Upcoming Events
Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
Soul of Miistaki and Yamnuska Mountain Adventures are partnering up to offer 1 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) individual a scholarship spot on Yamnuska's Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Backcountry on Jan 31-Feb 2 2024 Program Description at $495 CAD plus tax.
Alberta residence only for this application
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS December 27th 9:00 am MST
It is required that you read and agree to the following Soul of Miistaki Waiver, please click on the link and read all the information carefully.
Perfect for those eager to explore pristine landscapes and untouched powder, this course provides you with the essential skills and knowledge to confidently explore off-piste terrain. Under the guidance of Yamnuska's experienced instructors, you’ll learn basic avalanche safety, route finding, and efficient travel techniques, all while immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of untracked snow. Elevate your skiing or splitboarding experience and unlock the endless possibilities that lie beyond the lift lines.
The opportunity for backcountry skiing in Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, and Lake Louise is nearly limitless. Discover this magnificent sport and learn the skills to get out into the backcountry where it's ‘fresh tracks’ nearly every run. Caution: You may never return to a ski resort again!
Is it for you?
In this course, we introduce participants to backcountry skiing & splitboarding through a better understanding of their gear plus the basic skills and practices required for a safer and more enjoyable backcountry experience. Avalanche awareness will be touched upon, but it is strongly recommended that participants also take the Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course offered by Yamnuska if they wish to continue in the backcountry.
Prerequisites:
Participants are required to be at least intermediate skiers on alpine or telemark gear (i.e. must feel comfortable on blue runs in most conditions). Participants should be ‘hiking fit’. This course is appropriate for your first backcountry skiing experience.
Splitboards:
Splitboarders should be at an advanced level of snowboarding at the resort and able to handle flat sections and traverses. Note that our guides will be on skis but are familiar with splitboarding equipment.
*Note you are personally responsible for your transportation to and from the course as well as your accommodations. However, please don't hesitate to reach out to us should you need some support as we can reach out to community partners, we just can't guarantee this support.
AST 1- Avalanche Safety Training
Soul of Miistaki and Yamnuska Mountain Adventures are thrilled to partner in offering a scholarship spot for Yamnuska's AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course!
This course is an introduction to avalanche safety, designed to equip winter backcountry enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills to travel safely in avalanche terrain. Led by certified ACMG and IFMGA guides with decades of backcountry experience, the two-day AST 1 program combines classroom learning on snow science and avalanche conditions with a hands-on field day for practical skill application. Whether you're into backcountry skiing, split-boarding, or snowshoeing, this course is the foundation for safe adventures in the mountains.
📅 Deadline for applications: Nov 18th, 2024 9:00am MST.
📍Alberta residents only for this opportunity.
To apply, please ensure you read and agree to the Soul of Miistaki waiver.
Please note: While transportation and accommodations are not included, we're here to support you! Reach out if you need assistance, and we'll do our best to connect you with community partners.
Hiking through an Indigenous Lens
Join us for a unique hiking experience with Soul of Miistaki and Buffalo Stone Woman!
Explore the beauty of Troll Falls, guided by O’takii Tsowakii - Heather Black, also known as the Indigenous Adventure Girl. Heather, an entrepreneur and facilitator also a proud member of the Blood Tribe Nation, will share her deep connection to the land, rich cultural stories, and Indigenous perspective.
Event Details:
📅 Date: September 15th
🕘 Time: 9 AM - 12 PM
📍 Location: Troll Falls
This hike is open to everyone, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and allies, with only 9 spots available. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with community and land.
This experience is brought to you by the Government of Alberta as part of the Alberta Culture Days Sept 1 -30th. Discover more events at www.alberta.ca/alberta-culture-days.
FULL!
4th Annual Cultural Climbing Camp
Join us for the 4th Annual Cultural Climbing Camp. Come climb, hang out, & learn from each other, community leaders, climbing guides and our Elders. This event is open to BIPOC folks of all genders.
The Cultural Climbing Camp is a meaningful opportunity to enhance your climbing skills while deepening your connection with our Elders, the land, and our community. Whether you’re new to climbing or have experience, we’re here to support you. If you’re just starting out, we’ll introduce you to climbing in a welcoming and supportive environment with the help of our dedicated guides and team. For those who are already experienced climbers, we’re excited to build on your skills and help you with any questions you may have as you continue your climbing journey.
This weekend will provide valuable opportunities to share experiences and connect with our Elders. They will lead discussions and share their wisdom about Indigenous traditions, enriching our understanding and connection with the land.
When: Sept 6th - Sept 8th 2024
Where: Bow Valley, AB
Accommodations: ACC Canmore Clubhouse
Age: 18+
No experience is needed. Application Deadline Aug 15, 2024.
We’re excited to have @arcteryx.alberta and @arcteryx continue to be the primary partner of the Cultural Climbing Camp & for their longstanding support.
Additionally, we are proud to partner with @yamnuskamtnadv for guides & rentals. Also thank you to the @alpineclubcan for help with accommodations.
FULL!
Intro to Navigation
Dive into navigation with Soul of Miistaki and Get Outside Adventures! Join us for a one-day Navigation Course where you’ll master map reading and compass skills. No GPS needed here!
By the end of the day, you’ll find true north without gadgets, match terrain to maps, orient using a compass, and decipher those topo map squiggles!
📍 What to Expect:
🗺️ Intro session at Elevation Place, Canmore, AB on August 19th, 8:30 AM
🏞️ On-the-land learning at Yamnuska Flats from 10:30 AM
🎯 Learning Goals:
Map interpretation and symbols
Grid references and UTM coordinates
Route planning and field identification
Compass bearings and declination
Map orientation techniques
Who’s It For:
BIPOC Women & BIPOC People of Expansive Genders looking to enhance their outdoor skills! All fitness levels welcome. This is more about brain power than endurance—just a 7km hike with 150m elevation gain and a brief bushwhacking section.
BIPOC Rock Rescue
We’re excited to announce an offering for our intermediate to advanced climbers: an introductory rock rescue course.
Prerequisite: A good understanding of sport climbing systems and anchors, and some familiarity with multi-pitch climbing systems.
Learning Goals:
- Escaping a belay
- Rope ascension
- Improvised rappel techniques
- Anchor configurations
- Knots and hitches
Ages 18+
Programming for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) individuals
FULL!
Intro to Mountaineering
Soul of Miistaki and Yamnuska Mountain Adventures are teaming up to offer an incredible opportunity! We're thrilled to announce that we're offering a scholarship spot on Yamnuska's Snow and Ice weekend from June 22-24, 2024, valued at $995 CAD plus tax, to one BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) individual.
This amazing program introduces beginners to the world of mountaineering, covering techniques for ice and snow climbing, safe glacier travel, and crevasse rescue over three comprehensive days. With iconic peaks like Mt. Athabasca on the itinerary, it's an experience you won't forget!
📅 Deadline for applications: April 30th, 9:00 am MST.
📍 Alberta residents only for this opportunity.
To apply, please ensure you read and agree to the Soul of Miistaki Waiver. Check the link in our bio for all the details and how to apply!
Please note: While transportation and accommodation are not included, we're here to support you! Reach out if you need assistance, and we'll do our best to connect you with community partners.
Don't miss out on this chance to embark on a journey that might just ignite a lifelong passion for mountaineering and the outdoors.
Intro to Ice Climbing
Gear up for a day of ice climbing basics in Canmore with community in partnership with @yamnuskamtnadv. This is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) programming. Program fee includes everything you need to get vertical: ice tools, climbing harness, helmet, mountaineering boots, crampons, and gloves.
Date: Saturday, Feb 24th Location: @yamnuskamtnadvTime: 7 AM - 4 PM
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old Fee: $70 (Includes rental equipment & guiding fees)
📅 Application Deadline: Feb 10th, 5:30 PM MST. Payment required to secure your spot.
Waitlist opens: APPROX. Feb 16th, 5:30 PM MST
BIPOC NORQUAY VIA FERRATA
Led by a highly experienced ACMG-certified guide, you wear a harness that is always attached to the mountain’s steel cable pathway, securing you to the rock at all times.
No climbing knowledge is needed – just a basic level of physical fitness, and a big sense of adventure.
Ridge Walker Tour
3.5 – 4 hour round trip | 1.4km distance
To get a greater feel for heights, exposure and the full Via Ferrata experience, become a Ridgewalker! This half-day excursion takes you high up on the Norquay cliffs, climbing the Memorial, Sunrise and Vista buttresses – and of course, traversing the suspension bridge.
AGE 15+ (If under 18, you need to be accompanied by your parent/guardian)
FEE: $70 (This helps run future programming)
SPONSORED BY ACMG ADVENTURE ACCESS GRANT!
Intro to Outdoor Climbing
Soul Of Miistaki will be offering a one day Intro to Outdoor Climbing
Sunday, June 18th, 2023
Age: 16+
Fee: $50 (inform us if cost is a limitation we can help)
Rentals Included (if you have some of your own gear feel free to bring it)
FULL!!
Social Climb Night @ Hanger CCC
Event Address: Calgary Climbing Centre Hanger 588 Aero Dr NE #106, Calgary, AB T2E 7Y4
Contact us at soulofmiistaki@gmail.com
Date: Friday June 2nd 6:00 - 9:00pm
Check-In @ 6:00 pm
Introductions @ 6:30 pm
Draw Prizes @ 8:30 pm
Event is social gathering to celebrate community and our new logo. Both BIPOC and ally's are welcome to attend this event. To register fill out a form for each person attending. Max of 44 spots available for the event.
All ages and climbing levels are welcome to join us for the night (Climbers under the age of 14 will need an adult with them for the evening). There won't be any formal climbing instruction just climbing and snacks! Calgary Climbing Centre Members and Non-Members can register, the drop-in $15 rate will only include a rental harness. Rental Climbing shoe will be a separate charge. Bring comfortable clothes and a pair of indoor gym shoes if you don't have climbing shoes.
Ensure that you Calgary Climbing Centre Waiver is up to date, legal names and valid photo ID will be required upon check-in to validate your waiver or a minor's waiver.
BIPOC Indoor Climbing Progression Course
Calgary Climbing Centre- Rocky Mountain - Map
For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Colour) ages 16+.
No experience is needed. Belay Certification Recommended. Belay Pre-Course on April 19th. We want to ensure you have fun and take away a memorable experience and possibly help with transitioning to rock climbing this year if that is your goal.
4 Wednesdays in April and May (April 19th, April 26th, May 3rd, May 10th)
6:30 pm -8:30 pm
Belay Pre-Course April 19th, 5:00 pm
No leading will be in this course.
All gear is provided
Fee: $40
INTRO TO BIKE MAINTENANCE
Bicycle Cafe is hosting their 2nd annual "Intro to Bike Maintenance" clinic for BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+, and adaptive cyclists, and women and Soul of Miistaki will be collaborating with them.
The bike industry hasn't always thrown open its doors in order to make sure everyone who wants to have some pedal-powered fun feels welcomed and empowered. We are hoping to help break down one of the barriers to entry; understanding how our bikes work and what we need to do when they stop working.
This clinic will leave you with a basic understanding of pre/post-ride bike maintenance, the knowledge required for common trailside breakdowns.
We are here to help answer my questions and are stoked to share our experiences from within the industry, as well as being open to feedback for how we can grow to better support all riders.
Date: March 7th, 21st & April 18th.
Time: 7pm-9ish
Location: Bicycle Cafe Canmore, AB
Cost: $20.00 (All proceeds will go to Soul of Miistaki with their mission to create connections to the traditional lands of Indigenous people through movement, personal growth, and inclusive access to outdoor activities).
There are 45 spots available + a waitlist.
March 7th: https://forms.gle/JWeHADnyCdf4TNJt6
March 21st: https://forms.gle/D9BFivE1AFFmZx4x9
April 18th: https://forms.gle/rmJoQWRE36ZxdxY78
Waitlist: https://forms.gle/HbFjXrLkWy6rqqPu5
BIPOC INTRO TO ICE CLIMBNG
Soul Of Miistaki will be offering a BIPOC Intro to Ice Climbing Friday March 3rd 2023.
Fee: $50 (Please let us know if this is a barrier)
No experience is needed. We want to ensure you have fun and take away a memorable experience in the mountains.
Climbing gear is provided by Yamnuska Mountain Adventures (Helmet, harness, mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes)
Personal Items to bring: All your warm layers, hot beverages such as tea in a thermos, lunch, sunscreen etc (I can go into more detail once email is sent out)
*Limited spots available. If chosen, I will send confirmation and link for payment.* Preference given to individuals that have never been ice climbing before.
ADULT BIPOC INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING
Soul Of Miistaki will be offering a BIPOC Intro to Ice Climbing Sunday January 15th, 2022.
Fee: $40
No experience is needed. We want to ensure you have fun and take away a memorable experience in the mountains.
Climbing gear is provided by Yamnuska Mountain Adventures (Helmet, harness, mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes)
Personal Items to bring: All your warm layers, hot beverages such as tea in a thermos, lunch, sunscreen etc (I can go into more detail once email is sent out)
*Limited spots available. If chosen, I will send confirmation and link for payment.* Preference given to individuals that have never been ice climbing before.
BIPOC Climbing Progression Course
For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Colour) ages 15+.
No experience is needed. We want to ensure you have fun and take away a memorable experience and possibly help with transitioning to rock climbing this year if that is your goal.
4 Thursday’s in January (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th)
6pm-8pm
No leading will be in this course.
All gear is provided
Fee: $40
FULL!
BIPOC WOMEN CULTURAL CLIMBING CAMP!
2ND ANNUAL CULTURAL CLIMBING CAMP!
We will be learning to climb, progress our skills, and as well learning from a Blackfoot Elder to learn about the History and Indigenous cultural, as well as story telling.
We will be spending the weekend together in the Canmore ACC cabins.
BIPOC Women Intro to Rock Climbing
We are excited to announce a collaboration between The B.I.G. Initiative & Soul of Miistaki to offer a BIPOC Intro to Climbing for women identifying persons.
BIPOC Intro to Lead
Prerequisites: Competently top rope climb, belay, tie in and climbed outdoors a bit.
BIPOC Norquay Via Ferrata
Led by a highly experienced ACMG-certified guide, you wear a harness that is always attached to the mountain’s steel cable pathway, securing you to the rock at all times.
No climbing knowledge is needed – just a basic level of physical fitness, and a big sense of adventure.
Ridge Walker Tour
3.5 – 4 hour round trip | 1.4km distance
To get a greater feel for heights, exposure and the full Via Ferrata experience, become a Ridgewalker! This half-day excursion takes you high up on the Norquay cliffs, climbing the Memorial, Sunrise and Vista buttresses – and of course, traversing the suspension bridge.
AGE 15+ (If under 18, you need to be accompanied by your parent/guardian)
FEE: $40 (This helps run future programming)
SPONSORED BY ACMG ADVENTURE ACCESS GRANT!
FULL!
BIPOC Intro to Rock Climbing
Beginner Friendly!
All gear graciously donated by Gear Up Canmore!
Ages: 16+
Location: TBA
All gear provided!
BIPOC Intro to mountain biking
Mountain biking has been a hard sport to get into because of costs. If you have always wanted to try this activity out, now is your chance. As usual, we will be offering this course at a subsidized cost. If you know you can pay the full amount of trying this out, please do.
Bikes and helmets are included.
Collaboration with Alberta66!
Gear provided by The Handle-Bar!
Intro to Hiking (open to everyone)
(Open to everyone) All Ages
Indigescape into the Rockies with Buffalo Stone Woman (Iinisskimmaakii).
This event will cover the basics of hiking, but also you will learn about Indigenous history and the land.
Cost: $40
BIPOC Intro to indoor climbing program
UPDATE: PROGRAM FULL
For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Colour) ages 16+.
No experience is needed. We want to ensure you have fun and take away a memorable experience and possibly help with transitioning to rock climbing this year.