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11,319 ft · Park Ranges, Alberta

Mount Andromeda

Mount Andromeda is an 11,319 ft peak in the Park Ranges, Alberta. The standard route is the Skyladder: 6 mi, 5,171 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Mount Andromeda in the Park Ranges, Alberta

Mount Andromeda at a glance

  • Elevation11,319 ft3,450 m
  • RouteSkyladderClass 3
  • Distance6 mi5,171 ft gain
  • Time9 – 13 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangePark RangesAlberta

Climbing the Skyladder

From Jasper, drive 103 km south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) and park at the Snocoach Road gate across from the Icefield Centre. Walk the road past the bus lot, take the moraine trail onto the glacier below the north face, and climb the Skyladder (Grade II, AI2): about a dozen pitches of snow and ice up to 45 degrees. Most parties descend by rappel and downclimbing toward the Athabasca-Andromeda col. Crevasses, avalanches and hard ice late in the season are the main hazards. Plan 9 to 13 hours with two tools, screws and a rope. A Parks Canada pass is required, and bivouacs are not allowed on this route.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Glacier travel
  • Crevasses
  • Avalanches
  • Technical climbing

Quests with Mount Andromeda

Peaks near Mount Andromeda

  1. Mount Athabasca

    Mount Athabasca

    11,453 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. Snow Dome

    Snow Dome

    11,339 ft · 3.6 mi away

  3. Mount Kitchener

    Mount Kitchener

    11,499 ft · 4.7 mi away

  4. Stutfield East

    Stutfield East

    11,227 ft · 8.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Andromeda?

Mount Andromeda is 11,319 feet (3,450 m) tall. It is in the Park Ranges, Alberta.

How does Mount Andromeda rank among the Canadian Rockies 11,000ers?

At 11,319 feet, Mount Andromeda is the 24th highest of the 54 Canadian Rockies 11,000ers. The highest is Mount Robson.

How hard is it to climb Mount Andromeda?

The Skyladder is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 5,171 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Mount Andromeda?

Most people take 9 – 13 hours round trip on the Skyladder, covering 6 miles with 5,171 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Mount Andromeda dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger and crevasses on the glacier. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.

Do you need a helmet for Mount Andromeda?

It is a good idea. The scrambling has rock overhead on the Skyladder, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Mount Andromeda?

The usual climbing window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Andromeda with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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