Remembering Fred is New Rockies Mixed Route
Rockies-based climbers Kris Irwin and John Price have climbed a new mixed route in Banff National Park.
The new 330-metre Remembering Fred M6 WI5 climbs an aesthetic line above O’Brien Lake northwest of Castle Junction near Taylor Lake.
As Price noted, “It’s located on the north aspect of an unnamed peak south of Mount Bell. High quality mixed climbing on good quartzite with no large slide paths threatening the route and a casual walk off.”
This is an early season route that shouldn’t be considered if there have been heavy snow as Price points out there are large avalanche paths below and on the walk off.
“With the exception of pitch four, the gear is quite good and the belays are sheltered,” said Price.
“The route went on natural gear, no bolts were placed.” Price spotted the line while on a trail run earlier this season.
There are seven pitches of fun looking mixed climbing with snow, ice and rock.
“We named this climb after Fred Beckey, who passed away on the same day, at age 94 after a long life lived in the mountains,” said Price.
“I had pleasure of spending time with Fred over the last 10 years and always looked forward to our next conversation. Climb on Fred.” Click to play the clip.