with snow and debris as the season progresses. The first long pitch beyond the steps is classic grade 3 for 30 m to belay at yet another short step. Past this step and more snow, another 30m pitch of grade 3 ice forms the crux. A fixed pin is on the rock wall at the bottom of the pitch. Belay from two more pins at the top left hand side of the pitch. Two more short steps and even more snow lead to the final 15 to 20 meters of climbing. Although it looks like still more ice could be hidden around the final rock wall above you, there is not. Do not tempt the slide path gods any further.

DESCENT: A large tree on the left (looking down) was used for a full 50 meter rappel to get off the final pitch. Rappel the next big pitch from the two pin anchor. Downclimb the small bit (or alternatively rappel from the small tree) and use an Abalakov or other appropriate ice anchor for the last 30 meter rappel. With 50 meter ropes you can get past an extra step on one of the rappels. Downclimb the next two short steps. If the slopes look safe, from here you can traverse out left beginning from beneath a large rock wall that overhangs the gully. Keep high and in the trees, avoiding open slopes where possible, until you can safely walk down the left margin of the creek bed and regain your tracks lower down.

Good Luck & Bad Dreams 150 m III, 4 ***

Dave Devin, Cyril Shokoples; December 28, 1991

APPROACH: This climb is on Mt. Stelfox above the helipad between the Cline River bridge and the David Thompson Resort on Highway 11. Park at the Cline River or the helipad turn off and hike for 45 minutes through the trees. When in good shape, this climb is a David Thompson CLASSIC! It does not always form completely. In many years there has been NO ice at all in this bowl. The first pitch is often missing at times when the rest of the climb is in place. It is subject to extreme rockfall in warm weather. (83C/1 346805)

THE CLIMB: The first pitch begins as a pillar (crux), which then eases to a good belay spot in 25 meters. When the pillar is missing, a runout 5.8 / 5.9 rock pitch (with crampons) is possible on the right. The second pitch is 50 meters of rolling ice. Belay under the protection of the ice curtain on the right (rockfall / icefall potential). The third pitch of 50 meters starts easy, then stays at 70° to 80° until you reach a great belay platform. The last pitch begins with a short steep bit then some easy low angle ice to the open area at the apex of the great funnel above. Although there is a little ribbon of ice above which was taken during the first ascent, when avalanche hazard is present you should bail out now.

DESCENT: The easiest descent is by heading for the trees and then walking off the back side toward the Cline River. Be sure to scope out the descent before you go. It is possible to rappel the route, but no fixed anchors are in place.

For almost ten years I had heard rumors of ice along the Cline River but I couldn't find anyone who had climbed it or even knew precisely where it was. Finally, while heading in to climb S'N'M, the secret was revealed. The following six route descriptions are for the Cline River Canyon, The Gallery routes are on the south side of the river, while Nightmare on Elm Street is on the north side.

The Cline River Gallery 50m III, 2-5 **

Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples; February 11, 1989

This series of curtains, pillars and seeps is more like a dozen short climbs spread along the south side of the Cline River Canyon. Difficulty varies tremendously depending upon which line you choose to take.

APPROACH: The approach is as difficult to describe as the climbs were to find. Follow the Pinto Lake trail from the parking lot. The trail begins to climb uphill through a grove of poplars. As it does so, it rounds a small knoll behind which is the first small indistinct draw. Follow the draw (disappears) then bushwhack until you come to a prominence above the river. Follow this until the gallery and the ice across the river is visible. You will eventually have to drop down into the river bottom to get to the base of the ice. You can get to the bottom of the ice without a rappel if you look for a dry gully immediately east of the ice. The approach can take 1 - 2 hours depending on conditions. If snow is plentiful, skis are recommended. The Gallery tends to be a very cold place in the early winter as it rarely receives any sun and is a bit of a cold trap. (83C/1 345789)

THE CLIMB: The climbs are usually less than a rope length long and can be anything from vertical curtains to rolling terrain or pillars. The climbs generally finish at the trees above the river. The next four climbs are more notable parts of the Gallery selection, but are probably significant enough to warrant their own names.

Pure Energy 30m III, 3+ ***

Len Babiuk, Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples; March 18, 1989

Part of the Cline River Gallery. It is the right hand massive pillar of the Gallery climbs and descends to the waters edge. Forms consistently and usually quite well.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? 30m III, 5 **

Cyril & Sandra Shokoples; March 31, 1990

Part of the Cline River Gallery. Between Pure Energy and the easier ramp and climbs to the left is a large overhanging rock wall, the right hand end of which forms Pure Energy. Each year ice sheets and pillars vainly attempt to reach ground and collapse before they are successful. In 1990, a sheet touched down toward the left side and made for an exciting climb. Rarely forms.

Splashdown A + B 30m III, 4/5 *

Cyril Shokoples (belayed by Sandra Shokoples); March 31, 1990

Part of the Cline River Gallery. Beyond Pure Energy upstream in the actual canyon can be seen two steep ice flows going right into the water. The canyon floor is (almost) never frozen below these climbs and it is best to avoid walking in this part of the canyon at all times. You will likely need no encouragement in this regard. It can be tricky getting to the top of these two climbs as well, with snow covered ice falling away into the water. Once you are sure you are above the route and have a bomber anchor, lower into the hole and claw your way out. This can be a very committing proposition as the ice is occasionally not well attached to the canyon walls. These climbs often form, although their quality varies.

Nightmare On Elm Street 45m II, 3 *

Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples; February 12, 1989

APPROACH: Follow the major trail along the north bank of the Cline River until the first reasonable sized grove of poplars on the left. The trail begins to descend here. Bushwhack directly toward the river and search for a clearing along the edge of the canyon. Two large trees at the edge of the canyon were marked with flagging tape above the start of the climb (1989). The Gallery ice climbs are visible across the river at this point (but the river is impassable). The climb should be reached in about an hour. (83C/1 347791)

THE CLIMB: A full double rope rappel takes you to the bottom of the canyon. Beware of open water. Early in the season and during warm weather there may be substantial swift flowing water at the base of the climb. The climb is one rope length of moderate grade three ice, steeper near the bottom and angling off near the top.

That Other Little Gully 30m I, 2

Len Babiuk, Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples; March 19, 1989

This easy little climb is in a small gully approximately 50m from Nightmare on Elm Street. Belay from trees at the top of the gully. Often snow covered.

S'N'M Falls 150m III, 3 *

Cyril Shokoples (solo), Arnie MacAuley, Morgan Neff; December 7, 1988

This climb is on Sentinel Mountain and is visible from near the Cline River bridge. It is low down on the rightmost indistinct gully, below which is a prominent swath through the trees. Binoculars are helpful to scope it out beforehand.

APPROACH: Hike or ski along the Pinto Lake Trail toward Sentinel Mountain. Eventually take to the trees and work your way through openings and along scree and boulders to the base. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the approach, depending upon conditions. (83C/1 343774)

THE CLIMB: The climb is roughly 3 pitches of undulating ice that ends near a long diagonal snow slope / gully that goes nowhere. (In 1991 / 92 a further pitch of very thin ice formed above the normal three pitches. It had not formed in previous years.)

DESCENT: Cross into the trees on the right hand side and work your way down without difficulty.

Kitty Hawk 200m IV, 5 ***

Greg Grant alone; March 1981

BACKGROUND: The first serious attempt on this route was made in 1980 by D. Pors, T. Saunders and C. Shokoples. This attempt ended with a leader fall on the penultimate pitch, an improvised rescue by the participants and several stitches. The climb received the name Kitty Hawk because of the air time logged during this fall. After many attempts and mishaps by several parties, G. Grant returned to the climb in 1981. With a self - belay on the upper three pitches, he succeeded in making the top. After descending the ice safely, Greg's foot broke through a snow crust at the base of the climb and his thigh was lacerated by the pick of his ice tool in his holster.

Twenty - six stitches were eventually required. Kitty Hawk was finally climbed complete with unusual events on each attempt. This is the hardest and best David Thompson Ice route.

APPROACH: Located on Elliot Peak in the northmost deep gully that can be seen from the David Thompson Highway. Bushwhack through trees to base of climb.

THE CLIMB: Two easy pitches in the gully lead to the base of the steeper ice. These pitches bank out with snow later in the season. The third pitch is 30 - 40m to a bolt belay on the left behind an ice curtain. The fourth pitch of 30m starts at a near vertical curtain and eases off to a bolt belay on the left. The fifth pitch is often mushrooming with steep or vertical sections and is approximately 30m. (This is the location of the accident during the first serious attempt on this climb.) From the platform atop the fifth pitch, a further pitch leads to the top. Belays on the lower portion of the climb are on bolts. BEWARE.

DESCENT: Rappel the route.

Elliot Lefthand Gully 200m III, 4 **

APPROACH: Formerly called "Sentinel Lefthand," The route is in the leftmost of three prominent gullies on Elliot Peak and is two gullies left of Kitty Hawk. The ice of the first pitch is visible from several locations on the road. Bushwhack for over one hour to the base of the climb.

THE CLIMB: The first pitch is 50m on 70 to 80 degree ice. A bolt and piton anchor is located high on the right hand rock wall. Follow snow up the gully to the 25m second pitch of moderate ice. A single bolt is on the rock snout below and to the right of this pitch. A two piton anchor is directly above this pitch to the left. Continue to follow the winding snow gully with occasional ice steps to where it broadens and is blocked by a large steep rock wall. The final 50m pitch is the obvious broad pillar that eases off to a ramp after 25m. This pitch does not always form.

DESCENT: Head a short distance north to a small gully which leads through the rock wall back into the main gully (downclimb & short rappel). Rappel and downclimb the rest of the route (requires double 50m ropes).

The following two climbs are in the spectacular Elliot / Ross Canyon. This is the long winding canyon between Mt. Earnest Ross and Elliot Peak. It was the scene of the death of Les Peskett some years ago when he was struck by a rock. Evidence of spontaneous rock fall shows in the canyon and rock fall is said to be more pronounced in the summer.

End of the Line 100m III, 3 *

Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples; January 28, 1989

APPROACH: Follow the right hand stream bank flowing into the Elliot / Ross canyon and drop into the stream bed at the last possible moment. There are four short ice steps and a boulder jumble to negotiate along the way. When you encounter a fork where the canyon opens slightly, follow the ice flowing from the left into the continuation of the canyon. A large icicle is located in the branch on your right. (I do not believe the icicle has reached the ground as of winter 1993/4.) The End of the Line is the obvious waterfall at the end of the left canyon. Before reaching the climb you must cross beneath an avalanche slope on the left hand side. Allow two hours to reach the climb if the trail is not broken in the canyon. (83C/1 375733)

THE CLIMB: Two bolts are located on the left hand wall at the base of the first 50m pitch that begins at 75 to 80 degrees then eases off. Near the top of the pitch is an interesting rock / ice chimney problem followed by a massive jammed log for a belay. (This may not be a permanent feature, so be prepared.) The second pitch is another full rope length and goes over three steps of lesser steepness. Belay from two bolts on the right hand side.

DESCENT: Rappel the route.

Lovely Parting Gifts 65m III, 3 *

Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples; January 29, 1989

This climb is a seep on the right hand (north) canyon wall in Elliot / Ross canyon. It is reached in two hours just shortly before reaching "End of the Line". The climb seems to flow from right to left with the ice getting easier as the season progresses due to the underlying rock formation. Earlier in the year there would be no choice but to climb a grade 4 start, while later in the year you may be able to find a grade 2 start on the left hand side. (83C/1 376733)

APPROACH: As for End of the Line.

THE CLIMB: Began by climbing a 2 - 4m vertical curtain which then drops back to 70 degrees and undulating terrain for a rope length. A further half pitch leads to the top of the flow.

DESCENT: A single bolt is 8 - 10m up and left (looking up) of the main ice flow on a rock slab. Rappel down roughly 40m to a thin slanting rock ledge. To the left of the ice is another single bolt on rock above the ledge. Bring additional bolts to back up these rappel anchors, as the first ascent party ran out.

Nothing But the Breast 150m III, 4+ ***

Greg Grant, Dave Pors; winter 1978

NOTE: The above name is a translation of the original Latin name used by G. Grant & D. Pors.

APPROACH: This climb is south of the Cline River and Elliot Peak, north of Two O'clock Creek and west of the David Thompson highway while driving toward Saskatchewan Crossing. A vertical pillar or group of oversized icicles can be seen to spill over a ledge near the road on Mt. Earnest Ross. Walk through sparse trees for half an hour to the base. (83C/1 388713)

THE CLIMB: The ice on the lower two pitches is sometimes poorly formed and undulating ice alternating with verglas may occasionally be the norm on the lower half. Belays can be difficult to obtain on the lower section. Despite this inconvenience, this is one of the prime routes in the area. The steep third pitch may be climbed on the left as two shorter pitches to the top.

DESCENT: Walk through trees along the true right (south) of the waterfall. Traverse high to avoid the initial cliff bands and eventually head down to the trees.

In Search 0f: Flying Squirrels 400 m III, 3 *

Dave Devin, Cyril Shokoples; December 30, 1991

APPROACH: This climb is on Earnest Ross Peak, 100 meters left of Nothing but the Breast. Park below it and pound straight up in 1/2 hour. This route is best done early in the year before snow covers significant portions of the route and turns it into a miserable snow slog. If found in good condition, it is a GAS. (83C/1 388713)

THE CLIMB: The first section is four and a half pitches of grade 2 rolling ice bulges and sheets with two short steeper sections near the top. When clear of snow, this is a lot more fun than you would think. To get the last piece of ice, you have to suffer through 150 meters of scree or snow to an upper 50 meter pitch of grade three ice. It starts low angle then rears up to become steep and thin on top. Protection in the upper section and the belay above is poor. The last pitch, or even the entire climb, does not always form.

DESCENT: To get off the upper pitch, scramble or downclimb rock on the left, then work your way to the base of the upper pitch. You may be able to scrounge a rappel if you really look. The rest of the descent is the same as for Nothing but the Breast.

Two O'clock Falls 120m II, 2-3 ***

F.R.A. Climbed by a large party from the NorthWest Mountaineering Club led by O. Miskiw, T. Saunders and C. Shokoples; circa 1978/79

APPROACH: The falls are easily visible directly behind the Cavalcade campground in the Kootenay Plains area along the David Thompson highway. Just west of the Cavalcade campground is a turnoff leading to a poor road or cart track. Park at the turnoff and follow the road in the general direction of the ice. You will eventually come to a clearing with native ceremonial lodges. Be considerate and do not disturb the structures. From here, try to find an indistinct trail to the ice or bushwhack directly toward the waterfall.

THE CLIMB: A wide expanse of undulating ice generally three pitches long allows for tremendous variation in the route taken. Difficulty is generally Grade 2 or 3.

DESCENT: Downclimb or rappel the true right hand side of the falls and look for a way to traverse off to the right above the lower two tiers. Generally only one short rappel at most is required to return to the base of the climb. Alternately, thrash through the steep trees on the left hand side of the falls.

SARS On Ice 30m II, 3-4 *

Arnie MacAuley, Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples, Bob Verret; December 21, 1986

APPROACH: From Whirlpool Point on the David Thompson Highway, a series of ice seepages can be seen high on the ridge to the North. Park at the large clearing just east of Whirlpool Point on the David Thompson Highway. SARS On Ice is the lowest of the visible seeps. Although from a distance the seeps may appear to be one ice flow, they are in fact two distinct flows from two separate sources. Bushwhack from the clearing to the base of the climb in one hour.

THE CLIMB: One pitch of ice that is a near vertical pillar on the right and undulating on the left. Belay from trees at the top of this pitch. From here you can walk/ bushwhack to the base of Five Seven Zero. Keep right to avoid the cliff band between these two climbs.

DESCENT: If the two climbs are combined, the descent is as for Five Seven Zero.

Five Seven Zero 100m III, 4 ***

Philip McKeage, Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples; December 1985

APPROACH: Bushwhack from near Whirlpool Point to intercept the lower (eastern) of two parallel "ridges". This lower ridge is followed to the base of the climb in one hour. THE CLIMB: The first 25m pitch cannot be seen until you are very near the start of the climb. It consists of a free standing pillar (crux) falling over a shelf of rotten rock. Belay from trees. There is room for wide variation on the second pitch. The leftmost vertical pillar is the most difficult variant, but it only forms in alternate years. The right side is easy undulating ice. From the large tree at the bottom of the second pitch, a 50m rope will reach either the tree on the left or the ledge directly to the right of the tree as belay stances for the top of pitch two. Climb right to finish easily or ascend the short steep pillar on the left directly to the top. A fine climb with good views.

VARIANTS: The first pitch can be avoided entirely by walking up the Cheater's Gully located 25m right of the first pitch pillar. This downgrades the route to Grade 2 or 3. For more sporting easy alternates, see Bloodline & Private Functions. By combining the steepest sections of SARS On Ice and Five Seven Zero, the climb takes on the proportions of a good grade 4 route. SARS On Ice, Private Functions, Bloodline, Five Seven Zero and Gentlemen, Orders have all been climbed in one day.

DESCENT: From the top of the climb head south back toward Whirlpool Point. Do not make for the top of the ridge. Traverse through trees along a ramp to a small seep (Gentlemen, Orders) coming directly from the rock. Walk around this seep and easily descend the low angle ice and snow to regain the trees and eventually join the lower ridge. Leave your crampons on until your are below the lower pitch of Gentlemen, Orders. As an alternative, many parties choose to rappel from trees then escape via the Cheater's Gully.

Private Functions 25m II, 2

Cyril Shokoples; March 1, 1987

Located 25 meters left of Five Seven Zero, This short iced up gully allows for persons who prefer a grade 2 climb. From the top of this pitch, traverse back right into the main ice flow. The far right of Five Seven Zero can be taken to allow for a grade 2 climb throughout.

Bloodline 25m III, 3 *

Sheina Hughes, Morgan Neff, Cyril and Sandra Shokoples; March 1, 1987

Located in a gully 25m left of Private Functions, this pitch is similar in difficulty (perhaps a touch easier) to the pillar of Five Seven Zero. From the top of this pitch, traverse back right into the main ice flow.

Gentlemen, Orders 50m II, 2

Philip McKeage, Morgan Neff, Cyril Shokoples; December 1985

APPROACH: As for Five Seven Zero.

THE CLIMB: These two short pitches of ice are easily climbed after completing Five Seven Zero. The walk - off descent from Five Seven Zero cuts across the middle of these two pitches on a broad ledge.

DESCENT: Walk off. (See descent for Five Seven Zero).

About the Author

Cyril Shokoples is a ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide and has been a member of the Edmonton Section of the Alpine Club of Canada since 1975. He became a Senior ACC member in 1979 and received the Silver Rope Award in 1988. He currently resides in the mountains (mostly Jasper) during the summer and heliski guides out of Invermere during the winter. During the off seasons he can be found in Edmonton apologizing to his wife for being away so much. He is the proprietor of the firm Rescue Dynamics, which has been involved in climbing, rescue and safety instruction, as well as mountain guiding since 1983.

In addition to his twenty-five years of climbing experience, Cyril has over fifteen years experience as an educator in PreHospital Emergency Care. He spent eight years as the coordinator of PreHospital Care programs at the Alberta Vocational College, training Emergency Medical Technicians and other health care providers. He is one of the founders of the Advanced Wilderness Emergency Care program for guides, ski patrol and outdoor educators, as well as the Parks Emergency Responder program for national park wardens. He has taught in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon.

Photo Credits:

All photos by Cyril & Sandra Shokoples unless noted otherwise.

Front Cover: Sandra soloing the lower sections of Dry Ice during the first ascent.

Centrepiece left: Cyril on Dry Ice during first ascent. Photo by Yves Carignan.

Centrepiece right: Kitty Hawk, the finest David Thompson Ice climb.

Page 16: Sandra Shokoples & Yves Carignan waiting their turn on Dry Ice.

This page: Mt Stelfox - Dry Ice is central gully in photo.

Inside Back Cover: Cyril becoming "afraid of the dark" in the Cline River Gallery.

Back Cover: Canadian Forces SARTECHs in front of Pure Energy with Splashdown in the right background.

©1994 Cyril Shokoples
Printed in Canada by Rescue Dynamics

Warning: The descriptions and ratings contained herein should be considered tentative and can never replace good judgement. Weather and conditions change and the climbing environment is fraught with hazards. A single mistake or misunderstanding can lead to serious injury or even death. Climb safely and do not hesitate to turn back if there is any question about your safety or security. Climb with and learn from others who have more experience than you do. If you have little experience, join a club with a good reputation or better yet, take a course or hire a certified member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Cyril Shokoples and Rescue Dynamics are not responsible for your use or misuse of the information contained in this guide.

Corrections or additions to this guide are welcome. To order additional copies, contact:

Rescue Dynamics
5109 - 17A Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T6L 1K5
phone / fax: (780) 461-5040