- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Canadian Rockies 11,000ers
- The Helmet
11,214 ft · Rainbow Range, British Columbia
The Helmet
The Helmet is an 11,214 ft peak in the Rainbow Range, British Columbia. The standard route is the South Ridge via Berg Glacier: 40 mi, 8,478 ft of gain, Class 3.
The Helmet at a glance
- Elevation11,214 ft3,418 m
- RouteSouth Ridge via Berg GlacierClass 3
- Distance40 mi8,478 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeRainbow RangeBritish Columbia
Climbing the South Ridge via Berg Glacier
From Jasper, drive west on Highway 16 into Mount Robson Provincial Park and take Kinney Lake Road to the Berg Lake Trailhead. Hike the Berg Lake Trail about 22 km past Berg Lake toward Rearguard, then cross the Robson Glacier to camp at Rearguard Meadows. The South Ridge route threads the badly broken Berg Glacier to the Robson-Helmet col, crosses a bergschrund, and climbs several belayed snow and ice pitches to a long corniced crest. Crevasses, seracs and Robson's weather turn back most parties; some years the glacier is impassable. Allow 3 to 4 days. Berg Lake Trail campgrounds need a BC Parks backcountry camping reservation in peak season.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 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
Ice Axe
Helmet
What to watch for
- Crevasses
- Serac fall
- Cornices
- Glacier travel
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with The Helmet
Canadian Rockies 11,000ersPeaks near The Helmet
Frequently asked questions
How tall is The Helmet?
The Helmet is 11,214 feet (3,418 m) tall. It is in the Rainbow Range, British Columbia.
How does The Helmet rank among the Canadian Rockies 11,000ers?
At 11,214 feet, The Helmet is the 31st highest of the 54 Canadian Rockies 11,000ers. The highest is Mount Robson.
How hard is it to climb The Helmet?
The South Ridge via Berg Glacier is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 40 miles with 8,478 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb The Helmet?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the South Ridge via Berg Glacier, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is The Helmet dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and fast-changing weather. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need an ice axe for The Helmet?
Plan on it. An ice axe is on the gear list for the South Ridge via Berg Glacier for the snow and ice on the upper mountain. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
When is the best time to climb The Helmet?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb The Helmet 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