BackPacks and Beards

The post provides a comprehensive guide to preparing for the ARG Exam (Rockies). It discusses the multiple facets of training effectively, including role playing, climbing, rescue scenarios, and training with various partners and in different weather conditions. It underscores the importance of enjoyment, learning, adaptability, and overcoming stress as key components of the training process. Additionally, it offers tips for the exam week and insights into the marking process. The author encourages learners to embrace the experience as an opportunity […]

The course is after all, A COURSE. So while you’ll be expected to demonstrate some competencies, mostly the morning consist of you watching and learning as the instructors demo skills & techniques

You are going to need partners that are willing to let you take the wheel on objectives, jump on those crux pitches, and are overall supportive & stoked!

The author shares their journey towards pursuing certification in the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Training and Assessment Program (TAP). While expressing uncertainty due to their age and the high costs associated with the program, they cite passion for guiding as their motivation. The post serves as a personal narrative and general guide for those interested in the TAP.

Why I Run I listen closely to the soft consistent sound of my shoe rubber stride across a packed gravel trail, “crunch, tap, crunch, tap”. My rhythm carefully adjusting and molding to suit the unique trail characteristics. Larger rocks here, a swerve there, minute changes in elevation, uniformity, and cushion are constantly calculated as I… Read More

If you know, you go. Cochise Stronghold isn’t a name I’d come to associate with the All-American classic rock climbing areas. So, in the dreary rain of November in Revelstoke, BC sitting across the table brewing up ideas over a few brews I was surprised when it was suggested to check out Cochise Stronghold. Located… Read More

Mt Tupper – Upper Headwall of South Rib (5.11-) Personal Rating: ** Rock Quality: 6/10 Length:  7 pitches of 5.6 – 5.11- climbing Timeline: 12 hours (car-to-car) Gear: # Double Rack 0.3 – 3 I looked up at the relatively blank wall, seeing a few minor down sloping holds and poor feet with no obvious… Read More

The Progression of a Ski Traverse Based on a 6-day Traverse of the Gold Range Step 1: The Anticipation. This is it, you’ve made idle plans over one to many beers – and now there’s a budding sense of commitment. Your buddy reaches out to ask about more specific details and you realize you should… Read More