A community of alpine enthusiasts, sharing base camp in Edmonton.

I first heard of Helen Burns during my Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) Edmonton Section photo competition research this past summer and was intrigued by her climbing and club accomplishments. She was the first female Chair of the Edmonton Section, but little else was written about her. Intrigued, I set about researching details of her life as written in newspaper accounts and other sources. My research revealed that she was an integral member of the Read more

Modern day avalanche safety is a focus for the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) and is far different from early attitudes. Read the Avalanche Safety Training and the Edmonton Section article for more information. The winter of 1937-38 was a bad one for avalanches in the Canadian Rockies. With growing numbers of skiers enjoying the winter playground found in the mountain backcountry, it was only a matter of time before avalanches began to receive increased Read more

Heading out this winter for skiing or ice climbing or snowshoeing? Avalanche safety is important for everyone venturing into the snowy mountains. Avalanche Safety Training Level 1 (AST 1) covers avalanche formation and release, identifying avalanche terrain, trip planning, using avalanche forecasts, mitigating risks, travel techniques and companion rescue. Once you’ve completed an AST 1 course, reviewing avalanche training is recommended every year; there are online tools available. AST 1 Refresher courses are also available Read more

In 2012, members wrote stories of Edmonton section adventures and people to celebrate our first hundred years. Here is one of those stories, in which Zac Robinson describes the life of Margaret Gold Brine, whose generosity benefited Edmonton and whose mountain climbing accomplishments were famous in the 1920’s. Margaret Brine (1898-1985) is a name that many Edmontonians are no doubt familiar with – and for good reason. During her life, the selfless benefactor of the Read more