Canada Alpine Guides - Mountaineering and Climbing in Alberta's Rocky Mountains

CRAG Homepage
Alpine climbing trips in the Canadian Rockies
Rock climbing guiding and courses with professional guides.
Ice climbing guides in the Banff, Jasper, and Canmore areas

CONTACT:
info@cdnalpine.com

Box 40087
Canmore, AB
T1W 3H9

[About our Guides]
[Prices & Booking]




Guinness Gully Blog postings:
Dec 2009
Jan 2010
Guinness Gully, a classic ice climb near Field Alberta Ice Climber on first pitch of Guinness Gully during a guided ascent

A beautiful multipitch ice climbing adventure above Field, BC. Guinness Gully is one of the famous "Beer Climbs" which include Carlesbourg Column (WI5) and Pilsner Pillar (WI6) to name a few. This route is one of the best routes in the Rockies for new climbers who have spent a couple of days learning the basic skills and want to progress to multipitch climbing. The climb starts with a 30m pitch of WI3+ ice leading to a nice snow ledge belay. Above this a short but steep section of vertical ice gains the next snow bench. The final pitch is the longest but not quite as steep as pitch 2. From here we can either walk off to the side and descend, or, if energy allows, we can continue a couple hundred meters up the gully to a more challenging 60m route known as Guinness Stout (WI4+).

Location: Field, BC. 15 minutes from Lake Louise, 1 hour from Canmore, 45 minutes from Golden.
Length: 200m
Grade: WI4
Logistics: Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, or Golden all make good places to base out of for climbing in the Lake Louise area. Up to 2 guest can join a guide for an ascent of Guinness Gully.

Ice Climbers in an ice cave below the second pitch of Guinness Gully

Other Nearby Routes

  • Masseys - WI4, 140m
  • Carlesbourg Column - WI5, 60m
  • Louise Falls - WI4+, 110m
  • Super Bock - WI5, 180m
  • Pilsner Pillar - WI6, 215m
  • and literally hundreds more...
The Beer Climbs above Field, BC. Guinness Gully & Carlesbourg shown. Pilsner Pillar out of picture to the left.

Gear List

Group gear such as ropes and carabiners will be provided by Canadian Rockies Alpine Guides. The personal gear listed below is mandatory. Please inform us well in advance if you need to borrow any of these items. Items that are not available for loan must be rented or purchased. Rental and purchase information can be found here. Please feel free to e-mail or call with any questions about gear to bring or purchase, we are happy to help you come well prepared.
  • Ice Climbing/Mountaineering Boots
  • Small Pack (about 30 litres) - available for loan
  • Crampons - available for loan
  • 2 Ice Climbing Axes - available for loan
  • Harness - available for loan
  • Helmet - available for loan
  • Sweater/Fleece
  • Winter Jacket or Goretex/Softshell Jacket
  • Winter Pants or Goretex/Softshell Pants
  • Long Underwear
  • Gloves (2 pairs)
  • Toque or Balaclava
  • Gaitors (optional but highly recommended)
  • Water Bottles (2 litres)
  • Lunch with lots of snacks