February Skills & Social Night @ the RCC
2025-02-08 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Regina) | Regina Climbing Centre, Canada
Calling all ACC-GPS members: join us for our monthly skills night. We will go over published accident reports so we can learn from them; focus on specific skills like PAS, anchors, and rope systems; and finish the night with some general climbing or continued practice.
Date: February 8, 2025
Location: Regina Climbing Centre (606 B Solomon Crescent).
Time: 6pm – 9pm (the gym will be closed and locked from 5pm to 6pm, so please incorporate that into your timing).
Cost: Free. All participants will need to have an active RCC Waiver. The drop-in rate will be waived for non-RCC members, but perhaps this will convince you to get one…
Other details: Food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed so long as the gym is kept clean, there are no greasy fingers on the holds, and open beverages and food are not placed on the mats. All participants will need to be checked in.
Schedule: Accidents in North America discussion (1 hr); skill demos and hands on (1 hr); social climbing (1 hr); and topics will be posted to the GPS Facebook group in advance.

Women's Adventure Film Tour 2025
2025-03-04 18:00 - 21:00 | Regina Public Library Theatre, 2311 12th Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
The Great Plains Section of the Alpine Club of Canada proudly presents the 2025 Women’s Adventure Film Tour.
Tuesday 4 March
Regina Public Library Theatre (2311 12th Avenue)
Doors at 6 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets $10 at the door
The Women’s Adventure Film Tour will present a thrilling selection of films that span extreme sports, personal journeys, and boundary-pushing storytelling from across the globe. This year’s program highlights the resilience and creativity of individuals navigating the challenges of both the outer world and their own inner landscapes. The program brings together incredible stories of courage, adventure, and self-discovery. These films represent the spirit of perseverance and the power of women in the outdoors to inspire, entertain, and spark important conversations.

March Skills & Social Night @ the RCC
2025-03-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Regina Climbing Centre, Canada
Calling all ACC-GPS members: join us for our monthly skills night. The March edition will focus on rope ascension.
Date: March 8, 2025
Location: Regina Climbing Centre (606 B Solomon Crescent).
Time: 6pm – 9pm (the gym will be closed and locked from 5pm to 6pm, so please incorporate that into your timing).
Cost: Free. All participants will need to have an active RCC Waiver. The drop-in rate will be waived for non-RCC members, but perhaps this will convince you to get one…
Other details: Food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed so long as the gym is kept clean, there are no greasy fingers on the holds, and open beverages and food are not placed on the mats. All participants will need to be checked in.

Waterton Ice Climbing Trip
2025-03-14 - 2025-03-17
March ice climbing trip to Waterton

14 – 17 March 2025
$50

Ice Climbing is rad: it’s fundamentally simple but devilishly tricky. This will be the second trip to Waterton for the ACC-GPS.
Participants:

8 climbers

Climber Prerequisite:

Familiarity with avalanche procedures (will go over a refresher outdoors prior to trip)
Be able to bear (maybe even enjoy) the outdoors in winter
No prior experience is needed, as we’ll be top roping.
Perseverance and a positive attitude (there is some grunt to approach the ice climbs)

Equipment:

Helmet
Harness
Rigid mountaineering boots (B2 or B3 boot) with heel/toe welts preferred
Belay device (e.g. ATC, GriGri, Reverso)
Crampons with vertical front points preferred*
Ice axes x 2*
3 locking carabiners
35 L or larger backpack (big enough to hold extra clothes and creature comforts)
2 or more pairs of gloves: a thinner more dextrous glove for climbing, and a thicker/warmer dextrous glove for belaying
Warm belay jacket to wear while belaying single pitch
Small, non-leaking thermos for hot drink/soup during the climbing day
Avalanche kit (beacon/shovel/probe)*
Your own personal clothing system to stay warm (ski pants are ok, but we’ll need to tighten up the lower calves/ankles with tape or snug gaitors)

Group Gear will be organized by trip leader with the ACC great plains gear cache.
*available to borrow from gear cache
Transport: We’ll carpool where possible. Distance is roughly 750 km one way. We’ll sort out car logistics closer to the date.
Accommodation: The Crandell Mountain Lodge. Book a room with a kitchen (full stove/oven, full fridge, sink, kettle, coffee pot, pots/pans) Bookings will need to be directly with the lodge. I think you can sleep 3 singles in a room. Visit www.crandellmountainlodge.com to learn more.
Food: You are responsible for organizing your own food. Waterton is quiet during the winter, so you will need to arrive with enough food for the weekend or be prepared to eat in the restaurant every day. Most of the rooms have kitchenettes, so you’ll need to specify this need upon booking. Consider stopping in Pincher creek to buy fresh food.
Weather: March in Waterton is still winter, but transitioning into spring. We’ll have longer daylight, and more comfortable temperatures than mid-winter. The ice is usually friendlier too: when ice is really cold, it is hard and brittle, but when it is around the 0C mark, it is “hero” ice, which makes it much easier to climb. Daytime highs average around low single digits, and overnights are below freezing….ideal for ice.
Trip Sign-up Information: If interested in the trip, please send the following sign-up information to James Lewis at james.lawrence.lewis@gmail.com.

First and last name
Phone number
ACC membership number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Emergency contact information
A short summary of your outdoor (rock/ice climbing) experience; if you don’t have any experience, please indicate that
Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)

Please send any questions on the trip to James. Further trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed.

Stoke Night
2025-04-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Play Creative, A-1515 6th Ave, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Let’s get together and get stoked for the mountains!
This will be our last Stoke Night of the season. Come hang out to listen to two awesome trips. Jennifer Billinsky is going to share about climbing in La Huasteca and Nah Yah Cenote, Mexico (take notes for winter 2026). Justin Messner is going to share about his experience last summer at the ACC’s General Mountaineering Camp (GMC) Summer Leadership Course in the Selkirk Mountains.
What is stoke night?
In the depths of the seasonal depression months, we’re hosting a Friday night each month where one of our very own mountain people will present on a trip they’ve done. You can expect exaggerated tales, epic photos, maps, packing lists, planning details, and the unexpected because each night is completely up to whoever we’ve wrangled to present. We’ll watch the presentation in awe, badger the presenter with questions, then hang out and dream and plan our next trips.
Doors open at 7 and we’ll start the presentation shortly after. Enter through the doors labelled Play Creative. BYO snacks and drinks if you’re into that.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival
2025-04-11 - 2025-04-12 | Darke Hall, 2255 College Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 0S9, Canada
Get off the beaten path and explore the edge of believable with captivating stories from the 49th Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival. Stand on the highest peaks, ski the steepest slopes, and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you in this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour.
From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for the 2024/2026 World Tour are sure to captivate and amaze you. Regina’s stop on the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is hosted by The Great Plains Section of the Alpine Club of Canada.
The event takes place at Darke Hall, and tickets are available on the Darke Hall website.
Each program is unique, and tickets are sold separately. Film programs and advisories are available below:
Friday, April 11th, 7pm: QUARTZITE
Saturday, April 12th, 2pm: GRANITE
Saturday, April 12th 7pm: BASALT
Doors open one hour before showtime. The event will feature information booths, raffle draws, and opportunities to connect with fellow members of the Regina & area outdoor community. Be sure to come early!
Thank you to our local sponsors Fresh Air Experience and Regina Climbing Centre.

Women's Climbing Trip - waitlisting
2025-06-12 - 2025-06-15
Join the first Great Plains Section women’s climbing trip (includes those who identify as women)! We’ll spend 12 to 15 of June climbing in Southern Alberta (climbing days on 13 and 14 June). There’s an abundance of well-bolted sport climbing in the area just north-west of Maycroft, Alberta, near the Oldman River and south-west of the Bob Creek Wildland area. There are many options for easy to moderate climbs that will be perfect for building confidence on outdoor leads and anchor building/cleaning before heading out on other summer climbing adventures. There are also many intermediate routes on a range of slab and vertical featured faces for folks looking for a challenge.
Please note that the trip is weather-dependent and could be cancelled at the trip leader’s discretion in the event of unfavourable conditions. In the event of minor inclement weather, hiking or other alternatives will be provided, wherever possible. Trip participants should bring a flexible, positive attitude and a desire for adventure, no matter what that adventure turns out to be!
Trip meeting
There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting in early 2025. The meeting will cover trip logistics, hopes and expectations of participants and leaders, skills to practice in advance and at the crag, and participant questions.
Cost
The trip cost is $50 per person. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required for each participant. Each person will also need to pay for their camping, which will range from $23-69 for three nights, depending on the number of people sharing each campsite.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own personal gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, a carabiner and belay device, and a helmet (mandatory). For participants wanting to lead climb and build/clean anchors, a personal anchor is also mandatory. Club quickdraws and anchors will be available, but participants may be allowed to use their own gear after demonstrating they know how to accurately use it. The club’s gear cache has a limited number of helmets available at no cost to participants, as well as several backpacking tents and backpacks, on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wish to borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Meals
Participants are responsible for their own meals, including bagged lunches and snacks on climbing days.
Travel and Accommodation
We will camp together at either Oldman River North Group Campground or Dutch Creek Campground, located approximately 20 km from our crags, 50 km north of Coleman up Highway 40, and 30 km north-west of Maycroft taking Highway 22 and Maycroft Road. Access to both the campgrounds and climbing crags involve driving gravel range roads. Located 800 km west of Regina, the campgrounds are treed, quiet locations with limited services. All campers must be prepared to bring their own drinking water, and there are no showers or power hookups at the campground. Participants may camp in either tents or trailers, and they should be prepared to share tents and sites. More details will be shared at the pre-trip meeting.
Trip Application
To apply for the trip, email Brianna Wyn (briannawyn@icloud.com) with the following information:

Full names and contact information of each participant,
ACC membership number for each participant,
Whether you need to borrow any club gear,
A description of each participant’s level of climbing experience (indoor and outdoor) plus expectations/goals for the trip (leading, anchor building, anchor cleaning, grades of interest, etc),
An emergency name and contact number (cannot be a trip participant), and
Allergies and medical issues for each participant (will remain confidential).

If the number of applicants exceeds the trip capacity, expectations will be reviewed to ensure a cohesive group experience, and a waitlist will be generated.

Revelstoke Climbing Trip
2025-07-03 - 2025-07-07 | Revelstoke, BC, Canada
The Great Plains Section is returning to Revelstoke! We’ll spend 3/4 to 7 July climbing in southeastern British Columbia (climbing days on 4 and/or 5, and 6 July). The extra day is dependent on the interest of the group. There’s an abundance of well-bolted sport climbing in the area. Much of the climbing is moderate to advanced, with a range of slab, steep and featured face as well as long or short multi-pitch routes. We want to limit this trip to adults and potentially advanced teen climbers. Outdoor experience is a prerequisite, as well as the ability to climb 5.9 on top rope. Lead experience is not necessary, but it is preferred/welcomed.
Please note that the trip is weather-dependent and could be cancelled at the trip leader’s discretion in the event of unfavorable conditions. In the event of minor inclement weather, hiking or other alternatives will be provided, wherever possible. Trip participants should bring a flexible, positive attitude and a desire for adventure, no matter what that adventure turns out to be!
Anyone interested in joining for an optional mountain biking day at Revelstoke Mountain Resort should email/speak with trip leader Josh.
Cost
The trip cost is $50 per participant. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required for each participant. The cost of camping will be divided evenly amongst all participants, and it will be approximately $38-50 per person for three nights (additional $13-17 for an additional night).
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own personal gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, a carabiner and belay device, and a helmet (mandatory). The club’s gear cache has a limited number of helmets available at no cost to participants, as well as several backpacking tents and backpacks, on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wish to borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Meals
Participants are responsible for their own meals, including bagged lunches and snacks on climbing days.
Travel and Accommodation
We will camp together at Williamson Lake Campground or Revelstoke RV and Cabin Resort (both are 5km from town), each located approximately 15-20km from all of our crags. Revelstoke is located 12 hours west of Regina OR 280 km from Banff. There are showers at both campgrounds. Participants may camp in either tents or trailers, and they should be prepared to share tents and sites to keep costs down. Please note that dogs are not permitted at most crags in the area and will not be permitted on this trip.
Trip Application
To apply for the trip, email Josh Kessler (joshjames.kessler@gmail.com) with the following information:

Full names of all participants.
ACC membership number for each participant.
Whether you need to borrow any club gear.
A description of each participant’s level of climbing experience (indoor and outdoor) plus expectations/goals for the trip (leading, anchor building, anchor cleaning, grades of interest, etc).
Allergies and medical issues for each participant (will remain confidential).
An emergency contact name and contact number (cannot be a trip participant).

Note that incomplete applications will not be considered, so please take care to answer all six application questions in your email. If the number of applicants exceeds the trip capacity, expectations will be reviewed to ensure a cohesive group experience, and a waitlist will be generated.

S. Alberta Family Climbing Trip - waitlisting
2025-07-26 - 2025-07-29
Southern Alberta Family Climbing Trip 2025
This trip is now full, but we are taking names for a waitlist.
Join the second annual Great Plains Section family climbing trip! We’ll spend 26 to 29 July climbing in Southern Alberta (climbing days on 27 and 28 July). There’s an abundance of well-bolted sport climbing in the area just north-west of Maycroft, Alberta, near the Oldman River and south-west of the Bob Creek Wildland area. Much of the climbing is easy to moderate, with a range of slab and featured face climbing suitable to children who can climb 5.6 and above. There are also many intermediate routes for kids (and parents) looking for a challenge. Parents/guardians with any questions about their children’s abilities or suitability should speak with the trip organizer.
Parents/guardians will be placed in groups with their children, and at least one parent/guardian must provide supervision for their children at all times (in other words, one parent must always be on the ground). Please note that the trip is weather-dependent and could be cancelled at the trip leader’s discretion in the event of unfavourable conditions. In the event of minor inclement weather, hiking or other alternatives will be provided, wherever possible. Trip participants should bring a flexible, positive attitude and a desire for adventure, no matter what that adventure turns out to be!
Trip meeting
There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting in spring of 2025. The meeting will cover trip logistics, expectations of participants and leaders, and participant questions.
Cost
The trip cost is $50 per adult (18+) and $10 per child participant. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required for each participant, including each child (see the ACC website for family membership options). The cost of group camping will be divided evenly amongst family units, and it will be approximately $100 per family for three nights. An optional group supper will be served, at a cost of $10 per participant.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own personal gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, a carabiner and belay device, and a helmet (mandatory). Depending on the size of child climbers, full body harnesses might be required. The club has a limited number of adult harnesses and adult/child helmets available at no cost to participants on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wish to borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Meals
Participants are responsible for their own meals, including bagged lunches and snacks on climbing days. One optional group meal will be offered, at a cost of $10 per participant.
Travel and Accommodation
We will camp together at Crowsnest Pass RV Campground, located near Bellevue, AB and approximately 30 minutes from our crags. Access to the climbing crags involves driving gravel range roads. The campground is located approximately 800 km west of Regina.
Trip Application
To apply for the trip, email Jennifer Arends (j_l_arends@yahoo.ca) with the following information:

Full names of all participants,
ACC membership number for each participant,
Whether you need to borrow any club gear,
A description of each participant’s level of climbing experience (indoor and outdoor),
Each participant’s date of birth, and
An emergency name and contact number (cannot be a trip participant).

Note that incomplete applications will not be considered, so please take care to answer all six application questions in your email. The final number of spots available on the trip will be established once leader participation is confirmed in spring 2025.

Elk Lakes Alpine Trip - waitlisting
2025-08-14 - 2025-08-18 | Elk Lakes Provincial Park
Itching to tackle some alpine objectives but not sure where to start? Enjoy challenging hiking and interested in venturing off the beaten path? Join the Great Plains Section for a stay at the ACC Elk Lakes Cabin and enjoy some alpine hiking and scrambling from 14 to 18 August.
Participants will need strong hiking skills and a sense of adventure. Participants should be ready for at least one long day of up to 20 km of distance and 1,200 metres of elevation gain. Days with significant objectives could involve a 5 am start in cooler temperatures. Challenging weather conditions could necessitate changes in objectives, so adaptability and a positive attitude will be a must!
A prep meeting will be held each evening to discuss the next day’s objective, hazards, and required gear. Departure time will range from 5 to 7 am for major objectives, and later for shorter hikes. Because this is a cabin trip, tents and individual cooking equipment will not be required.
Participation in this trip will be by application, closing on 12 February 2025.
Trip meeting
There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting in spring 2025, once the cabin booking is confirmed. The meeting will cover trip logistics, an orientation to the area, expectations of participants and leaders, carpooling, and participant questions.
Cost
The trip cost is $225 per participant. This cost includes the cost of accommodation at Elk Lakes Cabin and the ACC-GPS trip participant fee. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required for each participant.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own personal gear. Everyone will need to carry a daypack with required technical gear, water, and food for the day, along with appropriate layers for the weather conditions and a headlamp. Required technical gear for alpine objectives will include a helmet; a harnesses; a double-length sling; an ATC with a locking carabiner, prusik or hollow block; two locking carabiners; and full-height, broken in, stiff hiking boots (mountaineering boots are welcome but not required). Thin leather gloves, collapsible hiking poles, and bear spray are strongly recommended. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Meals
The group will determine an approach to suppers at the group meeting. All participants are responsible for their own breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.
Travel and Accommodation
Participants will assemble at the Elk Lakes parking lot at 5 pm on 14 August. (Elk Lakes is on Mountain Time, so 5 pm local is the same as Regina time.) The parking lot is reached by driving to Sparwood, BC and then turning north on Highway 43 to the Elk Lakes parking lot via Elkford. Elkford is the last stop for gas and supplies. The drive from Regina to Sparwood is 800 km, and the rest of the trip up Highway 43 takes approximately 2 hours and involves stretches of forestry service road. The availability of cellular service beyond Elkford is unknown, but it should be assumed to be zero. Shortly after 5 pm, the assembled group will travel approximately 200 metres on foot to the Elk Lakes Cabin, settle in, and discuss the next day’s plan.
The group will stay together at the ACC Elk Lakes Cabin. Built in 1992, this rustic cabin features a kitchen and common eating area, wood stove, and mattresses in the cabin loft. Water must be gathered from a nearby stream, and there is an outdoor privy nearby. Please note that dogs are not permitted in the cabin or on this trip. For more information, visit https://alpineclubofcanada.ca/hut/elk-lakes-cabin/.
Trip Application
To apply for the trip, complete the attached questionnaire and email it to messnerjm@hotmail.com and sabrinarheywood@gmail.com. Note that incomplete applications will not be considered, so please take care to answer all questions in the questionnaire.
ACC Elk Lakes questionnaire

Kenora Bouldering and Rope Climbing Trip
2025-09-05 - 2025-09-08 | Kenora, Ontario, Canada
Did you know there is climbing within driving distance EAST of Regina?! Come join us in the Canadian Shield of northwestern Ontario for some fantastic climbing on Sept 6 and 7 (driving on Sept 5 and 8). On this trip, we’ll visit the Goosenecks area north of Kenora, ON, where there are six crags plus two well developed bouldering areas all in close proximity.
The crags, parking, and camping are approximately 3 hours east of Winnipeg, 1 hour from Kenora, and 9.5 hours from Regina.
For rope climbing, the grades at the Goosenecks range from 5.6 to 5.12, so there’s fun for everyone. This crags are also accessible from the top, so leaders can set up top-rope routes at higher grades than we would lead, which means people can try some different grades and styles of climbing that you don’t often see in the gym. Leaders will be available to mentor participants on setting up and cleaning anchors, if desired.
If you’re a boulderer – you’re in luck – bouldering is also an option this year! Goosenecks is home to some great bouldering in the V0-V8 range, and we know you won’t be disappointed!
This trip is beginner friendly for rope climbers (gym top-rope experience required), and moderate for boulderers (good indoor experience, to ensure everyone’s safety).
Cost:
The trip cost is $50 per person. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required for each participant. Camping is on Crown land and therefore available at no cost. Boulderers may need to share the cost of renting crash pads, if enough aren’t available within the group.
Travel and Accommodations:
We will coordinate carpooling; camping is available for free on nearby Crown land, located approximately 5 minutes from the cliff down Cygnet Lake Road. The road is viewable on mapping applications for easy access, but directions and photos will also be provided to participants in the pre-trip communications. The camping area has space for approximately 15 tents, a pit toilet, and fire pit. The area also edges onto Gooseneck Lake and people can bathe/cool off in the lake so long as biodegradable materials are used.
Gear:
Gear requirements for rope climbers include climbing shoes, a harness, and helmet (mandatory). For boulderers, climbing shoes and chalk will be key; please bring your own crash pads, if you have them, as the club has a limited number available. The club also has a limited number of harnesses and helmets, as well as several backpacking tents and backpacks, available at no cost to participants on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wish to borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Meals:
Participants will provide for themselves. Meal planning will not be included by the trip leaders.
Participants and Trip Application:
Due to limited resources, people will likely only be able to participate in bouldering OR rope climbing, not both. Applicants must indicate their interest when applying. To apply, contact Brianna at briannawyn@icloud.com with the subject line ACC KENORA and provide the following information. Note that incomplete applications will not be considered, so please take care to answer all eight application questions in your email. The final number of spots available on the trip will be established once leader participation is confirmed in spring 2025.

First and last name
Phone number
ACC Membership Number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Emergency contact name and phone number
Group: Interested in Bouldering or Rope Climbing
Rock climbing experience
Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)
Allergies and medical issues for each participant (will remain confidential)

2025 Annual General Meeting
2025-10-19 14:00 - 15:30 | White Butte Ski Trails, White Butte Ski Trails, Pilot Butte, SK, S4L1B2, Canada
Your GPS Executive is pleased to invite you to the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Please join us on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the White Butte Ski Shelter, located at White Butte Ski Trails east of Regina (near Pilot Butte). The 2024-25 annual summary is available for your reading pleasure: AGM 2024-25 annual summary. In the interest of good environmental stewardship, printed copies will not be available at the AGM.
Following the AGM, there will be time to socialize with other club members. The event will be family-friendly, so please plan to bring your two-legged family members (sorry, four-legged friends are not permitted in the ski shelter).
You will need to bring your own camping chair and beverage vessel! Some snacks will be provided.
We will have stylish ACC Great Plains t-shirts for sale at the event. Shirts will be $20 – please bring cash as e-transfers will not be accepted!
Agenda:

2:00 pm: AGM begins at the shelter. The meeting will include section activity highlights from the past year, the presentation of a section financial summary, a look ahead to next year’s activities, and the election of the new executive.
This year, in accordance with our ACC-GPS bylaws, all executive positions are up for renewal. We are not actively recruiting to fill positions; however, if you are interested in joining the executive, please email a Nominating Committee member at m.nielsen.sask@gmail.com or Mpwild@hotmail.com.
Please take a few moments to fill out a member survey. The results will help guide the path for future trips/events. We will go over the results at the AGM.

For directions to White Butte, search “White Butte Ski Trails” in Google Maps.

November Stoke Night
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Play Creative, A-1515 6th Ave, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Let’s get together and get stoked for the mountains! Our first stoke night of the season and the tale that will be told: The Back Up to the Back Up Plan – A Tale of Organizing a Ski Trip to Georgia in 2 Weeks.
Come hear Mark Nielsen talk about wrangling himself and two friends into a ski trip, destination unknown until 14 days out from departure. Ready your ears for tales about skiing, last minute logistics, and what really happens at a hammam.
What is stoke night?

In the depths of the seasonal depression months, we’re hosting a Friday night each month where one of our very own mountain people will present on a trip they’ve done. You can expect exaggerated tales, epic photos, maps, packing lists, planning details, and the unexpected because each night is completely up to whoever we’ve wrangled to present. We’ll watch the presentation in awe, badger the presenter with questions, then hang out and dream and plan our next trips.
Join us at A-1515 6th Ave. Doors open at 7 and we’ll start the presentation shortly after. Enter through the doors labelled Play Creative. BYO snacks and drinks.

December Skills & Social Night @ RCC
2025-12-07 17:30 - 20:30 | Regina Climbing Centre, Canada
Calling all ACC-GPS members: join us for our monthly skills night. The December edition will focus on rappelling. Under the keen eye of our ACC leaders, you will get the chance to practice descending on rappel, which speeds up descent and is a critical mountain travel skill. Bring all your gear!
Date: December 7, 2025
Location: Regina Climbing Centre (606 B Solomon Crescent).
Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Cost: Free. All participants will need to have an active RCC Waiver and be checked in. The drop-in rate will be waived for non-RCC members, but perhaps this will convince you to get one…
Registration: Email James to register.

January Stoke Night
2026-01-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Play Creative, A-1515 6th Ave, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Come out to learn more about climbing in Peru and Mt. Kilimanjaro!
What is stoke night?

In the depths of the seasonal depression months, we’re hosting a Friday night each month where one of our very own mountain people will present on a trip they’ve done. You can expect exaggerated tales, epic photos, maps, packing lists, planning details, and the unexpected because each night is completely up to whoever we’ve wrangled to present. We’ll watch the presentation in awe, badger the presenter with questions, then hang out and dream and plan our next trips.
Join us at A-1515 6th Ave. Doors open at 7, and we’ll start the presentation shortly after. Enter through the doors labelled Play Creative. BYO snacks and drinks. Event is free!

Winnipeg Introductory Ice Climb & Thermea Spa (or Hockey) Weekend...waitlisting
2026-01-23 - 2026-01-25 | Whittier Park, 141 Messager St, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 0A1, Canada
We will be working with the St. Boniface Section (Winnipeg) to use the Ice Wall they build each winter to get a little bit of mileage ice climbing, or to just give it a go and see how you do. Afterwards, we have a couple options: either join James at Thermea Spa or attend the Jets vs Red Wings Hockey game. On Sunday, we can visit the botanical gardens before heading home. If we arrive early on Friday, we can also go to the climbing gym. Members of all skill levels welcome.
Participants: Unlimited
Climber Prerequisite: No experience needed
Equipment:

No Equipment needed as it is supplied by the Ice Wall. Just have warm clothes
If anything is needed, James will update

Transport: Driving, either solo or carpooling depending on the weekend plans.
Accommodation: Once we have the amount of people registered, James will email accommodation options. He’s leaning towards a shared airbnb.
Food: You are responsible for organizing your own food.
Cost: $20 Trip fee paid to the GPS plus a fee to use the icewall (either add St. Boniface Section to your ACC membership and pay $15 or pay a non member rate of $40 to use the facility). James is trying to work on this cost for the group.
Trip Sign-up Information: If interested in the trip, please send the following sign-up information to James (james.lawrence.lewis@gmail.com).

First and last name
Phone number
ACC membership number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Emergency contact information

Please send any questions on the trip to James. Further trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed.

February Skills & Social Night @ RCC
2026-02-07 19:00 - 22:00 | Regina Climbing Centre, Canada
Calling all ACC-GPS members: join us for our monthly skills night. The February edition will focus on KNOTS! We’ll talk about safety, learn which knots to use when, and have an opportunity to practice as a group. Ropes will be provided!
Date: February 7, 2025
Location: Regina Climbing Centre (606 B Solomon Crescent)
Time: 7 – 10 p.m.
Cost: Free. All participants will need to have an active RCC Waiver and be checked in. The drop-in rate will be waived for non-RCC members, but perhaps this will convince you to get one…
Registration: Email James to register.

ACC GP Stoke night - February 2026
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 | A-1515 6th Ave, Regina, SK S4R 6Z5, A-1515 6th Ave, Regina, SK S4R 6Z5, Regina
Let’s get together and get stoked for the mountains!
Hiking the Mountains and Trails of Aoteoroa New Zealand
Landing in New Zealand February 22, 2020, Allan was about to experience New Zealand in a different way than he expected. Allan will share photos and stories of all the trails, forests, beaches and mountain tops he explored during two years of living out of a van in New Zealand.
Psstt – the cover photo is Allan’s actual photo, prepare yourself for some stunning visuals!
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What is stoke night:
In the depths of the seasonal depression months, we’re hosting a Friday night each month where one of our very own mountain people will present on a trip they’ve done. You can expect exaggerated tales, epic photos, maps, packing lists, planning details, and the unexpected because each night is completely up to whoever we’ve wrangled to present.
We’ll watch the presentation in awe, badger the presenter with questions, then hang out and dream and plan our next trips.
Doors open at 7 and we’ll start the presentation shortly after.
Enter through the doors labelled Play Creative. BYO snacks and drinks if you’re into that.

March Ice Climbing Trip to Waterton - CANCELLED DUE TO CONDITIONS
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-16 | Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Ice Climbing is rad: it’s fundamentally simple but devilishly tricky. This will be the third trip to Waterton for the ACC-GPS.
Participants: 8 climbers
Climber Prerequisite:
● Familiarity with avalanche procedures (will go over a refresher outdoors prior to trip)
● Be able to bear (maybe even enjoy) the outdoors in winter
● No prior experience is needed, as we’ll be top roping.
● Perseverance and a positive attitude (there is some grunt to approach the ice climbs)
Equipment:
● Helmet
● Harness
● Rigid mountaineering boots (B2 or B3 boot) with heel/toe welts preferred
● Belay device (e.g. ATC, GriGri, Reverso)
● Crampons with vertical front points preferred*
● Ice axes x 2*
● 3 locking carabiners
● 35 L or larger backpack (big enough to hold extra clothes and creature comforts)
● 2 or more pairs of gloves: a thinner more dexterous glove for climbing, and a thicker/warmer dexterous glove for belaying
● Warm belay jacket to wear while belaying single pitch (consider insulated over pants too)
● Small, non-leaking thermos for hot drink/soup during the climbing day
● Avalanche kit (beacon/shovel/probe)*
● Your own personal clothing system to stay warm (ski pants are ok, but we’ll need to tighten up the lower calves/ankles with tape or snug gaitors)
Group Gear will be organized by trip leader with the ACC great plains gear cache.
*available to borrow from gear cache
Transport: We’ll carpool where possible. Distance is roughly 750 km one way. We’ll sort out car logistics closer to the date.
Accommodation: The Crandell Mountain Lodge. Book a room with a kitchen (full stove/oven, full fridge, sink, kettle, coffee pot, pots/pans) Once participant are confirmed, we will organize accommodation bookings. Visit www.crandellmountainlodge.com to learn more.
Food: You are responsible for organizing your own food. Waterton is quiet during the winter, so you will need to arrive with enough food for the weekend or be prepared to eat in the restaurant every day. Most of the rooms have kitchenettes, so you’ll need to specify this need upon booking. Consider stopping in Pincher creek to buy fresh food. We can also do group meals if we all share a room.
Weather: March in Waterton is still winter, but transitioning into spring. We’ll have longer daylight, and more comfortable temperatures than mid-winter. The ice is usually friendlier too: when ice is really cold, it is hard and brittle, but when it is around the 0C mark, it is “hero” ice, which makes it much easier to climb. Daytime highs average around low single digits, and overnights are below freezing….ideal for ice.
Trip Sign-up Information: If interested in the trip, please send the following sign-up information to James Lewis at james.lawrence.lewis@gmail.com.
1. First and last name
2. Phone number
3. ACC membership number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
4. Emergency contact information
5. A short summary of your outdoor activity experience; if you don’t have any experience, please indicate that
6. Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)
Please send any questions on the trip to James. Further trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed. (Early February ideally)

ACC GP - Stoke night March 2026
2026-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 | A-1515 6th Ave, Regina, SK S4R 6Z5, A-1515 6th Ave, Regina, SK S4R 6Z5, Regina
Let’s get together and get stoked for the mountains!
Trip to Vinales, Cuba, Some Climbing
“You’ve got to get Murray to talk about his trip to Cuba” is how this trip ended up on the STOKE NIGHT radar. What did he climb? How did he travel around? Where did he sleep? We will all find out together!
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What is stoke night:
In the depths of the seasonal depression months, we’re hosting a Friday night each month where one of our very own mountain people will present on a trip they’ve done. You can expect exaggerated tales, epic photos, maps, packing lists, planning details, and the unexpected because each night is completely up to whoever we’ve wrangled to present.
We’ll watch the presentation in awe, badger the presenter with questions, then hang out and dream and plan our next trips.
Doors open at 7 and we’ll start the presentation shortly after.
Enter through the doors labelled Play Creative. BYO snacks and drinks if you’re into that.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour - April 2026
2026-04-17 - 2026-04-18 | Darke Hall, 2255 College Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 0S9, Canada
Experience the thrill of adventure at the 50th Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Come enjoy the adrenaline rush of high-altitude pursuits, the emotion of personal transformations, and the beauty of adventure sports in wild places captured in breathtaking cinematography.
This stop on the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is hosted by The Great Plains Section of the Alpine Club of Canada.
Each program is unique, and tickets are sold separately. Film programs and advisories can be found below:
Friday Evening – CREVASSE
Saturday Matinee – MORAINE
Saturday Evening – SERAC
Doors open one hour before showtime. The event will feature information booths, raffle draws, and opportunities to connect with fellow members of the Regina & area outdoor community. Be sure to come early!
Thank you to our local sponsors Fresh Air Experience and Regina Climbing Centre.
Tickets are $25 for adults inclusive of fees and taxes. For the Saturday matinee screening, Youth tickets are available for $15 inclusive of fees and taxes. Seating is assigned.
Date and Times
Friday, April 17, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM
Saturday, April 18, 2026 @ 7:00 PM

Current and New Leader Development
2026-05-16 - 2026-05-18
Calling all current ACC-GPS leaders and leaders-in-training. Join James in Medora, North Dakota to practice, train, and enhance your skills. This is YOUR trip, and we will all have an opportunity to try out new things and get mileage in the techniques you want. Anything is possible, and the crag is brilliant for training in rappelling, multipitch, trad, crack, and sport. This can count towards “vetting days” for leaders-in-training. If you want to learn more about becoming a leader, reach out to James (email below).
Cost:

No cost for leaders

Participants:

No limit

Climber Prerequisite:

Must be a current ACC Leader or Leader-in-Training. Please reach out to James if you are not either, but are interested.

Equipment:

Helmet
Harness
Climbing shoes
Belay device (e.g. ATC, GriGri, Reverso)
35 L or larger backpack (big enough to hold extra clothes and creature comforts)
Any gear you want to try out in the wild. We will have enough to go around

Group Gear will be organized by trip leader with the ACC Great Plains gear cache. Please let James know if you want to borrow anything.
Transport: We’ll carpool where possible. Distance is roughly 475km one way. We’ll sort out car logistics closer to the date.
Accommodation: Buffalo Gap Campground. $20usd per night, payable via an app if you have cell service in the states, or US cash.
Food: You are responsible for organizing your own food. Medora has a variety of restaurants and small grocery stores.
Weather: Big variable here, but there is something to do even if it is raining, so be prepared.
Trip Sign-up Information: If interested in the trip, please send the following sign-up information to James Lewis at james.lawrence.lewis@gmail.com.

First and last name
Phone number
ACC membership number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Emergency contact information
A short summary of your outdoor (rock/ice climbing) experience; if you don’t have any experience, please indicate that
Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)
Any specific skills you want to practice or learn.

Please send any questions on the trip to James. Further trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed.

David Thompson Climbing & Hiking/Scrambling trip
2026-06-10 - 2026-06-14
Kick off your 2025 climbing season with us! We’re heading to the David Thompson Corridor, near Nordegg, AB, from 10 to 14 June. We’ll plan to spend two days climbing the fantastic crags in the area, and a third stretching our legs on one of the many hiking/scrambling routes in the area, weather permitting. No outdoor climbing experience is necessary, and all climbers 14+ (under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian) with a sense of adventure and love of the outdoors are welcome. Applications for this trip are due by 31 January 2026.
Cost
The trip cost is $50 per participant. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required. Trip fees are due by 31 March 2026, and cancelation refunds will only be considered after 31 March if your spot can be filled by another participant.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, a carabiner, a belay device, a helmet (mandatory), a hiking backpack, and sturdy hiking boots appropriate for hiking and light scrambling. The club has a limited number of harnesses and helmets available at no cost to participants on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wish to borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Meals
Participants are responsible for all their own meals, including bagged lunches on climbing days. Depending on which campground is selected, participants might need to bring their water for the trip.
Travel and Accommodation
The group will be tenting together in the area (campground TBD), and participants will be responsible for their own camping fees. Participants are also responsible for their own transportation to and from Nordegg, but carpooling options may be available (if you wish to carpool, please notify the trip organizer).
Trip Application
To apply to join the trip, email Jennifer (j_l_arends@yahoo.ca) with the following information:
1. Full name
2. ACC membership number
3. What (if any) club gear you need to borrow
4. Your level of climbing experience
5. Whether you need your own campsite or whether you’ll be sharing a site/tent with another participant
6. An emergency contact name and number (not someone on the trip)
Every attempt will be made to accommodate as many participants as possible, but there are a limited number of spots available. This is not a first-come first-served trip: all trip participants will be vetted and notified shortly after the 31 January application deadline.

Castle Mountain Alpine Rock...waitlisting
2026-07-10 - 2026-07-13 | Castle Mountain, Alberta, Canada
This will be a “fast and light” trip. Day 1: drive to Castle Mountain Campground. Day 2: pack up and head to Silver City to crag for the day, then proceed up to the NEW Castle Mountain Hut. Day 3: climb Brewers Buttress (13 pitches) and summit Castle Mountain, returning to the hut or camp by last light. Day 4: drive home. This is going to be a higher output trip.
Email James (james.lawrence.lewis@gmail.com) with an expression of interest—participants will be vetted.
Participants:

8 climbers MAX

Climber Prerequisite:

Be able to climb 5.9 in the gym efficiently
Have travelled in alpine environments before

Equipment:

Helmet
Harness
Hiking boots or approach shoes for talus and scree. Boots are more friendly.
Belay device (e.g. ATC, GriGri, Reverso)
3 locking carabiners
35 litre or larger backpack to transport gear to the hut
10 litre backpack for the climbing day to hold water, food and clothes
Warm jacket to wear while belaying or hanging around at the hut in the evening
Sleeping bag for the hut
Sleeping pad for the campground
Tent for the campground

Group gear will be organized by trip leader with the ACC great plains gear cache.
Transport: We’ll carpool where possible. Travel logistics will be arranged closer to the date.
Accommodation: https://alpineclubofcanada.ca/hut/castle-mountain-hut/. Night 1 will be at a campground, night 2 will be at the hut, night 3 will be either the hut again, or the campground at ground level. This will be a discussion closer to the time.
Food: You are responsible for organizing your own food. WATER is a questionable resource at the hut at best of times, so be prepared to carry water up from the car. Quantity is up to you, but James usually carries less water than he should. This will factor into the accommodation discussion later on.
Weather: It is summer, but in the mountains it may still snow. Especially at alpine level. It could get cold. I’d recommend pants, not shorts and have rain gear handy in your pack.
Trip Sign-up Information: If interested in the trip, please send the following sign-up information to James (james.lawrence.lewis@gmail.com).

First and last name
Phone number
ACC membership number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Emergency contact information
A short summary of your outdoor (rock/ice climbing) experience; if you don’t have any experience, please indicate that
Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)

Please send any questions on the trip to James. Further trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed.

Spillimacheen family climbing trip....waitlisting
2026-08-01 - 2026-08-04 | Spillimacheen, BC, Canada
Join the third annual Great Plains Section family climbing trip! We’ll spend 1 to 4 August climbing at Spillimacheen, British Columbia (climbing days on 2 and 3 August). The climbing at “Spilli” is moderate and featured, and the area—in the Columbia River valley between Golden and Radium—is a real treat. The crag is mountainside and involves a short but moderate approach, so this trip is best suited to children over the age of six who have some hiking experience and enjoy grades upwards of 5.7. If your children are younger than the recommended age, please reach out to the trip organizer to discuss whether this is the right opportunity for them.
Parents/guardians will be placed in groups with their children, and at least one parent/guardian must provide supervision for their children at all times (in other words, one parent must always be on the ground). Please note that the trip is weather-dependent and could be cancelled at the trip leader’s discretion in the event of unfavourable conditions. In the event of minor inclement weather, hiking or other alternatives will be provided, whenever possible. Trip participants should bring a flexible, positive attitude and a desire for adventure, no matter what that adventure turns out to be!
Trip meeting
There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting in the spring of 2026. The meeting will cover trip logistics, expectations of participants and leaders, and participant questions.
Cost
The trip cost is $50 per adult (18+) and $10 per child participant. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required for each participant, including each child (see the ACC website for family membership options). Each family will be responsible for their own camping costs. Trip fees will be collected in the spring and are refundable up to 30 June if other participant(s) can be found to take the vacancy, or at the trip organizer’s discretion. In the event of a trip cancelation due to weather, area closures, or other extenuating circumstances, all trip fees will be refunded, but lost camping deposits will be the responsibility of trip participants.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own personal gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, a carabiner and belay device, and a helmet (mandatory). Depending on the size of child climbers, full body harnesses might be required. The club has a limited number of adult harnesses and adult/child helmets available at no cost to participants on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wish to borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Meals
Participants are responsible for their own meals, including bagged lunches and snacks on climbing days.
Travel and Accommodation
We will plan to camp together at a nearby private campground—details TBD in early December. Spillimacheen is approximately 1,050 km from Regina on primarily paved primary and secondary highways. There is a short distance from the highway to the approach parking lot that is on a gravel forestry service road (FSR).
Trip Application
To apply for the trip, email Jennifer (j_l_arends@yahoo.ca) with the following information:
1. Full names of all participants
2. ACC membership number for each participant
3. Whether you need to borrow any club gear
4. A description of each participant’s level of climbing experience (indoor and outdoor)
5. Each participant’s date of birth
6. An emergency name and contact number (cannot be a trip participant).
Note that incomplete applications will not be considered, so please take care to answer all six application questions in your email. The final number of spots available on the trip will be established in early December 2025.

Kenora Women's Climbing Trip
2026-08-21 - 2026-08-25 | Kenora, Ontario
Join the second annual Great Plains Section Women’s Climbing Trip (includes those who identify as women)! We’ll spend August 21-25 climbing in Northwestern Ontario (climbing days Aug 22, 23, and option for 24th). There are an abundance of fun climbs (including a couple multi-pitch climbs) among the many crags in the Goosenecks area, located about an hour north of Kenora, Ontario.
This trip is beginner friendly (gym top-rope experience is recommended) and grades in the Goosenecks range from 5.6 to 5.12, so there’s fun for everyone. The crags have a wide range of climbing, including some chimneys and other styles that you don’t often see in the gym. When you’re tired of climbing, cool off with a swim in a nearby lake!
In the event of minor inclement weather, hiking or other alternatives will be provided, wherever possible. Trip participants should bring a flexible, positive attitude and a desire for adventure, no matter what that adventure turns out to be!
Cost:
The trip cost is $50 per person. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required for each participant. There are also motel/cabin fees for anyone who chooses.
Travel and Accommodations:
We will coordinate carpooling; directions will be provided to participants in the pre-trip communications.
Camping is available for free within 5 minutes of the climbing areas, or people can choose to stay in a hotel or cabin in the nearby town of Minaki (20 minutes away). The camping area has a pit toilet, fire pit, and space for approximately 15 tents (with 10-15 more spots a short walk away). The area also edges onto Gooseneck Lake, where people can bathe/cool off. For those who prefer, a motel, AirBNB rentals, and yurts are available in Minaki (costs range from $40-165/person/night, depending on style and number of people sharing). We can discuss coordinating rentals, if there is interest.
Gear
Climbing gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, and a helmet (mandatory); belayers also need carabiner and belay device. The club’s gear cache has a limited number of harnesses and helmets available at no cost to participants, as well as several backpacking tents and backpacks, on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wish to borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Meals
Participants are responsible for their own meals, including bagged lunches and snacks on climbing days.
Trip Application
To apply, contact Brianna at briannawyn@icloud.com with the subject line WOMENS CLIMB and provide the following information. Please take care to answer all application questions in your email. The final number of spots available on the trip will be established once leader participation is confirmed in spring 2026.

First and last name
Phone number and email of each participant
ACC membership number for each participant (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Preference to camp (free) or book accommodations (for a cost)
Interest in 2 or 3 days of climbing
Whether you need to borrow any club gear
Emergency contact name and phone number (cannot be a trip participant)
Allergies and medical issues for each participant (will remain confidential)
Short description of each participant’s level of climbing experience (indoor and outdoor) plus expectations/goals for the trip (sport climbing, anchor building, grades of interest, “getting outside with women”, etc).

If the number of applicants exceeds the trip capacity, expectations and application completeness will be reviewed to ensure a cohesive group experience, and a waitlist will be generated.
