ACC Great Plains Section

July David Thompson family climbing trip (trip full)
2024-07-12 - 2024-07-15 | Saskatchewan
Join the first-ever Great Plains Section family climbing trip! We’ll spend 12 to 15 July in the David Thompson corridor (climbing on 13 and 14 July). This trip is for families with children of any age. We’ll have climbing options in every grade range. The trip organizer will discuss the approaches and climbing areas with each adult participant to ensure this is the trip for them. Parents/guardians will be placed in groups with their children, and at least one parent/guardian must provide supervision of a maximum of two 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 inclement weather.
Cost
The trip cost is $50 per participant. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required for each participant, including each child (see the ACC website for family membership options). Camping fees will be collected once trip participation is confirmed. Climbing is outside of provincial and national parks, so park passes are not required.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabiner/ATC, and helmet (mandatory). Depending on the size of children, full body harnesses might be required. 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 their own meals, including bagged lunches and snacks on climbing days. We will organize one group kid-friendly meal, and cost will be communicated for those interested in participating.
Travel and Accommodation
We will camp together near Nordegg, AB (details TBD) in a location that can accommodate both tents and trailers. Families will be responsible for arranging their own camping equipment. The cost of camping will be split by the participants. We will explore a bonus night of camping on 11 July for families wishing to explore the area or settle in a day early (there are many excellent swimming, paddling, hiking, and scrambling options nearby, and Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is within striking range). Participants must arrange their own travel to and from Nordegg.
Trip Sign-up
To sign up, email Jennifer Arends (j_l_arends@yahoo.ca) with the following information:

Full names of all participants,
ACC membership number(s),
Whether you need to borrow any club gear,
Each participant’s level of climbing experience,
Each participant’s age,
Whether you are bringing a tent or a trailer, and
Whether you would like to join the family supper.

June Bow Valley climbing trip (trip full)
2024-06-14 - 2024-06-17 | Saskatchewan
Kick off your 2024 climbing season with us! We’re heading to the Bow Valley from 14 to 17 June (climbing on 15 and 16 June). Beginners with some gym climbing experience (but not necessarily outdoor experience) are welcome. A signed waiver will be required for each participant. Please note that the trip is weather-dependent and could be cancelled at the trip organizer’s discretion in the event of inclement weather.
Cost
The trip cost is $50 per participant. An active ACC Great Plains membership required. The group will be camping in the Banff/Canmore area, and camping fees will be collected once trip participation is confirmed. Climbing may occur in the provincial (Kananaskis) or national (Banff) parks, and participants will be responsible for all relevant park vehicle passes (more information to come).
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabiner/ATC, and helmet (mandatory). 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. We will organize one optional group meal, at an additional cost to participants choosing to opt in.
Travel and Accommodation
Tenting campsites near Banff/Canmore will be reserved and shared by the group (campground TBD), and the cost will be split by the participants. Anyone not wishing to stay with the group is responsible for their own accommodation arrangements. Participants must arrange their own travel to and from the Bow Valley.
Trip Sign-up
To sign up, email Jennifer Arends (j_l_arends@yahoo.ca) with the following information:

Full name,
ACC membership number,
What (if any) club gear you need to borrow,
Your level of climbing experience,
Whether you wish to camp with the group (indicate tent or trailer), and
Whether you wish to participate in the group supper, at additional cost.

Intro to map & compass skills
2024-06-08 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Regina) | Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Orienteering Association and the Great Plains Section have collaborated to present a day of map and compass skill building. Join us on 8 June from 10 am to 2 pm.
Introductory Map & Compass Navigation Clinic

Location: White Butte Trails near Regina, featuring both classroom instruction at the ski shelter and hands-on practical exercises outdoors.
Audience: This clinic is designed for beginners and those wishing to refresh their basic navigation skills, catering to members of the Alpine Club of Canada Great Plains Section and their families.

Clinic Objectives:

Introduce the fundamentals of map reading and compass navigation.
Empower participants with basic navigation skills to have safer outdoor adventures.

Classroom

Introduction to maps: Learn about different types of maps, symbols, and how to interpret terrain features.
Compass basics: An overview of how a compass works, its components, and using a compass for navigation.
Understanding declination: Explaining magnetic declination, its significance, and how to adjust for it in navigation.
Plotting a position: Techniques for plotting a position using latitude/longitude and UTM coordinates.
Orienteering basics: Reading an orienteering map. Map orientation, Rough bearing, route planning, map folding/thumbing.

Practical Application

Setting bearings: Hands-on practice in setting and following bearings using a compass.
Measuring distance: How to measure distance on a map and estimate distances in the field. Pacing measurements.
Orienteering activity: Applying learned skills through a fun navigation activity finding specific points and navigating an actual orienteering course.

Materials and Equipment:

Maps of White Butte Trails tailored for the clinic will be supplied.
Compasses available for all participants (bringing your own is encouraged).

Participant Requirements:

Wear appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear. Watch, phone, or some way to tell time is necessary.
Bring personal water bottles and snacks. Bug spray and sunscreen recommended

Cost:

$65 for Non SOA members
$60 for SOA Members

Sign up here!

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
2024-04-19 - 2024-04-20 | Saskatchewan
Showtimes, film programs, and advisories:

Friday 19 April at 7:00pm: Paintbrush
Saturday 20 April at 1:30pm: Fireweed
Saturday 20 April at 7:00pm: Arnica

Get off the beaten path and explore the edge of believable with captivating stories from the 48th 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 2023/2024 World Tour are sure to captivate and amaze you. This stop on the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is hosted by The Great Plains Section of the Alpine Club of Canada and will take place at historic Darke Hall.
Doors at Darke Hall open one hour before showtime. The event will feature information booths, raffle draws, and opportunities to connect with fellow members of the Regina outdoor community. Be sure to come early!
Thank you to our presenting partners, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and Rab, and our local sponsors, Fresh Air Experience, Life Outside Gear Exchange, and Regina Climbing Centre.
Tickets are $25 inclusive of fees and taxes. Youth tickets (17 & Under) are available for the Saturday matinee for $15. Seating is assigned.

BUY TICKETS

March ice climbing trip to Waterton
2024-03-06 - 2024-03-09 | Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Ice Climbing is rad: it’s fundamentally simple but devilishly tricky. This will be the second trip to Waterton for the ACC-GPS, but the first one with people actually going (last year’s was mostly cancelled due to bad weather).
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, sick, 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.

Night ski & social
2024-01-26 17:00 - 21:00 | Saskatchewan
Late start to your riding season have you feeling blue? Need to get in shape for that upcoming alpine ski tour? Want to catch up with your ACC-GPS buds?
Join us for a night ski or board at Mission Ridge on Friday 26 January. Night riding starts at 5 pm, and an adult lift ticket will run you $20. We’ll meet at 7 pm in the lodge for a hot (or cold) one and some laughs. Email Jennifer at j_l_arends@yahoo.ca if you plan to attend so we know how many to expect. If you have extra seats in your vehicle or are looking for a ride, let Jennifer know.

"Almost an AST" Avalanche Awareness instruction
2024-01-15 - 2024-01-18 | Saskatchewan
Join Doug Latimer, an ACMG Ski Guide, avalanche professional, and the ACC’s Lead Winter Guide, for a pair of three-hour evening Zoom sessions on 15 and 18 January.
The Great Plains Section of the ACC recognizes that it is hard for some folks to get out to an actual Avalanche-Canada-approved Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course, so we have worked with Doug to come up with an interim solution: an “Almost an AST” class that is the closest we can come to an AST1 in Saskatchewan. This is a FREE offering; the content will be almost identical to the classroom session of a full AST1, but we won’t have the field day since we lack avalanche terrain.
We will organize a local field day, preferably at Buffalo Pound, when we’ll cover practical avalanche beacon work, as much shoveling and probing as we can, and use our imaginations in discussions about actual avalanche terrain. This is not a high-output field day, so many layers and puffy jackets are advised. As this will not be in avalanche terrain, children are welcome, but the day is tailored to adults.
This offering is a great way to get yourself ready for a true AST1 course and give you time to develop questions to ask when you pay for an AST1 course (maybe 7/8 December 2024, nudge nudge).
Required for field day:

Warn winter attire, as we’ll be outside
Some form of winter footwear (depending on the snow depth, boots are probably fine)
Lunch and a hot drink
Backpack with extra gloves, puffy jacket
Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel (if you have them, otherwise James will borrow the club’s and we will share)

Email James Lewis (james.lawrence.lewis@gmail.com) to ask questions, sign up, and receive the Zoom link.

Winter Members Night
2023-12-02 19:00 - 22:00 | Regina Climbing Centre, Canada
Calling all Great Plains Section ACC members
Come build skills and friendships in the “Great Indoors”! We’ll have lots going on. Try a different belay device. Practice building and cleaning anchors. Pull on some ice tools. Hang out with your ACC peeps and make merry!
Join us from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Regina Climbing Centre.

Annual General Meeting
2023-11-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Bushwakker’s Pub, 2206 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK, Canada
The Annual General Meeting for the Great Plains Section of the Alpine Club of Canada will occur on 4 November 2023 at 7 pm (social and dinner at 6 pm) in the Arizona Room of Bushwakker Brewpub (2206 Dewdney Ave). The agenda will include the election of the Section Executive, a review of the past year, and a discussion about the future year(s).
This year the Section will be holding elections for all elected executive positions. This will take place at the start of the AGM. If you wish to receive more details on the positions or how to run, please contact Mike Orthner and Mike Wild at michael.orthner@gmail.com and mpwild@hotmail.com.

Reel Rock 17
2023-10-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Saskatchewan
The Event
The Reel Rock film festival is coming to Regina on Saturday 21 October at 6:30 pm (doors at 6 pm) at the University of Regina’s College Avenue Campus (room CB 139). There is no charge to park in the lot behind the building! Tickets to this awesome climbing-focused film festival will be $10 for ACC members ($12 for general public, $8 for university students), and they are now on sale at the Regina Climbing Centre and Riddell Centre, U of R. Cash only!
The event is presented in partnership with the U of R Film Students’ Association and the Regina Climbing Centre.
The Tour
Don’t miss three heart-stopping new films featuring the year’s biggest climbing & adventure stories: a wild expedition on Nameless Tower in Pakistan; a new cutting-edge route in a massive limestone cave in France; and a journey to Palestine’s West Bank to explore the power of climbing to change lives. Presented by The North Face and supported by Black Diamond & Yeti.
The Lineup
Approximate duration: 2 hours
Burning the Flame | Austrian climbers Babsi Zangerl and Jacopo Larcher attempt a coveted free ascent of The Nameless Tower in Pakistan
DNA | Seb Bouin tackles what may be the world’s hardest sport climb in the Verdon Gorge of France
Resistance Climbing | In conflict-torn Palestine, a diverse group of climbers finds community, solace and redemption

TRIP FULL--September long weekend climbing in Ten Sleep
2023-09-01 - 2023-09-04 | Saskatchewan
TRIP FULL–NOW TAKING WAITLIST REQUESTS.
We’re headed south of the border to Wyoming to rope some… rock? Join us for two
days of excellent climbing in Ten Sleep Canyon, Wyoming, on the September long weekend (climbing on Saturday 2 September and Sunday 3 September 2023). The impressive cliffs of
Ten Sleep Canyon are composed predominantly of massive layers of limestone, providing us weirdos with some tasty pockets, edges, and flakes to haul our human bodies up.
THIS IS AN INTERMEDIATE TRIP. No prior outdoor climbing experience is required; however, participants should be comfortable climbing at a 5.9 level and ideally most trip participants will be capable of leading 5.9. The trip is currently capped at 12 participants. (Participant number may increase.)

Accommodations
Group camping will be reserved at Ten Sleep Rock Ranch for those wishing to stay with the group. Fees for this will be split equally amongst those camping, and will be collected at the time of the trip. For those not wishing to stay with the group, you will be responsible for arranging your own accommodations.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabiner/ATC, and helmet. 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. This is a U.S.-based trip, so a current passport will be necessary.
Travel and food
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Ten Sleep Canyon and to the climbing areas. People will typically carpool with other participants, and this is usually arranged in the weeks leading up to the trip. Participants will be responsible for arranging this on their own. Most often, folks will drive down part way Thursday night and then rest of the way Friday or the full distance on Friday and do the return trip on Monday. Participants are responsible for their own food. Ten Sleep Canyon has a small convenience store with limited supplies, so you should plan to bring groceries with you or purchase them along the way.
Participants
This trip is open to participants 18 years of age and older. Participants must have a current ACC Great Plains Section membership. Age exceptions may be made at the discretion of the leaders, so please feel free to apply if you are not in this age category, and your application will be reviewed and considered. Sign up will be on a first-come first-served basis at the discretion of the trip leaders. As mentioned above, participants should be comfortable top-rope climbing at a 5.9 level.
Cost
Trip cost is $50 per person. This does not include campsite fees.
Trip sign-up information
If interested in the trip, please email the following sign-up information to Sabrina Heywood at sabrina.r.heywood@gmail.com with the subject line TEN SLEEP SEPTEMBER.

First and last name
Phone number
ACC Membership Number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Emergency contact name and phone number
Rock climbing experience – (this doesn’t have to be long – grade you top rope, grade you lead, outdoor experience, etc. we use this information to form groups, crags we’ll climb at, and assign leaders)
Yes/no if you would like to camp at Ten Sleep Rock Ranch
Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)

Successful applicant confirmations will be sent out within two weeks of application. Please send any questions on the trip to Sabrina. Further trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed.

August climbing trip at Gooseneck Crag, Ontario
2023-08-25 - 2023-08-28 | Saskatchewan
Location: Gooseneck Crag, near Minaki, ON
The crag is approximately 3 hours from Winnipeg, 1 hour from Kenora, and 9.5 hours from Regina. The grades at Gooseneck range from 5.6 to 5.12, so there’s fun for everyone. This crag is also accessible from the top, so leaders can set up toprope routes at higher grades than we would lead. Leaders will be available to mentor participants on setting up and cleaning anchors, if desired. The approach involves 5 to 10 minutes from the parking spots, traversing over level ground.
Fun fact 1 – There is a lake at the east end of the crag that is a great refuge on hot summer days. (There can also be plenty of bugs so participants will need to be prepared with bug nets and/or spray.)
Fun fact 2 – Gooseneck was the first climbing area established in the Manitoba and NW Ontario area, with first ascents occurring in 1971. The ACC-Manitoba Section will be leading the Peter Atchison Memorial Climb at this crag on Sept 9, 2023 so the trip dates are planned to avoid that crowd.
Amenities: There is a pit toilet near the east end of the crag and an outhouse on the west side. These were installed with the help of ACC to minimize the impact of climbers on the local environment.
Parking at the crag: Park along the side of the road (Hwy 525) and walk into the forest.
Nearby crags: South Cliff is undergoing active development; access if via Cygnet Lake Road. Under safe conditions (e.g., not at night), participants could scout to the area to recon for future trips. Most people rappel into the crag but an access route is being developed.
Accommodations/camping: Camping is available at the “Hilton” and “Bellagio,” located approximately 10 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. This is crown land and there is no fee for access. The camping area has space for at least 20 tents, a pit toilet, and numerous fire pits. The area also edges onto Gooseneck Lake and people can bathe/cool off in the lake so long as biodegradable materials are used.
Travel: Carpooling will be encouraged. Meeting place on day 1 will be the campsite, unless participants/leaders indicate another location (e.g., Kenora or Minaki) is preferred.
Dates:

Friday Aug 25, 2023 – drive Regina to the Hilton camping area
Saturday Aug 26 – set up climbs in the east, orienting on Weasel Crack as this is close to the lake and has is an open staging area with room for all participants. There is also 5.1 exit route nearby for top access.
Sunday Aug 27 – likely set up climbs in the west area, near the western exit route. Set up Beginner Slab and routes near Frog In the Crack. Plan to be adapted based on feedback from Day 1.
Monday Aug 28, 2023 – Drive to Regina.

Food: Participants will provide for themselves. Meal planning will not be included by the trip leaders.
Participant costs: $50 trip fee to cover equipment. Free camping. Fuel and food costs to be covered by participants.
This trip is capped at 12 participants and is beginner-friendly (gym toprope experience required, outdoor and lead experience not required). To express interest, contact Brianna at briannawyn@icloud.com and provide the following information:

First and last name
Phone number
ACC Membership Number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Emergency contact name and phone number
Rock climbing experience
Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)

TRIP FULL - Racks, Recces and... Rattlesnakes?
2023-08-04 - 2023-08-07 | Saskatchewan
Join us for a sport/trad single pitch rock climbing trip in North Dakota, USA from August 4 to 7, 2023. Participants must have an active ACC membership and pay a $50 participation fee.
We’re on the hunt for the closest climbing area to Regina, and North Dakota has some secrets… and rattlesnakes, apparently! There are several crags (buttes) in the southern area of the state, as well as some sneaky boulders. It’s rumored there’s perhaps a world-class boulder too: “There and Crack Again V4.” The buttes are about a 5.5-hour drive from Regina, and camping is free. With single pitch options and top access anchors, the group will work on climbing, rope systems, rappelling, trad placements, rescues, and more. Since it’s a “short” drive home, we’ll hit Chimney Butte on the way home. 4-day trip, 3 days of climbing!
Details:

Maximum of 8 climbers.
Must be able to travel to the USA.
No outdoor experience necessary, but it will make your trip that much better. Being
able to climb at least a stout 5.9 in the gym would be best.
Participants will need a harness, climbing shoes, a helmet, a belay device and locking carabiner, and a crash pad, if you have one.
Participants must be able to drive to the climbing location, but carpooling options might be available.
The group will be camping, and participants are responsible for their own gear and meals.

To register, email James at james.lawrence.lewis@gmail.com.

Change in time and location: Social night at Bushwakker Brewpub
2023-07-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Saskatchewan
CHANGE OF VENUE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER!

Join us for a club social on Tuesday 18 July from 6 to 9 pm in the Arizona room at Bushwakker Brewpub. The venue is on us, and drinks and food are up to you. You’ll have some time to hang with fellow club members and be treated to a short slideshow on two club members’ recent ski traverse of the Wapta Icefield. Please note attendees must be 19+ to attend.

TRIP FULL--June climbing trip to the Bow Valley
2023-06-03 - 2023-06-06 | Saskatchewan
Join us for the first club climbing trip of 2023! We’re heading to the Bow Valley from 3 to 6 June (climbing on 4 and 5 June). This trip is for anyone 18+, and beginners with some gym climbing experience (but not necessarily outdoor experience) are welcome. The trip is capped at 18 participants, but could be expanded depending on the experience level of climbers. Please note that the trip is weather-dependent and could be cancelled at the trip leader’s discretion in the event of inclement weather.
Cost
The trip cost is $50 per participant. An active ACC Great Plains membership required. Camping fees will be collected once trip participation is confirmed.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabiner/ATC, and helmet (mandatory). 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. There will be no organized group meals on this trip.
Travel and Accommodation
Tenting campsites near Banff/Canmore will be reserved and shared by the group (campground TBD), and the cost will be split by the participants. Anyone not wishing to stay with the group is responsible for their own accommodation arrangements. Participants must arrange their own travel to and from the Bow Valley.
Trip Sign-up
While this trip is now full, you may apply to be added to the waitlist. Spots can open up if participants have to cancel their involvement. To apply to attend, email Jennifer Arends (j_l_arends@yahoo.ca) with your full name, ACC membership number, whether you need to borrow any club gear, your level of climbing experience, and whether you plan to camp with the group.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour tickets on sale
2023-04-14 - 2023-04-15 | Saskatchewan
Join the Great Plains section of the Alpine Club of Canada when Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to Regina, at Darke Hall. The festival will take place at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) on 14 and 15 April. Tickets are $25 inclusive of fees and taxes.
BUY TICKETS HERE.
The event will feature information booths, raffle draws, and opportunities to connect with fellow members of the Regina outdoor community. Be sure to come early!
The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world. Hot on the heels of the Festival that is held every fall in beautiful Banff, Alberta, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road. With stops planned in roughly 550 communities and more than 40 countries across the globe, the Banff World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide.
From the over 400 entries submitted into the Festival each year, award-winners and audience favorites are among the films that are carefully selected to play in theatres around the world.
Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing topical environmental issues, and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2022/2023 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world.
Each night will feature a different set of films. Descriptions and advisories are available below:

Friday: Juniper Program

Saturday: Willow Program
Thank you to our local sponsors Fresh Air Experience, Life Outside Gear Exchange, and Regina Climbing Centre!

March Ice Climbing Trip to Waterton
2023-03-10 - 2023-03-13 | Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Ice Climbing is rad: it’s fundamentally simple but devilishly tricky. Not only does it engage your physical fitness, requiring you to tramp through snow uphill both ways, but it engages your mental fitness as well. Having to pay attention to what’s going on around you creates a visceral feeling of adventure and brings many skills together in one awesome climbing medium. Climbing frozen waterfalls is just so awesome – it’s the ultimate choose your own adventure, and there is something for everyone.
Participants:

9 people (2-3 leaders, 6-7 participants)

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. Trip leader is trying to source a rental from the UofC, so let him know if you need a pair and indicate size.
Belay device (e.g. ATC, GriGri, Reverso)
Crampons with vertical front points preferred*
Ice axes x 2*
3 locking carabiners
2 double length slings (120 cm)
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. They have been very good to ice climbers in the past and we have received 15% discount on our bookings as long as we take at least five rooms. With current rates, it looks like it may be about $50 per night. If we don’t luck out with everyone having a kitchenette, we can agree to make one a common kitchen. Bookings will need to be directly with the lodge. We’ll solidify the bookings in mid-February. 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, and we’d need to specify this upon booking.
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
Rock/ice climbing experience (the grade that you can reliably top rope and short summary if you have outdoor experience)
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.

2022 AGM
2022-10-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Bushwakker’s Pub, 2206 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK, Canada
After a three-year pause, we’re ready to have an AGM again! We’d like to invite you to come join us at Bushwakker’s pub, Arizona Room on Tuesday October 25th, 2022 at 7:00pm. The meeting is open to members and non-members. The agenda will include an update on all dealings of the section and a look ahead for next years activities. This includes the Banff Mountain Film Festival, trips, financial and other initiatives. The attached Bylaws will also be proposed to the members for a vote.
We look forward to connecting with all of you. Additionally, we would like to hear from you! Any feedback or suggestion on how we can best support the community would be greatly appreciated.

Grunting at Devils Tower
2022-09-29 17:30 - 2022-10-02 17:30 | Devil’s Tower, WY
Small group trip down to the Tower! Do you like taping up your hands and grunting up a crack? Come find out if you do. This will be a multi-pitch climbing trip on some famous routes. Tentative objectives include Durrance (one of the 50 classic climbs of North America), Bon Homme variation, El Cracko Diablo, and TAD.
Devil’s Tower is the closest climbing location to Regina at 7 hours away. Plan is to drive down the evening of Thursday Sept 29th, climb on the 30th/Oct 1st and return on the Sunday morning.
THIS IS AN INTERMEDIATE TRIP – NOT BEGINNER FRIENDLY. No prior outdoor climbing experience is required; however, participants should be comfortable climbing at a 5.10 level at the Regina Climbing Centre. Although the proposed route grades are below this, the grading on the Tower is stiff and very physical. The trip is currently capped at 4 participants with 3 leaders (Calyton Bakke, James Lewis and Mark Nielsen).
Accommodations
There is a campground near the tower which will be arranged by the leaders. The additional expense of the camping is minimal.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabineer/ATC, helmet, and small backpack. 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. This is a U.S based trip, so a current passport will be necessary.
Travel and Food
Food and travel will be arranged amongst the group when participants are selected.
Participants
This trip is open to participants 18 years of age and older. Participants must have a current ACC Great Plains Section membership. Age exceptions may be made at the discretion of the leaders, so please feel free to apply if you are not in this age category, and your application will be reviewed and considered. Sign up will be on a first come first served basis/skill level at the discretion of the trip leaders. As mentioned above, participants should be comfortable top-rope climbing at a 5.10 level.
Cost
Trip cost will be $50 per person. This does not include campsite fees.
Trip Sign Up information:
If interested in the trip, please send the following sign-up information to Mark Nielsen at m.nielsen.sask@gmail.com

First and Last Name
Phone number
ACC Membership Number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Emergency contact information
Rock climbing experience (the grade that you can reliably top rope and short summary if you have outdoor experience)
Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)

Successful applicant confirmations will be sent out within the week after application. Please send any questions on the trip to Mark Nielsen. Further trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed.

Sept Long Climb @ Ten Sleep Wyoming
2022-09-03 - 2022-09-04 | Saskatchewan
Grab your passports and let’s head south! The club is offering section members an opportunity to go rock climbing for two days in Ten Sleep Canyon, Wyoming, on the September long weekend (Saturday September 3 and Sunday September 4, 2022).
THIS IS AN INTERMEDIATE TRIP – NOT BEGINNER FRIENDLY. No prior outdoor climbing experience is required; however, participants should be comfortable climbing at a 5.9 level. The trip is currently capped at 12 participants. (Participant number may increase).
Accommodations
Group camping has been reserved at Ten Sleep Rock Ranch for those wishing to stay with the group. Fees for this will be split equally amongst those camping, and will be collected at the time of the trip. For those not wishing to stay with the group, you will be responsible for arranging your own accommodations.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabiner/ATC, and helmet. 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. This is a U.S based trip, so a current passport will be necessary.
Travel and Food
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Ten Sleep Canyon and to the climbing areas. People will typically carpool with other participants and this is usually arranged in the weeks leading up to the trip. Participants will be responsible for arranging this on their own. Participants are responsible for their own food. Ten Sleep Canyon has a small convenience store with limited supplies; you may wish to bring groceries with you/purchase once you cross the border.
Participants
This trip is open to participants 18 years of age and older. Participants must have a current ACC Great Plains Section membership. Age exceptions may be made at the discretion of the leaders, so please feel free to apply if you are not in this age category, and your application will be reviewed and considered. Sign up will be on a first come first served basis at the discretion of the trip leaders. As mentioned above, participants should be comfortable top-rope climbing at a 5.9 level.
Cost
Trip cost will be $50 per person. This does not include campsite fees.
Trip Sign Up information:
If interested in the trip, please send the following sign-up information to Kristen Moore at klm403@mail.usask.ca:

First and Last Name
Phone number
ACC Membership Number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
Emergency contact information
Rock climbing experience
Indication if you would like to camp at Ten Sleep Rock Ranch
Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)

Successful applicant confirmations will be sent out within the week after application. Please send any questions on the trip to Kristen Moore. Further trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed.

Great Plains Start of Summer Climbing Trip
2022-06-03 08:00 - 2022-06-04 17:00 | Canmore, AB
SORRY! TRIP FULL – PLEASE E-MAIL SABRINA TO BE ADDED TO WAIT LIST IN THE EVENT SOMEONE CANCELS.
Let’s kick off the summer climbing season! We are offering section members an opportunity togo rock climbing this June (Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4). We will be based out ofBanff/Canmore, AB. Climbing is weather dependent, therefore the leaders may decide to cancelthe trip the week prior due to poor weather conditions.THIS TRIP IS BEGINNER FRIENDLY. No prior climbing experience is required. The trip iscurrently capped at 12 participants. (Participant number may increase based on participantexperience).
AccommodationsCampsites will be reserved at Tunnel Mountain Campground for those wishing to stay with thegroup. Fees for this will be split equally amongst those camping, and will be collected at the timeof the trip. For those not wishing to stay with the group, you will be responsible for arrangingyour own accommodations.GearParticipants are responsible for bringing or requesting to borrow personal gear, this includes:● Climbing shoes● Climbing harness● Carabiner and belay device● Climbing helmet
The club has a limited number of harnesses and helmets available to borrow at no cost toparticipants on a first come first served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wishto borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.The club will provide ropes, quickdraws, and anchors for group climbing.
Travel and FoodParticipants are responsible for their own transportation to Banff/Canmore and to the climbingareas. People will typically carpool with other participants and this is usually arranged in theweeks leading up to the trip. We will do our best to connect people searching for carpoolpartners.
ParticipantsThis trip is open to participants 18 years of age and older. Participants must have a current ACCGreat Plains Section membership. Age exceptions may be made at the discretion of theleaders, so please feel free to apply if you are not in this age category, and your application willbe reviewed and considered. Sign up will be on a first come first served basis at the discretionof the trip leaders.
CostTrip cost will be $50 per person. This does not include campsite fees or any food/transportation.
Trip Sign Up informationIf interested, please send the following information to Sabrina Heywood at sabrina.r.heywood@gmail.com.

First and Last Name
ACC Membership Number (must be Great Plains registered)
Rock climbing experience
Indications if you would like to camp at Tunnel
Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)

Successful trip applicant confirmations will be sent out within the week after application.Questions on this trip can be sent to Sabrina HeywoodFurther trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed.

Lake Louise Ice Climbing Trip
2022-03-18 07:00 - 2022-03-21 19:00 | Lake Louise, AB, Lake Louise, Alberta, T0L1E0, Canada
We are heading out on an Ice Climbing trip to Lake Louise, AB. Leaving on the 18th and returning on the 21st will leave us two climbing days on the 19th, and 20th. Lake Louise for sure, and perhaps climbing at Grotto as well. Lead by ACC President Mike Wild this will surely be a trip you don’t want to miss. Register today!

TRIP FULL: Rock Climbing Trip - September Long Weekend 2021
2021-09-04 - 2021-09-05 | Canmore, AB
We are offering section members an opportunity to go rock climbing on the September long weekend (Saturday September 4 and Sunday September 5, 2021). We will be based out of Banff/Canmore, AB. Climbing is weather dependent, therefore the leaders may decide to cancel the trip the week prior due to poor weather conditions.
THIS TRIP IS BEGINNER FRIENDLY. No prior climbing experience is required. The trip is currently capped at 18 participants. (Participant number may increase based on participant experience).
Accommodations
5 campsites have been reserved at Tunnel Mountain Campground for those wishing to stay with the group. Fees for this will be split equally amongst those camping, and will be collected at the time of the trip. For those not wishing to stay with the group, you will be responsible for arranging your own accommodations.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabiner/ATC, and helmet. 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.
Travel and Food
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Banff/Canmore and to the climbing areas. People will typically carpool with other participants and this is usually arranged in the weeks leading up to the trip.
Participants
This trip is open to participants 18 years of age and older. Participants must have a current ACC Great Plains Section membership. Age exceptions may be made at the discretion of the leaders, so please feel free to apply if you are not in this age category, and your application will be reviewed and considered. Sign up will be on a first come first served basis at the discretion of the trip leaders.
Cost
Trip cost will be $50 per person. This does not include campsite fees or any food/transportation.
Special Note: We recommend trip participants be fully vaccinated prior to this trip. Given the COVID-19 situation, please use extra caution, and if you are sick, please stay home.
Trip Sign Up information:
Successful trip applicant confirmations will be sent out within the week after application. Questions on this trip can be sent to Kristen Moore at klm403@mail.usask.ca. Further trip details will be circulated once participants are confirmed.

FULL: Dancing With the Devil: A Climbing Trip to Devil's Tower, WY
2019-09-20 08:00 - 2019-09-22 17:00 | Devil’s Tower, WY
This trip has met its registration limit and is now closed.
Dates: Sept 20th to 22nd
This will be a small group trip to Wyoming Devil’s Tower and is meant to be an introductory trip to the Tower. Tentative plan is to climb Friday and Saturday with the potential of Sunday morning depending on conditions. Target objectives are TADD, El Cracko Diablo, Durrance and Soler. Applicants should be able to climb 5.10+ and have experience climbing outside. Climbers will be chosen on experience level, timeliness of application and general involvement with the club. We have room for two people on this trip.
To register, please scroll down (all the way!) and click on the red Register Now button.
Contact Mark Nielsen at m.nielsen.sask@gmail.com with any questions.

Barry Blanchard: An evening with a Legendary Canadian Alpinist
2019-08-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Regina Climbing Centre, Canada

Climbing Kenora: A Women's Trip - Aug 10 to 13
2019-08-10 08:00 - 2019-08-13 17:00 | Saskatchewan
The GP section is excited to announce a women’s rock climbing trip to Kenora, ON. This is a beginner to intermediate friendly trip to the Canadian Shield. Kenora is about 8 hours away from Regina and offers a different take on scenery and climbs compared with the Rockies. There is plenty of free camping as well as paid sites around Kenora itself. There are also plenty of lakes around for post climbing dips.
The trip will take place August 10 – 13th (climbing half a day on the 13th if there is interest).
The registration deadline for this trip is August 3rd.
Please contact Jennifer (jenbillinsky@gmail.com) for details.
To register, please scroll down the page until you find the RED Register Now button,

20 Hour Wilderness First Aid: Subsidized
2019-06-21 - 2019-06-23 | Saskatchewan
What?! You read right. The Great Plains ACC Section, The Regina Climbing Centre and Back 40 Wilderness First Aid have teamed up to bring you the most exciting 20 hours you’ve ever had doing first aid. Seriously. It’s pretty awesome.
The course will be subsidized for ACC members only who are committing to become leaders and/or volunteers with the section. The course will be outdoors, rain or shine because injuries don’t wait for perfect weather. In fact, the worse the weather, the more likely you’ll get injured or in a tricky situation.
The GP ACC section recommends a WILDERNESS First Aid course for members. This will give you a whole different set of skills than you would get at a normal 20 hour course. Are you interested? Here are the details:
Dates: June 21 -23
Times: Friday 6 pm to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 4pm
Cost: $265.00 +GST
If you’d like more information, please contact Jordan at 306 522 5462.
Registration can be made via the REGISTER NOW link below (scroll down a bit!!)

BC Rocks: Part 2 - Revelstoke - June 20 & 21
2019-06-20 08:00 - 2019-06-21 17:00 | Revelstoke, BC, Canada
We are posting two trips that can be turned into one amazing Spring rock climbing trip in BC. Part 1 is taking place in Skaha Provincial Park in Penticton BC. This is being planned as a three day trip as there is an immense amount of rock to climb in this piece of paradise. Part 2 is in Revelstoke BC where the rock is less known but just as amazing.
THIS TRIP IS BEGINNER FRIENDLY. No prior climbing experience is required. This trip will be two days of climbing running Thursday June 20 to Friday June 21.
Registration will close on May 31, 2019 and participants will be notified shortly after. If the trip fills up prior to this date, registration will close as soon as it is full.
Accommodations
Participants will be responsible for their own accommodations. There is a ton of camping in the Revelstoke area along with a few good hotel options.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabiner/ATC, and helmet. The club has a limited number of harnesses and helmets available at no cost to participants on a first come first served basis. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Travel and Food
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Revelstoke and to the climbing areas. Driving is generally the best option and people will typically carpool with other participants and this is usually arranged in the weeks leading up to the trip.
Registration
There is a $20 trip fee per participant. Please scroll all the way down to find the Register Now button.

Respect The Mountains: Wascana Trails Maintenance Day
2019-06-15 09:30 - 16:30 | Wascana Trails, SK
Join your ACC Great Plains Section participating with all ACC Sections, Canada Wide, on June 15 for Respect The Mountains. This initiative is a UIAA brainchild and forms part of its commitment to sustainability and mountain protection. I aims to raise awareness about sustainable environmental and socio-cultural practices while setting an example and spreading the word in the outdoor community.
The ACC Great Plains section will be doing trail maintenance on our “mini mountains trails”. We will meet at Wascana Trails parking lot at 9:30 am and will go until 4:30. There will be a FREE BBQ in the afternoon. PLEASE REGISTER VIA THE REGISTER NOW LINK SO WE KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE TO PLAN FOR AT THE BBQ.
if you have questions, or want additional information, please contact Mike Wild at mpwild@hotmail.com

BC Rocks: Part 1 - Skaha - June 15-17, 2019
2019-06-15 08:00 - 2019-06-17 17:00 | Penticton BC, Canada
We are posting two trips that can be turned into one amazing Spring rock climbing trip in BC. Part 1 is taking place in Skaha Provincial Park in Penticton BC, the home of Ogopogo. This is being planned as a three day trip as there is an immense amount of rock to climb in the piece of paradise. Part 2 is in Revelstoke BC where the rock is less known but just as amazing.
THIS TRIP IS BEGINNER FRIENDLY. No prior climbing experience is required. This trip will be three days of climbing running Saturday June 15 to Monday June 17.
Registration will close on May 31, 2019 and participants will be notified shortly after. If the trip fills up prior to this date, registration will close as soon as it is full.
Accommodations
Participants will be responsible for their own accommodations. There is a ton of camping in the Penticton area along with a just as many hotel options.
Gear
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabiner/ATC, and helmet. The club has a limited number of harnesses and helmets available at no cost to participants on a first come first served basis. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.
Travel and Food
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Penticton and to the Skaha climbing area. There is an airport in both Penticton and Kelowna (about a 1 hour drive) should you want to fly. Alternately, people will typically carpool with other participants and this is usually arranged in the weeks leading up to the trip. If you are planning to do the second part of the BC Rocks adventure in Revelstoke, you may want to consider the driving option.
Registration
There is a $20 trip fee per participant. Please scroll all the way down to find the Register Now button.
