Maybe it was the -30 degree weather. Maybe it was the steep and unrelenting approach. Or maybe it was the steep but very short nature of the Cadomin Curtain. Whatever it was, this most certainly is not on my list of climbs to repeat.

For the hardcore or those in need of a change, this might be a worthwhile objective. The curtain forms regularly and, as mentioned previously, it is short (8-10 metres), but it is also wide, with a few steep and challenging lines.

Given the length of the climb, it would be hard to grade this higher than 3, but the steepness and variety will likely test most leaders. Depending on the year some other ice lines might form above and beside the Curtain.

Getting There

The Right Side of Cadomin Curtain

The village of Cadomin can be reached most easily from Hinton or Edson.

If travelling from Hinton. Drive west of Hinton to Highway 40 South and follow this road for about 46 km to a T-intersection. Turn right here and follow it to the town of Cadomin 2 km down the road.

Google Map From Hinton

Coming from Edson. Drive west through Edson on Hwy 16 for about 9 km and turn south onto Secondary Road 47. This will take you South past the village of Robb and to another intersection after another 60 km. Stay left and continue south to Cadomin.

Google Map From Edson

Continue through Cadomin on the only main road past Inland cement which you will pass on your left. If you watch about halfway up on Cadomin Mountain to your left you will see the Cadomin Curtain. Park where the road forks to go the campground or up over the overpass.

Google Map to Parking Area

Approach

From the parking area cross the McLeod River which is usually open. Head straight up the steep terrain following the line of least resistance to the base of the climb.

Route Description

From the base several lines of ice can usually be climbed. The ice never seemed to be higher than 8-10 metres. The ice on the right side seemed less manky, but it is not known if this is the norm. Find your line and have at it.

Essential Gear

Typical ice rack.

Descent

Rappel the route.

External Links

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

Gravsports-Ice

and

Live The Vision - Ice Conditions.