[NOTE: This article appeared in the Nov. 27 issue of the Golden Star. Today, representatives from the ACMG, ACC and Yamnuska have contacted the CVCA and intend to support future access discussions. Inquiries can be directed to Ryan Kuhn at 344-0048, or editorial@cablerocket.com]

Canyon ice climbs off limits for two seasons

By Ryan Kuhn

Star Editor

Ice Climbers in Golden will have to drive a bit further to enjoy their sport as the majority of popular ice climbs in the Kicking Horse Canyon east of Golden will be off limits for the next two seasons.

The area between the 7.8 and 12.7 kilometre markers east of Golden on the Trans-Canada Highway is closed to the public other than through-traffic due to the current 5-Mile bridge project, which isn¹t due for completion until September of 2004. According to Gord Baggler, project supervisor for Kiewet Sons Co. Ltd. ‹ the company responsible for the 5-Mile project ‹ the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) restrictions surrounding the construction zone strictly prohibit public access in the area. "There is an inherent danger here," Baggler told the Star. "You don¹t want\ to come into this area because there is dangerous construction."

The Columbia Valley Climbing Association (CVCA) was hoping to reach a compromise with the Ministry of Transportation and Kiewet to allow some form of access, but Baggler said the restrictions are not up for negotiation. He said that people who try to pass through the work zone will be asked to leave, and if they don¹t comply they will be escorted off the premises by the authorities.

However, Baggler emphasized that, in the future, climbers and the public will have a safer highway on which to travel. Troy Hudson is the president of the CVCA. He said that the situation is unfortunate, but for the time being climbers can do little other than comply with the regulations. "It is unfortunate that we can¹t access these climbs," said Hudson. "But on the positive side we will have a safer highway. Now we want to make sure we can have access to this area after the construction is complete."

The CVCA has contacted guiding groups and posting notices on climbing information web sites to make people aware of the changes, as the Kicking Horse Canyon brings climbers from throughout the world to Golden. The closure will likely have an economic impact on local businesses. The CVCA hopes to work with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that, after the 5-Mile project is completed, there is an area where climbers can park and access the climbs. Agreements were reached with rafting companies in the area for a take-out, and the CVCA hopes the same courtesy will be extended to climbers.

Golden, B.C., ice routes temporarily closed (Early November update also courtesy of Ryan Kuhn/Golden star)

Currently in the Kicking Horse Canyon east of Golden there is a major construction project underway to replace the 5-Mile bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway. This construction will prohibit all access to many popular climbs in the area for this winter, including Pretty Nuts, Riverview and the Essendale Right and Left. It may totally change the access in this area forever, as it will become a four-lane bridge/highway with no pull-out.

However, the Columbia Valley Climbing Association will be holding a meeting shortly with the Ministry of Highways to seek an access compromise. It's pretty much a given that Pretty Nuts will not be accessible this year as there is major machinery at the bottom. Please, nobody try to access these climbs until there is a resolution, or it could prevent any access for the remainder of the season. If anybody has any questions, contact Ryan Kuhn at

(250) 344-0048 or Troy Hudson at (250) 344-2966.