Bivouacking guidelines

Bivouacs are used by climbers on alpine routes that cannot be completed in a day, or which require an early start for safety reasons.

Climbers wishing to bivouac must purchase a backcountry camping permit by by calling 780-852-6177. Bivouac permits cannot be booked online.

Bivouac regulations

• The bivouac site must be as close to the start of the route as possible.
• The bivouac site must be in the alpine zone on un-vegetated areas.
• Fires are not allowed.
• All litter must be packed out.
• Rock wind breaks must be dismantled.
• The group size is limited to 6 people.
• Solid human waste must be deposited in a small excavated hole with rocks placed on top. Burn toilet paper.
• Bivouacking is not permitted within 1 km of Alpine Club huts.
• The bivouac must be removed when the climb is completed.

Routes where bivouacs are not permitted

• Mount Athabasca – all routes (use Columbia Icefield or Wilcox campgrounds)
• Mount Edith Cavell - East and West ridges
• Pyramid Mountain 
• Mount Fryatt - all routes except the West Ridge (use Sydney Vallance (Fryatt) Hut or Headwall Campground)
• Mount Colin - all routes (use Colin Hut)
• The Ramparts - all routes (use Wates-Gibson Hut or Surprise Point Campground)
• Eremite Valley - all routes (use Wates-Gibson Hut)
• Mount Andromeda – all routes except Andromeda Strain (use Columbia Icefield or Wilcox campgrounds)