The Ultimate Everything Course is 3 in one:
Lodge based AST 2 + Glacier Travel + The Art of Up-tracking courses
We spend most of our time ski touring and learning along the way during the Ultimate Everything Course, with students leading as much as possible while we monitor our exposure to hazards and look for learning opportunities. This lodge-based AST 2 and Glacier Travel Course covers a lot of ground in a short time and sets you up for success on your own adventures. Even if you've already taken an AST 2 or Glacier Travel Course, you'll still learn a tonne. We've already had a few people come back to do it twice.
Location
Icefall Lodge is a remote heli-accessed lodge on the West slopes of the Rocky Mountains, where the snowpack is deep like the Columbia Mountains. It has arguably the most spectacular terrain of any lodge in BC, with big peaks and glaciers.
Once we arrive, there will be 7 days with no driving, no valley bottom slogs, no tracks, and amazing food prepared by a professional.
It only takes about an hour to reach the closest glacier, so we have lots of time to practice travel and rescue.
Itinerary
Pre-trip: Several hours worth of material to review online, including short videos of avalanche and crevasse rescue case studies.
Day 1:
- Am - Fly into the lodge
- Pm - Avalanche Rescue Practice and AST 2 slideshow
- Après - Trip planning session
Day 2:
- Ski tour with students leading
- Après - Glacier travel slideshow and trip planning
Day 3:
- Am - Indoor crevasse rescue session
- Pm - Ski tour with students leading
- Après - Snow anchor practice
Day 4:
- Am - Ski tour on a glacier
- Pm - Crevasse rescue practice on a glacier
- Après - Trip planning session
Day 5-7:
- Students collaborating to plan and lead ski tours
- Après - Rope ascending, trip planning
Day 8:
- Fly home from the lodge.
The weather, conditions and group ability will determine the ratio of glacier/tree skiing. If it's a sunny week, expect to spend most of the time in the alpine on glaciers. If it's stormy, we'll probably spend most of the time in the trees avoiding avalanches. Please note we may alter the itinerary to suit the weather and conditions.
Prerequisites
- Over 19 years old or accompanied by a parent.
- Strong ski/snowboard skills to manage navigating crevasses and steep trees.
- Good fitness to access glaciated terrain.
- At least 20 days experience ski touring.
- AST 1 or equivalent training and experience.
Skills you will learn
- When and how to use rope(s)
- Glacier formation and features
- Anticipating and avoiding crevasses
- Recognizing crevasses in poor light
- Travelling on a glacier in a white-out
- Snow and ice anchors
- Crevasse rescue techniques
Avalanches
- LOTS about decision making and how to avoid avalanches. Please see the AST 2 page for more details.
Up-tracking
- How to make an efficient track in all conditions. Please see the Art of Uptracking Course for more details.
The Ultimate Everything Course
December 16-23rd 2026 at Icefall Lodge
7 nights at 6:1 ratio
$3590 + 5% GST (Canadian Dollars)
Please read the booking conditions before registering.
Payment via E-Transfer to gearysguiding@gmail.com is preferred. Wise, cheque and wire transfer are also accepted. 50% is due to complete your Registration and the balance is due 3 months before the course starts.
If the course is already full, please register to join the waitlist.
- Accommodation and food/cook
- Return Helicopter flight
- 7 days of guiding/instruction at 6:1 ratio with ACMG Ski/Mountain Guides
- AST 2 Course
- Glacier Travel Course
- The Art of Uptracking Course
- The Art of Up-tracking Handbook (Paperback)
- The Art of Glacier Travel Handbook (Paperback)
- Ropes
- Paper run map
Excluded
- Travel to and from the staging area
- Personal glacier travel equipment
- Front country accommodation (Eg. Golden/Revelstoke)
- Lunch on day 1
- Extra expenses incurred due to dietary requirements (please contact us well in advance to check these can be accommodated)
For a more advanced course, check out the To Infinity and Beyond Course, the next step in your progression.