Ice Queen

I'm not usually one for having writers block, especially about experiences and adventures but this post is coming to you almost 2 months later due to by inability to put into words just how incredible of an experience this was. I didn't just grow as an ice climber but as a human forcing herself to face some fears, take on new challenges and keep pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.

Prior to taking this course, the only time I had ice climbed was in October, in a crevasse, while mountaineering. The adrenaline, technique and pure awe I experienced in those few climbs were unlike anything I had ever felt and I was instantly hooked. While I really enjoyed the mountaineering aspect, I knew I needed more of the thrill of ice climbing the next time I visited the mountains.

Athabasca Glacier - Ice Climbing in crevasse

Fast forward to February. ever thankful that my job allows for so much time off and I was sitting in the Yamnuska office in Canmore, meeting my guide, my new found friends for the next 3 days and bubbling over with excitement. For anyone looking to take an ice climbing course, I could not recommend Yamnuska more, their communication, guide experience, and equipment is top notch and well worth the adventure!

My guide on this trip was Chherring, the most genuine human I have ever met who grew up in Nepal, used to be a sherpa leading climbs up Mount Everest and has the wildest life story that had me crying, laughing and utterly inspired by. He was a no nonsense kind of guy, strap on the crampons, clip and climb, just do it.

Day 1 - The Junkyards

Day one we drove out to Grassi, The Junkyards, as the climbers call it. A relatively inclined wall of ice with various grades, great for learners and to get the hang of the equipment, belaying and knots. Chherring took his time ensuring we were all comfortable with the knots and basic technique and then sent us on our way. I wish I could say I spider-manned up the wall in no time but I was beyond frustrated and even that is an understatement. The trust required in the equipment, the ice and your belay partner is one thing but the thought process of what route to choose, the body mechanics required to ensure you aren't relying too much on your legs or on your arms (hello screaming barfies) and the mental game of "death is imminent" (dramatic, I know) left me absolutely exhausted, battered and bruised by the end of day 1. As someone who has never been a fan of taking analgesics, I'd never been more thankful for the advil I packed last minute.

Belay fun

Ice Climbing with a view of Ha Ling

Day 2 - Kings Creek

When I tell you I was instantly obsessed with the vibe of this location, it was breathtaking. The journey to the climbing spot was in a high risk avalanche zone so Yamnuska equipped us with avalanche transceivers, shovels and a quick safety lesson prior to the 45 minute hike in.

Avalanche Tranceiver

As soon as I rounded the trail and witness the different formations, I was overwhelmed with emotions, the beauty, the excitement, the feeling of living in such a surreal moment and having the opportunity to explore such a gorgeous area. Other climbers were already there and I was captivated by the ease in which they tackled some steep looking climbs. Chherring lead climbed a few different routes and away we went.

King Creek hike in

If I though I was frustrated on day 1...I was feeling downright defeated in day 2. The pitches were significantly steeper and my aching body decidedly more stubborn to the technique. I climbed again, again and again, willing myself to reach the top of any of the pitches but exhausting myself between half and three quarters of the way up and requiring I be belayed back down. Taking turns with my climbing partners and guide who were the kindest and most encouraging people I could have been so lucky to have in my group.

60m above ground selfies

That technique improved I promise

Near the end of the day I was feeling overwhelmed and had decided I'd conserve energy for the climbing the next day and then I saw a woman climb into the cave. A brief section of mixed climbing (ice and rock) before literally climbing into a cave...I told myself I'd never forgive myself if I didn't at least try and with my supportive group, I tied up.

I had never felt more determined in my entire life. Definitely a few swear words, some numb arms and asking for help from onlookers with axe and crampon placement...I made it all the way into the cave and I nearly cried tears of every emotion known to man. I am so thankful for these people, this opportunity and the sheer willpower (I got it from my Dad) that helped me successfully make this climb.

Almost at the mouth of the cave

Day 3 - Grotto Canyon Solo multi pitch day

When booking my course I had the option of paying for an extra day of climbing, where the guide would assess your skills with the group on the first 2 days and then take you to a location to multi-pitch climb and I couldn't recommend this more. My guide chose grotto canyon because he said there are some good warm up climbs and then depending how comfortable I get, the capability to climb some grade 3s if I was feeling confident and ready. The hike into Grotto canyon is stunning, many people head to this location simply for the stunning views and the hike so this felt like a huge bonus as part of this third day of climbing.

My body was SORE. As someone who has a semi-active job, hikes up mountains and is in the gym multiple times a week, I was not expecting to be this exhausted and finding muscles I didn't even know I had. It's funny how adrenaline kicks in though and as soon as you catch a glimpse of the pristine blue walls, all the pain fades away and pure excitement takes over.

With it just being my guide and I, we started with a single pitch climb, one side of the formation a grade 3, the other a grade 2. He lead climbed up securing anchors while I belayed and then it was my turn. I don't know if I just learn better with one on one attention, was finally getting the hang of the technique or just felt the pressure to succeed because I knew I had no choice except to. But this day was my breakthrough. Chherring was incredibly patient, continuing to encourage me and hone in my technique. We took a quick lunch break and headed for the multi-pitch falls.

Multi pitch warm up

Nervous is one word to describe how I felt looking up at this climb, unable to see the top pitch where we'd end up. I had no choice except to follow my lead up with a top belay which was different all in itself. So many seconds of being unsure, of the negative thoughts and then the surge of "life is short, now or never." And I climbed.

Climb 1

It's funny how when we aren't given a chance to back out from something, how our minds and bodies suddenly cooperate, how the impossible suddenly is possible, how the fear becomes strength. I had no choice except to follow Chherring up pitch after pitch and my confidence skyrocketed with each axe placement, each strike of the crampon into the ice. The silence of the mountain, the stillness of the trees and the echoing of ice being struck in rhythm with my climb.

Elated. Ecstatic. Joyous. Emotional. Confident. Accomplished. Proud.

I could go on forever listing the words I felt in that moment of reaching the top pitch, of looking at how far I'd come (literally) of appreciating the views and the body aches that got me there. The smile on my guide and his encouragement of how impressed he was, how far I'd come in such a short period of time. "Again. I want to go again." So we abseiled back down each pitch (three in total) which was an experience in itself and we went again until my limbs were barely functioning.

Happiest human after the first multi pitch success

Life changes

I've been a different person since this course, feeling incredibly more capable and confident in each thing I tackle, I've been on cloud 9 knowing I had moments of fear consuming my entire body and I overcame them with willpower to succeed and then doing just that. I feel incredibly accomplished that I made the climb into the cave, that I tackled grade 3 multi-pitches, that I set my mind to something and made it happen for my own self satisfaction and nothing else.

Canadian Rockies will forever have a piece of my heart. I am so thankful I've had the opportunities to explore them in every season, by kayak, by campervan, by summer, fall and winter hikes, by ice climbing and by leisurely walks. My addiction to the adventure only grows stronger with each visit and I already know I'll be back to strap on crampons and pick up an ice axe as soon as I can.

Until next time, don't forget to go add a little bit of adventure to your day.