Hinton and Grande Cache Ice Climbs

Overview

This area comprises the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies along Jasper National Park and Willmore Wilderness Area. In addition to Hinton and Grande Cache the area includes the villages of Brule and Cadomin as well.

The weather is typical of the Eastern Slopes in Alberta with often high winds and moderate temperatures. Climbs with a lot of sun can deteriorate rapidly during chinooks so plan your objectives accordingly. With generally lower snow fall, the climbing is usually accessible in boots and gators.

The climbing in this area is truly excellent with climbs ranging from grade 2-5 of varying length. If this area was closer to a major centre it would certainly see more traffic, but for now you are likely going to be alone on these climbs. In the 5 years that I have climbed in this area, we shared a climb with another party once.

Getting There

Hinton is 290 km west of Edmonton on Hwy 16. It is 80 km northeast of the Jasper townsite, also along Hwy 16.

Grande Cache is 140 km northwest of Hinton on Hwy 40 North.

The village of Brule is 26 km West of Hinton. You follow Hwy 40 North across the Athabasca River and turn left at the top of the hill. This road will take you to Brule.

The village of Cadomin is 55 km Southeast of Hinton on Hwy 40 South.

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Google Map of Hinton and Grande Cache Area

Red Tape

Climbing in this area is generally hassle free. The one possible exception is the Whitehorse Creek Seep in Cadomin. Recent developments of a mining haul road basically rerouted the seep and effectively eliminated this amazing climb. Local efforts have been onging to engage the mine to reestablish the flow of water to the top of the cliff but progress has been slow.

There was an access restriction for ice climbers that has now been removed but it is unclear what ice will form at this time. There may be some requirement to notify the mine (likely in a logbook) that you are climbing, but this has yet to be confirmed.

External Links

There are two great websites for ice conditions in the Canadian Rockies:

Gravsports-Ice

and

Live The Vision - Ice Conditions.

Camping

Camping is plentiful. West Fraser Mills Ltd. manages several campsites in the area. There are also private and public campgrounds available.

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Images

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