Banff in mid-April

Looking for advice from those who have seen a bunch of Banff ice seasons... I'm going to be there in mid-April this year - can't alter my timing. I know you can't predict the weather, but is that a part of the season where things are significantly warming and disappearing, just not as fat as peak, etc?

I did do a little searching - found that guiding packages and recommended ice timing ends in March. And that walking further in April can yield ice climbs?

Perhaps you can help me decide whether I should be anticipating late-winter mountaineering or pure ice climbing. I'm not really into mixed btw...

Thanks!

You will find plenty to climb in April. Obviously some risk will be higher but it can be a great time to climb ice due to longer days and pleasant temps.

Mid April one of times of year when conditions can be great or the weather can suck. I've had a great time in April and crappy conditions in December. That said there's always something to do in April you just might not have your pick of things.

Check out gravsports-ice.com for conditions reports.

If you've never been to Canadian Rockies you might think about a guide if you got the coin. I've hired Josh Lavigne alot. He would be able to get you the best day out and would know where the good stuff is in April.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

I've climbed plenty of ice here into mid-May, you'll have no issues in mid-April. Not as much choice but still enough around to get out. Bring Gore-Tex, though.

Plenty of ice in april. I just got back from banff and csnmore. The ghost area is good and professors is good late season as well. Don't need a guide...just watch the conditiin.I go there every year and the ice is good.
Cheers

Reports seem to indicate that a lot of ice is still growing, so we're looking good for late season ice. Grav-sports will have conditions, but also watch the mountain conditions report from the ACMG.

Courses may be ending, but plenty of Guides will be privately guiding clients on ice in April.

I was there last weekend expecting some spring goodness; temps were near 0 at night and maybe climbing to high teens low twenties during the day. Which is fine!

Stuff was fat fat fat, but new snowfall kept us off the fun stuff.

Wish I was going in April...