Backcountry Skiing
Whitewater Ski Resort backcountry (Dave Heath photo)
British Columbia has the most important elements for fantastic backcountry skiing: big snowfalls and huge mountains.
Expect diverse terrain filled with untouched powder, glades, glaciers and incredible scenery. Cozy backcountry lodges and alpine huts allow for multi-day ski touring, and backcountry ski guides can safely assess the snowpack.
What is Backcountry Skiing?
Backcountry skiing in British Columbia typically means “earning your turns” by trekking up slopes with climbing skins or by bootpacking. The reward? Skiing down through untracked snow, usually in remote areas.
Ski amongst glaciers and granite peaks in Rogers Pass, or discover untracked runs over vast ski terrain near Barkerville. Skin through deep snow in Strathcona Provincial Park or follow moose, caribou and deer tracks in Wells Grey Provincial Park. Explore the backcountry of Shames Mountain or cross 14 glaciers on the Spearhead Traverse.
Avalanche safety and route-finding skills are a must when heading into the backcountry. Learn backcountry skiing skills and safety through lodges, clubs or ski resorts such as Revelstoke, Whitewater and Red Mountain, or hire a backcountry ski guide.
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Backcountry Skiing in British Columbia’s Regions:
Kootenay Rockies: Massive snowfall, five mountain ranges, and backcountry guides, tours and lodges for all abilities along the "Powder Highway."
Thompson Okanagan: Plenty of fresh runs over a vast area known for wildlife viewing.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Huge terrain, dry interior powder and no crowds.
Northern British Columbia: Incredible backcountry that Powder magazine describes as "unrivalled."
Vancouver Island: Warm ocean air meets soaring peaks to create one of the deepest all-natural snow bases in Canada.
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Varied terrain, big snowfalls and nonstop scenic vistas.
Whistler: Classic backcountry traverses comparable to the Haute Route of the Alps.
Snow, Terrain and Ski Season
Champagne powder is the star here: it’s deep, it’s dry and there’s a lot of it. Annual snowfall in BC ranges from 10.5m/35ft on the west coast to a substantial 15m/50ft in the eastern Kootenay Rockies.
Terrain exists for all levels of skier. Ski alpine bowls, rolling slopes, steep chutes, epic ridges, plentiful glades and wide glaciers. Ski season generally begins in mid-November and can last until late spring.
Backcountry Guides and Tours
Hire a backcountry ski guide for a safe adventure – and to find the hidden powder stashes. There are trip options for skiers of all abilities: guided backcountry ski tours can include day trips, multi-day excursions, hut-to-hut traverses and backcountry skiing lessons. Many operators also feature excellent meals.
Backcountry Lodges and Huts
Backcountry lodges range from luxury fly-in retreats to cozy alpine cabins. After a day of big descents (and ascents), enjoy amenities such as a cedar sauna, wood burning fireplace, bubbling hot tub or private room. Some lodges are available for private rental, though meeting new friends who share a passion for backcountry is part of the fun.
Backcountry huts are another option for multi-day treks or day trips. Huts are generally more rustic than lodges, but most have comfortable facilities and even saunas. The Alpine Club of Canada, local ski clubs, and parks can provide details about travelling to and renting backcountry huts.
Practical Points and Safety
- Access to routes may require four-wheel drive, tire chains or a snowmobile.
- Research, careful planning and avalanche skills training are key to a safe trip.
- Before going into backcountry, check local weather forecasts and avalanche conditions. The Canadian Avalanche Association is a good resource.
- Travel with and know how to use proper equipment. An avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe, metal avalanche shovel, first aid kit and appropriate layers of clothing are necessary.
- Ski with a professional backcountry ski guide or with experienced skiers. Always travel with a group and be prepared with rescue equipment.
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9 Backcountry Skiing in British Columbia
1 - 9 of 9 Results
11
Nelson
Nelson, British Columbia
V1L 5H5
Websitehttp://www.deeplines.com
Toll-free
Phone250-354-5376
Based in Nelson, British Columbia, we're on the doorstep of the best backcountry skiing and snowboarding on the planet. Our specialty is providing customized backcountry adventures to destinations that include Rogers Pass, Kootenay Pass, Whitewater ski area, Kicking Horse Resort and many of the backcountry lodges in the Selkirks and Monashees. Options range from day tours and introductory backcountry trips to multi-day adventures and heli assisted touring. Hire an ACMG certified guide to help plan your next mountain adventure.
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12
Websitehttp://www.selkirkexperience.com
Toll-free
Phone250-837-2381
Selkirk Mountain Experience is one of the world's finest hiking, ski touring & mountaineering companies. Selkirk Mountain Experience offers a wide variety of programs to cater to alpine adventurers around the world. The superb skiing on the pristine glaciers & countless alpine peaks surrounding the Durrand Glacier, in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains, are highly popular with skiers & snowboarders. In the summer, over 100 varieties of wildflowers, crystal clear mountain lakes, huge waterfalls & snow-capped peaks attract hikers & climbers. The chalet offers all the amenities for a comfortable stay for up to 18 people. Each day the chalet chef prepares delicious meals.
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13
Monashees
Revelstoke, British Columbia
V0E 1N0
Websitehttp://www.solmountain.com
Toll-free
Phone250-674-3707
Experience a complete mix of Monashee trees, glades, alpine bowls & steep chutes, your own backcountry resort 3 times the area of Whistler Blackcomb. Located south of Revelstoke & east of Silver Star in the Southern Monashees, Sol Mountain Touring offers mountain living in style from our fully serviced lodge at 1,907 m (6,300 ft). Easy access to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking & fishing alpine lakes in the summer. Ski in small groups of 4-6; choose from 3, 4, or 7 night trips. ACMG Guides.
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Other businesses with Backcountry Skiing
14
Websitehttp://www.coastrangeheliskiing.com
Toll-free800-701-8744
Phone604-894-1144
Coast Range Heliskiing is Whistler BC's premier boutique heli-skiing & boarding operation. CRH operates exclusively in groups of 4-5, which means more skiing and less waiting for you! With 80,937 ha (200,000 ac) of diverse terrain from wide open powder bowls to secluded tree skiing, and an annual snowfall of 10+ meters, you can be sure no two days with Coast Range are ever the same. We welcome intermediate to expert skiers and riders, and ensure you ski with others of similar ability. Book your Coast Range Heliskiing adventure today and find out why we're Whistler's boutique heliskiing outfit of choice!
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15
9114 Prospect Rd
Crescent Spur, British Columbia
V0J 3E0
Websitehttp://www.crescentspur.com
Toll-free800-715-5532
Phone250-553-2300
5 and 6 day heli-ski packages in the world famous Rocky & Cariboo Mountains of British Columbia. Maximum 20 guests per week, skiing in two groups of 10 - each group accompanied by 2 guides for a ratio of 5 guests per guide. Over 2400 square metres (1500 square miles) of terrain in two mountain ranges - glaciers, open bowls, magnificent gladed forests. 2x2x2 - Only two groups out of the helicopter, 2 guides per group, 2 mountain ranges!
Accommodation in luxurious private lodge. Amenities include full service bar, massage therapist, games & workout room, wireless internet, fireplaces, library. Complimentary shuttle from Prince George Airport.
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16
207 Mackenzie Ave
Revelstoke, British Columbia
V0E 2S0
Websitehttp://www.MicaHeli.com
Toll-free877-837-6191
Phone250-837-6191
Mica Heli Guides 100% small group heliskiing and boarding. Four groups of four skiers or boarders sharing two A-Star helicopters, or one group of four in a Bell 407, maximum 20 guests. Ski or board terrain tailored to your desires. NEW Luxurious backcountry lodge one hour north of Revelstoke BC accessible only by helicopter. A quarter million acres of huge alpine, world class steep tree skiing and endless pillow runs. Forget down days. No-fly days are rare and complimentary catskiing for backup. Mica Heliskiing is renowned for having the best terrain with the deepest driest powder on the planet.
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17
Helicopter Access Only
Golden, British Columbia
V0A 1H0
Websitehttp://www.MistayaLodge.com
Toll-free866-647-8292
Phone250-344-6689
Located in the Canadian Rockies between Banff & Yoho National Parks. Mistaya is an eco-friendly wilderness adventure destination. The secluded, cosy lodge is surrounded by a panorama of pristine peaks, glaciers & alpine meadows. Activities include hiking, skiing, snowshoeing & mountaineering at all levels. Or just relax in the beauty & peace; it's an artist & photographer's paradise. Families are encouraged to come, learn & explore. Certified guides will lead you on informative hikes while the cook prepares a wonderful meal. Helicopter access only, small groups & superb food. Memories for a lifetime.
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18
4300 Red Mountain Rd
Rossland, British Columbia
V0G 1Y0
Websitehttp://www.redresort.com
Toll-free800-663-0105
Phone250-362-7384
RED Mountain, established 1896, is legendary for abundant snow & big lines, not big chairlift lines. Voted "Best Trees Skiing, Best Steeps, Best Powder" (Ski Canada Magazine 2001-02). RED is cherished by skiers and snowboards of all ages. With slope side, ski-in/out deluxe accommodations, exciting events and the friendly community of Rossland, RED Mountain is the adventure destination for all types of snow lovers. Skating, snowshoeing, cross country & cat skiing are other fun winter activities in this area.
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| Annual Snowfall |
SkiTotalRuns |
Types of runs |
| 749 cm |
88 |
45% 40% 15% |
19
Tyax Wilderness Resort
Gold Bridge, British Columbia
V0K 1P0
Websitehttp://www.tlhheliskiing.com
Toll-free800-667-4854
Phone250-238-2204
Leave the lift-lines behind and take the express route via helicopter to unlimited untouched powder everyday of your holiday at TLH Heliskiing, located in the beautiful Chilcotin Mountains of BC. Go home exhilarated every night to your luxury accommodation for some fine dining and relaxation at our spa, featuring a hot tub and sauna. We offer 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 day tours, Whistler Combination Tours, and luxurious private Platinum Tours. This is one ski holiday you will never forget!
Back by popular demand for 2012: All packages include Unlimited Vertical and only one group per helicopter!
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