Selected Alpine Climbs in the Canadian Rockies

Susan Perks, formerly a teacher and librarian, is a travel agent in
Thompson, Manitoba.

Dougherty is an experienced mountain-climber who has put together a
thorough manual for anyone interested in climbing in the Canadian
Rockies. He realized that an alpine-climbing guidebook was a necessity,
especially for visitors, so that people “could go back home and tell
tales of a great trip rather than of a series of horrendous epics.”
This book is packed with very practical advice, and includes travel
information for getting to each climb.

Dougherty makes the reader aware of the nature and uniqueness of
climbing in the Canadian Rockies, describing the rock type, rock falls
due to freeze-thaw action, avalanches, extreme temperature changes, and
remoteness. He gives solid advice on dealing with wildlife,
bush-wacking, and river crossings. The grading system is clearly
explained. He gives an overview of the character and dangers of 200
climbs, with a technical route description and practical information on
bivi sites. He has climbed many of the routes described herein, and this
first-hand knowledge is very evident and beneficial to the book. Each
climb is clearly marked in red on the accompanying photo. Readers are
also given an idea of the length of time required for each ascent and
descent.

An index is included, along with lists of useful, and emergency, phone
numbers. This is a well-bound, durable softcover book. There is a route
to please everyone, from the extreme alpinist to the mountaineer who
enjoys a “pleasant scramble to a summit.” It is a must for anyone
planning to climb in the Rockies.