It’s on! Join us for the 2021 GMC
“Anya, a 2017 GMC participant and a cook for the 2019 Artists Week (on “mountain leave” from her two children), makes her way off of Wright Peak with a view to Wrong peak in the distance.” Photo: Kathleen Davies - 2019 GMC.
If you’ve attended an ACC General Mountaineering Camp (GMC) in the past, you know what a rewarding experience it is. If you have always wanted to join us, we hope this will be the year you take the opportunity to get out in the mountains and enjoy the varied challenges, beautiful vistas, unlimited fresh air and the camaraderie of our 2021 Mt Mummery GMC. Read on for a taste of what’s in store during the weeks of July 10th to Aug 19th this year.
*SPECIAL: This year we’re offering $300 off for those who wish to come to camp for two consecutive weeks. Register now!
For general inquiries about the camp, please contact Tara McConnery – Programs Director at the ACC.
“Sunrise at basecamp.” Photo: Catherine Pao - 2019 GMC.
The experience of a lifetime
The ACC’s annual General Mountaineering Camp (GMC) has been a Canadian mountaineering tradition since 1906 and is an excellent option for those looking to develop their mountaineering abilities and become more autonomous in the alpine environment. There are six GMC weeks to choose from, and there’s something for everyone.
The camp operates on a seven-day, Saturday to Saturday basis, giving you an introduction to modern-day mountain exploration through the mentorship of some of Canada’s most respected and well-loved mountain guides.
Access to and from our GMC camps is via helicopter flight. The week is spent camping in private tents (for one or two people), climbing and mountaineering in small groups to objectives that match your skill levels and interests, enjoying some free time to explore the area and relax in the mountains, meeting new friends and eating fresh, delicious meals prepared by our camp chefs.
Mt Mummery: Basecamp for adventure
Each year, the GMC is located in a different, remote, and little-explored area of the western ranges each summer. We are excited to announce the 2021 GMC will be visiting the unique and beautiful alpine wilderness surrounding Mt. Mummery in the Western Rockies!
This spectacular peak which stands just shy of 11,000 feet is surrounded by glaciers and several peaks with no recorded ascents. We also hope to gain access to the glacial expanse of the Freshfield Icecap from basecamp which offers several more 10,000 feet peaks including Mt. Freshfield. There is also a location for our “Rock School” where you can learn the basics of belaying and rock climbing or rope ascension or just some fun rock climbs.
Mummery Glacier and surrounding area, 2021 climbing routes (carried over from 2020’s postponed GMC). Click to enlarge.
Our heli-accessed basecamp will be located at 2,035m below the Mummery Glacier. The adjacent peaks provide a variety of challenges for mountaineers just starting out as well as for seasoned veterans. Depending on participants’ level of experience, fitness, and goals, potential objectives might include: Mt. Mummery, Mt. Barlow, Mt. Cairnes, Naga Parbat Mountain, Mt. Barnard and Mt. Freshfield.
The entire camp is outdoors, with large canvas group tents for dining, tea, and dish washing. Participants all sleep in top-of-the-line Mountain Hardwear Trango-3 mountaineering tents. And new for this year as part of our COVID protocols, everyone gets a private tent, for themselves or for their party of two - no sharing tents with other parties.
What’s in store for you
The GMC has been running for 114 years, and we think we’ve got it down. The GMC is open to all adventurers (over the age of 16) whether you consider yourself novice, expert, intrepid or laid back. The large camp size (typically 30 participants, 4 guides and 3-5 amateur leaders each week) allows for different groups to target a wide ranges of objectives. Each day you have the opportunity to decide which group you'd like to join depending on your ability, fitness and desired length of day. You can choose to learn glacier travel and self-arrest skills, go rock climbing or go for a bigger day on the big peaks. Some days you may want to stick closer to camp and explore waterfalls and meadows - it’s up to you.
BELOW: Choose your outing for each day of camp based on how adventurous or laid back you're feeling. There are hiking days, glacier days, skills days and technical climbing days to choose from. Click to enlarge excerpts of sign-up sheets from the 2018 GMC.
Our experienced, friendly, and familiar ACC mountain guides will help you make the most of your time in the mountains. Which guides you’ll have on your trip varies and the guides roster for each GMC week, along with their individual bios, can be found at the bottom of the page here.
With large dining and tea tents, you can relax in comfort from your day’s excursion either inside or outside, depending on your mood (and the weather). The three camp cooks will prepare all of your meals from scratch: don’t even think about dehydrated backpacking meals at the GMC!
Each evening, you will choose your next day’s adventure. In the morning, you’ll head out with your guide and be amazed at what the mountains have to offer.
Be sure to bring your camera! Each year we hold a photo contest sponsored by GMC partner Mountain Hardwear to celebrate the moments that brought us together at the GMC (and for some cool prizes). Check out past winners on the ACC Aspects Blog.
Camping in the time of COVID
Last summer, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we cancelled the GMC for the first time since 1906. It was a tough choice, but the right one. This year, with the new protocols, vaccines and a better understanding of the virus, we are excited to be able to continue our GMC tradition!
An example of our camp layout from the 2018 GMC.
This year our hard work is centred around COVID-19 protocols and regulations to make sure that our staff and participants are kept as safe as possible.
We are still finalizing our camp design that will allow us to follow all federal and provincial protocols in order to make the camp as safe as possible, but you can expect changes like the following to occur at the camp:
Masks will be mandatory while in the main area of basecamp. There will be signs saying the area is a mask-up area.
Cooks will be individually plating meals (no family-style serving) for participants who will be lined up with masks on and two metres apart.
We will not have our usual shoulder-to-shoulder dining experience, as cozy and friendly as that has been. Rather, we will encourage people to utilize our second dining tent, eat in shifts and sit outside, weather permitting. We will have two-metre distancing and all dining areas will be well ventilated.
Participants will be grouped into pods while at base camp for things like eating times and dish washing. Groups will be made up of people from the same bubble together as well as by location. These do not apply for day trips out in the field.
We will have a daily self-screening requirement for all participants and staff.
Increased PPE – masks, hand sanitizer, hand washing stations, promotion of personal protective practices will be expected.
There will be isolation protocols and areas for anyone not feeling well and the camp doctor will be consulted as to the best course of action.
Contact tracing through pre-assigned pods and signup sheets will be done daily.
Guides will choose routes that allow for social distancing for the duration of all day trips.
You will be required to fill out a health declaration form and take a temperature check in order to be allowed to load the helicopter.
Photo by Phee Hudson - 2019 GMC.
Cancellation
If the camp is forced to cancel or be postponed due to the pandemic, you will be fully refunded for your camp registration. Should you have COVID symptoms within two weeks of the beginning of your week at camp, you will receive a 100% credit towards adventures with the ACC but will not be permitted to join the GMC on your scheduled dates. The ACC remains committed to providing a safe environment for its members and thanks participants for their understanding.
More information about cancellation and insurance is available on our GMC main page.
Everyone is welcome. Join us!
Whether you're looking to challenge yourself on remote alpine summits, savour delicious chef-prepared food at 2,000m, or enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, the GMC offers it all.
The 2021 GMC weeks run from July 10th through August 19th. The camp sells out every year so register early to avoid disappointment!
