JASPER PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Private Glacier Hike on the Athabasca: A Tailored Half‑Day on Ice from Jasper
A private 3–6 hour guided glacier hike on the Athabasca Glacier near Jasper, tailored to your group's pace with all technical gear supplied for a customizable ice experience.
Private Glacier Hike on the Athabasca: A Tailored Half‑Day on Ice from Jasper.
On the Athabasca Glacier, a private half‑day with a Rockaboo guide turns a standard tour into an exacting, intimate encounter with high alpine ice — a chance to move at your pace, explore remote icefall zones and, if conditions allow, descend into crevasses under rope. The experience is designed around your group’s interests and abilities, and the guide will adapt route and tempo accordingly.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Access to remote and difficult-to-reach glacier terrain
This private format opens access to sections of the Athabasca that larger groups rarely see, including options to travel closer to the icefall and explore more remote parts of the glacier under guide supervision.
Ropes, rigging and short crevasse descents
When weather and conditions permit, guides will rig haul systems so groups can descend a short distance into the sub‑surface ice, offering a controlled look at sub‑glacial environments and hands‑on glacier technique.
A tailor‑made day for photographers
Because the trip is private, your guide can pace the day for the light, vantage points and compositions you want — ideal for anyone chasing strong glacier images or who wants time to set up shots.
What the day feels like
How the day feels
Expect a focused, flexible half‑day on the ice where the guide and group decide the itinerary. You’ll meet at the Columbia Icefield area base, kit up with provided technical equipment, and spend 3–6 hours moving across varied glacier terrain at a pace set for your party — from relaxed photographic stops to more technical rope work if desired.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should discuss adjustments in advance.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Meet at the RV Parking Lot in the Columbia Icefield Area at the Rockaboo Ice Base; the guide will organize gear and the planned route from this location.
Private trips run roughly 3–6 hours and can be paced to your group’s interests, with common full private days returning within a 4–6 hour timeframe.
Bring sun protection, fluids, snacks and a small daypack; bring your camera and a sense of adventure. All technical equipment, including mountain boots, is provided by the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to bring any specialized equipment?
No. All technical equipment including mountain boots are provided.
Are the guides certified to work on glaciers?
Yes. Guides are trained and tested by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), meeting international standards set by the IFMGA.
Is the trip difficult?
It can be. Participants should be prepared to hike 5–10 km in variable weather over varied surfaces; guides focus on a comfortable pace and assist with challenging sections.
What if I can't continue or need assistance?
Guides will work with you to ensure comfort and have options and staff to assist with returning to the trailhead safely; in urgent situations they have plans to facilitate return to civilization.
Can we use ropes to descend into the ice?
Yes. When weather and conditions are suitable, the private trip is the best format for rope work; guides provide instruction and oversight as groups build haul systems to lower and raise participants into short crevasse descents.
Can I bring my drone?
No. Flying drones in the National Parks is a federal offence; guests are asked to leave drones in the car.
Can I bring my dog?
Possibly. Dogs on leash that can handle the terrain are an option, but you should call ahead to confirm it will work for your specific trip.