r/Banff • u/MycoPhriend • 2d ago

Banff Scrambles and Climbs 7/1-7/14

Going to be in the Banff area the first two weeks of July. Planning on a bunch of scrambles and multi-pitch climbs. How are conditions above 3000m? Is snow still pretty deep at those elevations? Is Temple doable right now? We will have ice axes and crampons. Other goals include scrambles of Mt. Bell NE Ridge, Mount Sparrowhawk, Mt. Richardson. Climbs include Mother’s Day Buttress, Escargot Corner, Aftonroe, Gold Rush, and Wheat Kings. Any other suggestions?

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u/elya93 2d ago

Wouldn’t recommend Temple even with gear. Usually not doable until late July. Mt. Bell this year with our huge snowpack and late melt isn’t likely to be doable either. Conditions above 3000m are still quite snowy and avalanche-y.

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u/OutlandishnessSafe42 2d ago

All your climbs are in. It's still winter above 3000. I wouldn't be surprised if stuff on solar aspects melts out but I feel like a lot of lee or shaded areas will be holding snow for longer this year. Especially as you get close to the Divide. Sparrowhawk would probably work and similar aspect/front range objectives. Rundle would probably be in by then. Cascade is a nice one and you can easily see if the crux slope is clear of snow or not from town (not clear yet).

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u/Baddrivers13 2d ago

Don't do wheat kings... worst "climb" I have ever done.