Join MAA members in Canada to climb the stunning granite routes in the Bugaboos. This expedition features 10 days of amazing climbing on such inspiring monoliths as the Howser Towers, and Snowpatch, Bugaboo and Pigeon Spires. Teams and routes will be sequenced over the course of 10 days from a roaming basecamp / bivouac, decided as weather and options dictate. Participants must be proficient lead climbers in alpine multi-pitch rock (Rock 8 and Rock-R) as well as proficient in glacier travel and crevasse rescue (Ice-R), or equivalent experience. Loaner gear will be available. We have room for 6 participants. Hope to have you out with us!
Video: https://vimeo.com/133723101
SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience. Those registered will be notified by email. Thank you!
DETAILS:
- What's happening: Bugaboos alpine rock climbing in a glacier setting, multi-pitch granite routes up to Grade V, 5.10. Glacier travel between the spires, and long-term backcountry camping in wild, grizzly country, some in a basecamp and some in a bivouac. Attend expedition training on Whitney East Buttress or Whitney East Face April 26-28th. Attend team conference calls. Rock your mind in one of the most amazing places on the planet.
- Where to meet: 3:00 pm at TBD location near Golden, BC, on Monday, July 8th.
- Participant Expedition Fees: $575 per person. Pays for accommodations for participant and leaders on July 8th, 10 nights of group camping fees, mandatory operations deposit, MAA gear, buffer for unexpected expenses, and airfare or mileage reimbursement to get expedition gear and ELs to Canada. A minimum of 4 participants is required to make the expedition feasible. Fee must be paid to confirm registration, and can be paid in portions, if requested.
- Refund Policy: Full refund outside of 60 days, 50% refund 60-30 days, no refund closer than 30 days from departure
- Event Leader: Kelvin Nguyen, kelvin@mountainascent.org, and Darren Shutt, (916) 872-3399, darren@mountainascent.org
- Minimum / maximum participants: 4/6
- What to bring: Rock climbing shoes, harness, helmet, auto-locking belay device, 4 locking and 3 non-locking carabiners, PAS, 2 slings, cordelette, prusik, crampons, ice axe / tools, 15-30 liter climbing pack, 50 - 70 liter approach pack, approach shoes / boots compatible with your crampons, appropriate waterproof and breathable / wicking baselayer, mid-layers, and shell jacket, food for 10 days, bivy, water bottles, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, radio, headlamp, trekking pole(s) personal items. Group gear such as rock protection, ropes, tents, stove, fuel, etc. will be determined beforehand using group spreadsheet and conference call(s). If you are in need of loaner gear from MAA, please give the ELs advance notice.
- Travel and gear coordination: Group spreadsheet on G-Drive will be shared with confirmed participants. General Expedition discussion on the member's forum,
- Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
- Additional Info: Bear canisters or bear-proof containers are required.
ITINERARY:
Prior: General expedition conference call April 10th. Team members only call in June TBD.
Prior: April 26th - 28th, Mt. Whitney East Buttress or Mt. Whitney East Face training climb.
Prior: General Expedition discussion on the member's forum
- DAY 1: Monday, July 8th - Meet and greet in Golden BC. Dinner, logistics, stay the night in town.
- DAY 2: Tuesday, July 9th - Pick up permits, drive out to the TH, hike to and establish first basecamp at Applebee campground. Dinner, evening meeting for logistics and gear.
- DAY 3 - DAY 10: Wednesday, July 10th - Wednesday, July 17th - Climb assorted routes in teams of two or three. Kelvin and Darren will be the main lead climbers, swapping leads as appropriate with other participants. Teams may climb the same spire by different routes, or we may split up as appropriate, as long as we can all return to the same basecamp each evening. Some routes will require travel over glaciated passes and bivouacking. There will be some days off for rest and weather.
- DAY 11: Thursday, July 18th - Take down basecamp, head back to the trail head and drive back to Golden, BC.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- In order to register you must be a Base, Peak, or Apex member.
- Event leaders are experienced volunteers, but may not be certified guides.
- Participant safety is our top priority. The itinerary described is the plan; however, circumstances beyond the leader's control may necessitate changes.
- The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.
- MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.
