Rockies Classic: Coire Dubh Integrale 5.7 WI-3 550M (Hardwear Sessions)

By William Meinen

After spending several weekends, back to back, bolting the Rehab Wall, Brandon Pullan and I decided it would be nice to get on something a little bit longer. The way I see it single-pitch climbing isn't really climbing. It's training for climbing.

I hadn't been on anything too big since the cast came off, so I was stoked. As I flipped through the trusty guide book I came across the Coire Dubh Integrale:

"An ultra classic mini alpine climb. It combines ice, rock and snow, all at a moderate grade and high quality. Several waterfall ice pitches lead to snow gullies and rock bands. Fossilized rock accepts trad gear in the crack systems. Winter alpine climbing, without the miserable bivy and long approaches that are so common to the sport."

I was sold on it. So was Brandon. We packed our bags and headed to the pub for a couple of barley sandwiches. We got up in the morning and went out for a greasy bacon and egg breakfast and several rounds of coffee. By the time we got to the climb it was nearing 11am. The climbing was great. We summited around 5pm and began the scenic descent down the SW ridge of Loder Peak. As soon as we got on the highway we managed to hitch a ride back to the parking lot. We were both tired and satisfied. Brandon high-tailed it back to Canmore and I went my way own way to Calgary.

As I drove back I rolled down the windows and enjoyed the warm Chinook. The tunes blasted out of the radio and a smile was on my face. Probably one of the best Monday's I'd had in a while. I'd recommend this route to anyone.