ACC Gazette Section Stories: Calgary
PRiSM
Ski mountaineering with the Calgary Section
Story and photos by Brendan Clark for the 2025 ACC Gazette
In early 2024, Simon Trudel and I developed what we call the Peaks and Ridges Ski Mountaineering (PRiSM) series of outings. Our goal? To take ski mountaineering with the section to some great heights. Our PRiSM trips focus on sharing adventures and summits (and occasional suffering) with the passionate skiers and split-boarders in the section.
The mountain objectives vary wildly depending upon the conditions, weather and participant enthusiasm (or masochism). One weekend, we might head up on short trip to a ridgetop. The next weekend we could be hauling heavy packs up larger peaks over multiple days of travel on glaciated terrain.
Regardless of the destination, the goal is always the same: mentor fellow mountaineers and teach new skills in the mountains while ideally reaching a summit. The rewards include making new friends, soaking in the mountain scenery, and – snow gods allowing – finding some epic turns. PRiSM places a strong emphasis on safety and conservative decision-making, with open communication encouraged among all participants. Since launching the series, we’ve climbed and skied over 20 Rockies summits.
Some of our most memorable PRiSM trips over the past year include:
- A tricky finish to the high point of Cirque Forepeak
- A bluebird day on Unity Peak
- Perfect spring conditions on Ramp Peak (finally, soft turns!)
- Breathtaking glacier views from the top of Crowfoot Mountain
- A 1,300-metre summit-to-river ski descent on Ochre Spring Peak (that made all the uphill worth it!)
- A steep descent of the South Face of Snow Peak during stable conditions
- A frigid -30°C weekend at the Hilda Creek Hostel (proving that yes, we are slightly insane!)
One of our finest adventures was a Bow-Yoho Traverse in April, 2024. We spent five incredible days on the Wapta Icefields, hopping between Bow, Guy, and Stanley Mitchell Huts. On the first day we got to the top of the Onion near Bow Hut before retreating with an incoming storm. Day two brought clearer skies and a successful push to the top of Yoho Peak near the Louise and Richard Guy Hut. The next day we ascended Mount McArthur via the east glacier in perfect sunshine – one of those days where the mountains and glaciers feel like magic. Day four featured our highest and most technical objectives: The President and The Vice President, topped off with a beautiful descent down the President Glacier. Altogether we were able to ski five summits in five days, all while immersed in the raw beauty of Banff and Yoho National Parks. Not a bad way to spend a week!
We hope to see you out there on the next PRiSM ski adventure!
Regional ACC Sections are the Alpine Club of Canada’s strength. Membership in an ACC Section enables members to participate in numerous summer and winter mountaineering, rock climbing, and skiing activities, coordinated by experienced amateur leaders in their local area. The majority of activities offered by sections are either free or are offered on a break-even basis to their members. Through ACC Section trips you’ll learn all the basics you need to travel safely in the mountains, while meeting new friends to enjoy your experiences with.
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We are always seeking great articles and stories from members and regional sections. Drop us an email and pitch your ACC story – we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to our editorial team at gazette@alpineclubofcanada.ca
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