Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls and Hers – February 18, 2007

Ice climbing with Kevin, Raff, and Jason.

Initially, this was a planned attempt of Association peak with the hope of ascending "The David Thompson Motor Inn" ice climb en route to the summit. Unfortunately, a minor snow blizzard during the drive to the start of the trip, prompted us to choose a more modest objective. After mulling things over at a coffee shop in Canmore, we decided that attaining a summit in the present weather conditions was a long shot and to salvage the day we would head up Grotto canyon to do some ice climbing.

Taking advantage of being the first party there, we started off with Grotto Falls. The route was still is good shape, however, the sheer volume of people having completed the ascent rendered the climb a fairly easy proposition – I believe “hooked out” is the phrase that’s commonly used. The Grade 3 rating certainly was in question, especially when compared to the Grade 2 rating given to the more difficult climb of Chantilly Falls, Mark and I did a week earlier.

Jason did the ascent solo, without a rope, while Kevin dragged two ropes up to belay Raff and me. We all completed the ascent, rappelled down and then headed to the more difficult climb named “Hers”.

Jason led "Hers", making it look easy, and set up a top-rope. Kevin followed, also with relative ease. I didn’t make anything look easy and could only make it halfway up the climb before my arms were too tired to continue. Lack of forearm strength may have been a contributing factor, but certainly lack of technique was a main problem. Jason offered me some valuable ice climbing techniques that will definitely help me in the future. Raff then did the ascent in fine form.

Afterwards Jason, Raff and Kevin all practiced dry-tooling up the left side of the ice. My arms were too sore to try and so after, we all headed further up the left side of Grotto Canyon to attempt another climb that Jason had spotted on an earlier trip. Unfortunately, we were unable the reach the base of that climb because of down-sloping, slabby terrain that blocked the route. We retreated and headed to Canmore for well-deserved beer and food. A terrific day out with awesome company.