The Land
Mountaineering here isn’t about “conquering” or bagging peaks; it’s about experiencing and respecting the landscape on its terms. These mountains have their own rhythms, their own rules. Approaching with a mindset of exploration rather than domination means listening to the land, recognizing its power, and treading lightly. Every climb is a partnership with nature, not a battle. When we explore with respect, we connect deeper, leaving the landscape as we found it—for the next climber and for the land itself.
Routes
Climbing requires special skills and equipment. Look for additional advice on routes, conditions, and applicable fees in national parks. We recommend the Rogers Pass Alpine Guide.
Mount Begbie
SE Ridge | D 5.4
Mount Begbie is Revelstoke's signature peak and a serious climb for anyone in the area. The route involves a glacier crossing, followed by exposed scrambling along the southeast ridge. It’s a mix of rock and ice, with technical sections that need careful navigation. Once you’re on the ridge, the views are next-level, covering the Columbia Valley. This is a full-day adventure, and proper experience with alpine scrambling and glacial travel is a must.
Rogers Peak
North Ridge | AD
A classic technical route with mixed rock and ice climbing, especially challenging in late-season conditions. This route includes steep rock sections with ice patches, so it’s suited to experienced climbers looking for serious exposure.
Sustainability
Revelstoke’s backcountry is rugged and wild, and keeping it that way takes conscious effort from everyone who heads into these mountains. Practicing leave-no-trace principles isn’t just an option; it’s essential.
Stick to established routes and campsites, pack out everything you bring, and be mindful of wildlife by keeping a wide berth from animals and avoiding sensitive areas like alpine meadows. Glacier and alpine environments are especially fragile—by respecting the land and minimizing impact, we keep these routes open and preserved for future climbers.
Mountaineering | Glacier National Park | P Chris Rubens
History
1885
The Canadian Pacific Railway
As the railway pushed westward, it reached the challenging terrain of Rogers Pass in 1885, where avalanches and rugged mountains made it one of the most dangerous stretches of track. The CPR saw the potential to turn these mountains from a transport challenge into a tourism draw, inviting European mountaineers to explore and map the peaks around Rogers Pass.
1899
Avalanche Control
The Canadian Pacific Railway brought over Swiss guides Edward Feuz Sr. and Christian Haesler Sr., setting a standard for technical mountaineering in Canada. These guides were not only skilled climbers but also pioneers in avalanche control, applying techniques learned from the Alps to Canada’s steep snowpacks. Over time, other Swiss guides followed, moving their families to the Revelstoke area, and establishing a community deeply connected to the mountains.
1900s
Mountaineering & Skiing Boom
By the early 1900s, mountaineering and skiing were booming, and Swiss-style lodges popped up to support the growing number of climbers. The guides’ influence extended to skiing, bringing European expertise to Revelstoke and laying the groundwork for its reputation as a backcountry hub. The mix of local and Swiss mountaineering knowledge made Revelstoke the place for serious alpine climbing, with Rogers Pass becoming a gateway to routes on Mount Sir Donald, Mount Tupper, and countless other peaks.
Mountaineering providers
Valhalla Pure Outfitters
Explore Valhalla Pure Outfitters for top-quality outdoor clothing, gear, footwear, and accessories.
Revy Outdoors
An outdoor clothing and equipment store which offers a wide selection of gear, clothing, and accessories for various activities such as hiking, camping, backpacking, skiing, mountaineering, and climbing.
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