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.
Before registering, please review our Trip Waivers and Liability, and Cancellation Policies.
Camps are subject to minimum enrollment in order to run.
The ACC’s annual General Mountaineering Camp (GMC) will be setting up in the Hatteras Group during the summer. This part of the Purcells is comprised of both alpine granite and metamorphic layers of phyllite and quartzite. The climbing here is described as “some of the most interesting in the northernmost Purcells” by Robert Kruszyna and William L. Putman in their 1997 guidebook of the area. The long ridge lines between peaks allow for some breathtaking traverses as you navigate the complex series of glaciers in the area. The first six days of this year’s camp will be available exclusively for climbers who are keen to explore and climb in the area independently.
The camp during independent week will enjoy all the standard facilities of the ACC’s GMC basecamp, with the exception of guides. The infrastructure of the camp will include helicopter access, sleeping tents, dining and drying tents, outhouses and showers, along with all meals.
The Hatteras area is particularly suited to independent climbing due to the remoteness and difficulty of access, along with the quality and diversity of climbs that are accessible from basecamp.
This camp is supported by the ACC’s GMC basecamp. The camp will be run by a camp manager and staffed with cooks. Participants may come and go from camp and pursue mountain objectives at their discretion.
There may be opportunities to connect with other climbers in camp, but it is strongly recommended that participants form their own climbing parties/partnerships ahead of the camp, and arrive and plan to climb in their own teams.
Note: all of our weeks involve two travel days where guests flying in overlap with those flying out.
This trip is unguided.
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:
Beyond climbing, the Hatteras area offers extensive waterfalls, meadows, forests, boulder fields, and alpine lakes to explore.
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!
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!)
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!This area of the Purcells is comprised of both alpine granite and metamorphic layers of phyllite and quartzite. The climbing is described as “some of the most interesting in the northernmost Purcells” by Robert Kruszyna and William L. Putman in their 1997 guidebook of the area. The long ridge lines between peaks allow for some breathtaking traverses as you navigate the complex series of glaciers in the area.
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.
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.
Mitigated by Trained and experienced Guide.
The use of Radios.
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
Developed safety plans and procedures with decades of experience managing risk.
Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking)
Mitigated with certified and experienced guides, Helmets
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.
Reviewing best practices with the guide.
Equipment checks
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.
First Aid / Rescue Training.
Satellite Communications
We appreciate that the lands known today as Canada are home to the enduring presence of all First Nations and Métis people, and the Inuit 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 Alpine Club of Canada’s head office is located in the traditional lands of Treaty 7, which is comprised of the Stoney Nakoda Nations of Wesley, Chiniki, and Bearspaw; three Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Piikani, Kainai, and Siksika; the Mountain Cree; and the Tsuu T’ina of the Dene people. This territory is also shared with the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. Before the signing of Treaty 7, and prior to the establishment of provincial boundaries, this region was also used by the Ktunaxa and the Maskwacis people.
General Inquiries
Phone: 403-678-3200
Email: [email protected]
201 Indian Flats Rd.
PO Box 8040 Main St, Canmore, AB, T1W 2T8, Canada
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
The Alpine Club of Canada is a registered Amateur Athletic Association and a registered Canadian charity (Registration No: 10670 4182 RR0001). The ACC’s US Foundation can accept charitable donations from donors living in the United States. We will issue a charitable tax receipt for eligible donations of $20 or more.
