Set within the rugged contours of Alberta’s Bow Valley, A Bold New Plan - Direct slices through White Imperialist’s imposing face with a focused, uncompromising energy. This sport route offers a concentrated 70-foot push of technical climbing that demands precision and commitment from the first move. The approach places you in the shadow of jagged cliffs with the fresh mountain air carrying the faint murmur of Grassi Lakes below, while the limestone wall itself seems to dare you forward with its sharp edges and sparse holds.

From the start, the climb does not hesitate to test your grit. The initial bolt calls for a disciplined stick clip, setting the tone for the hard 5.12a crux just beyond. Here, climbers face a sequence of tough moves on holds that refuse to offer easy purchase — a gauntlet of desperate adjustments and calculated reach that funnels into the steadier terrain of the original route by the second bolt. It’s immediate, intense, and designed for those who want to slice through the technicality rather than ease into it.

Protection is straightforward but requires trust — seven bolts and solid anchors guard your line, but the spacing asks for confident clipping and composure during the crux. The wall’s vertical orientation catches the sun for much of the day, which can raise the limestone’s temperature, making early morning ascents highly advisable for optimal grip.

Beyond the physical demands, this climb connects you directly with the raw geography of Bow Valley. The fresh alpine breeze, the whisper of evergreens nearby, and glimpses of distant mountain peaks create a vivid sensory backdrop that holds you firmly in the present effort. Though short in length, the route’s intensity invites you to bring your sharpest focus.

Planning your attempt here means gearing up with sticky shoes sharp enough to manage minimal edges, taping fingers where the grips threaten to abrade, and coming prepared for quick clip transitions. Hydration and timing are key; the route’s directness on a sun-exposed wall makes midday pushes tough in warmer months. Parking and access walk are brief but should still be accounted for in your schedule to ensure energy is conserved for the climb itself.

A Bold New Plan - Direct offers a compact, high-stakes punch of sport climbing in one of Canada’s most compelling climbing zones. Whether you’re honing your technical edge or chasing that first 5.12a send, the route’s bold moves and mountain setting create a rewarding challenge that stakes its claim firmly in Bow Valley’s climbing scene.