Climbing the Northeast Face of Ha Ling

The Northeast Face of Ha Ling is a classic Bow Valley trad climb that towers over a kilometer above the town of Canmore, Alberta, Canada. In October, Daniel Gunn and I made a frigid ascent up the 440m 5.6 PG13 multi-pitch route.
The NE Face (AKA NE Buttress) is 12 pitches, well-known for the aesthetic "great dihedral" on pitch 10, which provides easy, exposed slab and corner climbing with beautiful gear placements. This was my first major trad multi-pitch, and made for a very enjoyable (although cold) day of rock climbing.
The descent follows the Ha Ling Peak hiking trail, which makes for a casual, quick hike back to the Spray Lakes road.
Video is inspired by ‪@tylerkarow‬

[@davebloggs]

Ok that is nuts. well done that is quite the climb.

[@EthanHeinrichs]

Thanks Dave, it was quite an adventure!

[@cohenbenedek5913]

WOW, just wow, outstanding video quality and great footage showing what the climb is really like. Make some more of these!

[@EthanHeinrichs]

Thanks for the support! I will definitely continue documenting my adventures like this

[@edfairs8700]

Awesome climb and footage! Thanks for sharing

[@EthanHeinrichs]

Appreciate it, Ed!

[@ashchetum]

I really would like to climb this route this upcoming summer, what time of year do you think is best? I've only ever climbed in the eastern USA so it's a lot warmer here typically!

[@EthanHeinrichs]

I’d say your best bet is July or August. Typically it will be between 60° and 80°F during the day. Hopefully you’re able to make it up here! Lots of stellar climbing.

[@ashchetum]

I'll reach back out if I do!

[@_randommm]

@@ashchetum Its july now, did you do it?

[@ashchetum]

@@_randommm I wish!! I ended up doing a trip to red rocks in Vegas last spring and a whole bunch of trips to the red river gorge. It's still on my list to get up to Berta

[@josephlopez3078]

Seems pretty easy

[@benlava7890]

5:45 🤣🙌

[@SevenFlex]

Amazing video. But how do you get back down? 😅

[@EthanHeinrichs]

Thanks! There is a hiker’s trail on the backside that we descended in the dark.

[@alexs.7763]

What did you bring for a rack?

[@EthanHeinrichs]

We brought doubles up to #2, a set of nuts, and around 10 alpine draws. A double rack was probably a little overkill since there are actually a good number of fixed pieces. Nowhere to place cams larger than #2.

[@mckortman6148]

what grade is this?

[@EthanHeinrichs]

It's rated 5.6 PG13.

[@_Kopop]

i tough you gone to fall of the cliff it was time 3:54