​The Backcountry Challenge was designed to represent what the guide likes to do on a ''day off''. That means bigger objectives, higher viewpoints and some sweat.

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Who is it for?

It is directed towards people looking to be rewarded by a physically challenging experience. If you are training, or simply looking to challenge yourself, this is the right fit for you and we will choose a destination that fits your profile.

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Where do we go?

It's about going up, high, far, pushing our limits to get there, and, as a result, going away from the crowds. Our preferred locations for this trip are peaks, ridges, traverses, passes and long distance locations.

Note: The objective has to stay within the ACMG Hiking Guide’s Scope of Practice.

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Average Hike Details:

Difficulty: Strenuous (Based on distance, elevation gain and terrain)

Distance: 15-25 kms (Roundtrip)

Elevation gain: 700m + (Could be up to about 1500m)

Duration: Up to 8 hours on trail

Reminder

All trips are tailored to your needs and preferences. The details above will vary according to the hiker(s) Profile.

Pre-trip personalized planning

We'll get in touch with you in order to create your profile and start building your experience. We'll discuss objectives, fitness level, personal interest and preferences. 

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Professional Hiking Guide

Our Hiking Guide has 12 years exploring the Canadian Rocky Mountains and some other parts of the continent. He is a certified Hiking Guide of the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides). He is also a member of the IGA (Interpretive Guide Association) and an accredited Wilderness First Responder.

Complementary certifications: ACMG Hiking Guide Winter Travel, AST1 (Avalanche Safety Training Level 1)

Your guide speaks 3 languages: French, English and Spanish.

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Alpine Snacks and Lunch

We will provide healthy and nutritious options to make sure you can stay energized all the way to the end of the hike and our selections follow recommendations of nutritionists. When you are contacted, you will be asked to provide info about allergies and/or dietary choices.

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Transportation 

Avoid the hassle of trying to find the trailhead by having your guide pick you up and take you there in comfort, all while he shares his knowledge and stories of the area. At the same time, you can really enjoy picturesque scenery without missing any details; not to mention the added bonus that you won't have to drive back at the end of the day, as you might be "a bit" tired!

• Pick up at your location (Banff or Canmore. Other locations will need to be discussed).

• Meet and greet.​

• Guide’s briefing, sign waivers.

• Interpretative and scenic drive.

• You are provided with the Alpine lunch and snacks.

• Hiking: duration up to 8 hours.

• Relaxing drive back to your location.

• Shake hands, end of challenge.

Having the right gear is key to safety in the mountains. We have to be ready for the Rockies' unpredictable weather and also to be ready to stay warm in case of emergency.

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Footwear

• Hiking boots: lightweight or moderate-weight. Broken-in.

  • Recommended.​

       -or-

• Hiking shoes.

  • Less stability and ankle protection when walking on uneven terrain.

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Clothing

Layers, layers, layers!

• Socks​

  • Wearing an appropriate pair of socks can make a big difference on your footwear fit and comfort during the hike.  

  • Good choice: wool hiking socks. ​

  • Extra pair.

• Base layer: short or long sleeves. 

  • Good choice: merino wool, synthetic materials.​

• Mid-layer 1: Medium weight (i.e. fleece, wool).

• Mid-layer 2: Warm jacket (i.e. thick fleece, down jacket)

• Waterproof Jacket: with hood.

  • Good choice: Gore-Tex or equivalent.

• Light weight pants or shorts. 

  • Good choice: nylon.

  • No jeans.

• Gloves or mittens.

  • Good choice: Gore-Tex or equivalent.

• Sunhat or cap.

• Hat/Tuque, ear warmers or Buff.

Recommended:

• Waterproof pants or gathers.

  • Good choice: with side zippers, Gore-Tex or equivalent.​​​

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Miscellaneous

• Backpack: large enough to carry spare clothing, lunch and water. (25 - 40L recommended)

• Water: 2 liters.​

• Trekking poles: helps reduce impact on knees and back, specially on the way down.

• Sunglasses with good UV protection

• Sunscreen

• Toilet paper
• Mosquito repellant

If you are missing any of the above, contact us to see if we can provide it for you.

Please note that once you have booked a service with us it means that we have reserved time in our schedule exclusively for you.

If you cancel your appointment less than 72 hours before it is scheduled to take place, you will not be refunded.

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To avoid a cancellation fee, please provide cancellation notice at least 72 hours prior to your service.

You can cancel or reschedule a service by:

Emailing us: banffhikingcompany@gmail.com

Texting or Calling: 1 403 497 6676.