I may have reason to be in Banff-Canmore the first two or three weeks of November. I'd have even better reason if I thought there'd be good ice in. I realise it's still too early to say.

I've only climbed there February-March (1997 & 2003), never that early. I know the Ghost comes in earlier than other areas, mayb K-Country, and most probably routes that are higher and facing north, but I'd be interested in hearing peoples' actual experiences of climbing ice in that early-mid November period. I know it's variable, but are there any constants, or good bets? Is it not worth the effort?

I'd prefer to do a bunch of long WI3 routes, maybe some WI4 and don't mind going up to Jasper or environs if needs be. I've never climbed north of the DT Highway. I don't mind a bit of an approach, but I won't have skis with me. I'm really only interested in pure ice routes, I can climb rock at home.

thanks,
D

I'm sure others with better information will reply but if you haven't checked it out already the ACMG has their mountain condition reports archived by month on their site so you can check the reports from last November.

http://www.acmg.ca/mcr/archives.asp

Thanks Brad. From the Archives it seems the Ghost is the surest bet, assuming access OK. A bit patchy otherwise, as I expected. I'll also keep checking http://climbingconditions.com