Hatteras General Mountaineering Camp Independent Week 1

Explore the Hatteras Group with us!

Hatteras General Mountaineering Camp Independent Week 1

Explore the Hatteras Group with us!

Self-guided, exploratory camp

Helicopter access to remote alpine peaks

Purpose-built basecamp with amenities

Gourmet meals and a supportive community

Is This Camp For You?

Independent

This camp is designed for climbing teams that do not require direction and guiding. All decisions regarding daily objectives and those made during outings are the responsibility of the climbing team. There will be no guides on staff at camp and no pre-set objectives.

Participants must be comfortable making decisions in the mountains and be equipped with their own climbing gear. At a minimum, climbing teams must be skilled in navigation, rock and ice climbing, and glacier travel as well as being familiar with the unique challenges of Canadian mountains.

Open

Details

Before registering, please review our Trip Waivers and Liability, and Cancellation Policies.

Camps are subject to minimum enrollment in order to run.

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Trip Description

The first six days of this year’s General Mountaineering Camp (GMC) will be dedicated to independent climbing, offering a rare opportunity for experienced climbers to explore and ascend at their own pace. Set in the remote and rugged Hatteras area—renowned for its complex glaciers, long ridgelines, and exceptional variety of alpine objectives—this section of camp is designed specifically for those who prefer to climb independently without guided instruction.

Although guides will not be present during Independent Week, the camp will enjoy full access to the ACC’s well-equipped GMC basecamp. This includes helicopter transport in and out, sleeping tents, dining and drying tents, hot showers, outhouses, and all meals, expertly prepared by the camp’s dedicated cooking staff. A camp manager will be on site to oversee logistics and ensure smooth operations.

Participants are welcome to come and go from basecamp to pursue their own mountain goals, navigating the stunning terrain on their own terms. While there may be chances to connect with other climbers during the week, it is strongly recommended that participants form their own climbing partnerships prior to arrival and plan their objectives as a team.

With its unique blend of self-directed adventure and strong logistical support, Independent Week offers the ideal launch point for seasoned climbers seeking a true alpine experience in a remote and inspiring setting.
glacier alpine ridge Mummery

Guides & Staff

Unguided Trip

This trip is unguided.

Mountain Hardwear sponsors the ACC's General Mountaineering Camp. We thank them for their support.

Objectives

Objectives range from casual hikes to longer mountaineering days on glaciers, ridges, and peaks. You are in control of the length and difficulty of each day of your experience at the independent week at the GMC.

Our helicopter-accessed basecamp will be located at 2,100 metres in the Hatteras Group, located at the bottom of the east face of Sugarplum Spire. This central location provides access to a wide variety of peaks and challenges for mountaineers. Some of the classics of the area are listed below:

  • Snowman Peak (2,728m)
  • Krinkletop Mtn (2,789m)
  • Mt. Hatteras (2,941m) — most prominent peak in the area
  • Sugarplum Spire (2,941m)
  • Pirouette Pinnacles (2,713m)
  • and more!

Beyond climbing, the Hatteras area offers extensive waterfalls, meadows, forests, boulder fields, and alpine lakes to explore.

Day-by-Day Adventure Itinerary

Day one
We will meet early in the morning* at the Alpine Helicopters hangar in Golden, BC, before driving to the helicopter staging area. You and your gear will then be flown into the Hatteras basecamp. Upon arrival, you’ll be oriented to the camp and assigned a tent by the Camp manager. You’ll also have the change to meet some of the guides and to go on a short hike to explore the area close to camp. *Meeting time will be confirmed in pre-trip email
Day two onward (a typical day)
  • Breakfast served in the dining tent (timing at your request)
  • Departure for climbing objectives in the area of your choice.
  • Lunches and snacks for the days are included and are prepared by our camp cooks.
  • Back at camp: Free time (showers, tea time, etc). Participants may bring their own alcohol to camp
  • 6pm: Supper is served
  • 7.30pm: Grab your lunch and make any final preparations for the next day
Final day
After a final breakfast together, participants will have time to pack, take final photos, and say goodbye before the flight out. The helicopter is scheduled to land at camp around 11:00am for return flights to the staging area. By approximately 3:00pm, participants will be back in Golden.

Food, Accommodation and Rentals

Food

Have you ever had a turkey dinner above 2,000 metres? Evenings will be spent enjoying great food, socializing in the dining or tea tents, and resetting for the next day’s climb. All of our food is prepared by a team of cooks in a dedicated kitchen tent. Ingredients are flown in fresh each week which means you’ll be treated to meat, fruit, and vegetables (not to mention some killer desserts) throughout the week — no dehydrated dinners here!

Accommodation

During the course of the camp you’ll be assigned a Mountain Hardwear Trango tent with a companion of your choice or a fellow guest. The tents are large (3- or 4-person) so there is plenty of space for both of you and your gear. If you prefer your own personal tent, this is also an option although we do charge an extra fee of $200 for this option, as tents are limited.

There is a communal dining tent, a drying tent, and a tea tent to hang out in with your fellow participants. The camp also has two specially-prepared outhouses for guests as well as two private showers (NOW with hot water!)

Rentals

If you don't own everything on the gear list and aren't ready to invest in new gear, there are many local businesses that rent the equipment you will need. Be sure to reserve your rentals ahead of time to ensure everything is available for you when you need it.

Coming from the Bow Valley? Check out Gear Up in Canmore where ACC members receive 10% off gear rentals!

Included

  • Return helicopter flights
  • Full basecamp setup including tent accommodation, kitchen, communal tents, outhouses, warm showers, garbage removal, etc
  • Meals prepared by a dedicated team of camp cooks (from dinner on day 1 to lunch on the last day)

Not Included

  • Transportation between the meeting area in Golden, BC and the staging area (a shuttle bus is available for an additional fee)
  • Personal gear

Location

The Hatteras Range is located in the Purcell Mountains of southern British Columbia. This area of the Purcells is comprised of both alpine granite and metamorphic layers of phyllite and quartzite, making for “the most interesting climbing in the northermost Purcells”. The camp will be situated near a glacial tarn below the east ridge of Sugarplum Spire at approximately 2,135m. The location will give us quick access to several glaciers and beautiful peaks, excellent ridge traverse excursions and rock climbing, as well as hikes to alpine lakes and meadows. This is truly an alpine explorer’s paradise.

We appreciate that the lands known today as Canada are home to the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and we acknowledge the past, present, and future generations of these Nations who continue to lead us in stewarding this land, as well as honour their knowledge and cultural ties to this place. The Hatteras Group is located on the Traditional Lands of the Secwepemc, Stoney, Ktunaxa, and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

Adventure Hazards

Terrain

Risks include but are not limited to: ​Cornices and crevasses. Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps. Cliffs, creeks,  rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Snowcat roads and road ranks. Fences and other man-made structures. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control. Becoming lost or separated from the group. Slips, trips, and falls. 

General Hazards

Risks include but are not limited to:Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligent first aid. Negligence of the guide Including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities

Rockfall and Icefall

Risks include but are not limited to:Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking) 

Falls and Belaying

Risks include but are not limited to:Mountaineering and ice climbing present the risk of falling from the wall causing the climber to collide with the wall or ground which can lead to injury or death. The risk of a belay failure is also present which can contribute to a ground fall.

Communication and Rescue

Risks include but are not limited to:Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.

Additional Adventure Resources

The area is described best in Climbers Guide to the Interior Ranges of British Columbia (South) by Robert Krusyna and William L. Putnam (1977).

We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips

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