The South Chilcotin and Cariboo mountains receive more than 7.6m/25ft of snow annually, which creates ideal conditions for backcountry skiing and ski touring adventures.
Bootpack along old Cariboo Gold Rush mining trails and sites to reach untracked powder. Stay in a cozy cabin for multi-day ski touring or hire a backcountry ski guide for safe access to the best snow.
Dry interior powder, alpine bowls and bluebird skies are just a short ski away from historic Barkerville, while other backcountry areas north of Williams Lake or Lillooet are more remote. This immense, rugged terrain attracts skiers who prefer the company of a vast array of wildlife to human crowds.
Backcountry Guides and Tours
Want to explore the South Chilcotins? Embark on a hut-to-hut tour with Spruce Lake Wilderness Adventures and enjoy a hot après-ski meal in one of their four comfortable log cabins.
With Whitecap Alpine, float on powder down steep lines and couloirs on an advanced ski trip or try a family program for all ages and abilities. Post-ski, relax in front of the wood-burning fireplace in Whitecap's McGillivray Pass Lodge.
Self-Guided Tours
Private clubs, such as the Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club or the Cariboo Ski Touring Club, are great sources for local knowledge. Wells and Barkerville have an extensive website detailing their mountain trails. Even experienced skiers should consider hiring a local guide when heading into unfamiliar backcountry.
Backcountry Skiing near Wells and Barkerville
In Wells and Barkerville, snow can linger until late spring. On community backcountry trails such as Yellowhawk, Jubliee and the Two Sisters, ski past gold rush era cabins and mining sites. For an overnight excursion, reserve one of three huts in the Mount Murray area (through the Cariboo Ski Touring Club), or take a day trip from Barkerville or Wells.
Other options include exploring slopes on Mount Agnes, then heading to Elk Mountain’s meadows for excellent ski touring. Nearby Bald Mountain rewards advanced skiers with open alpine and steep runs.
Backcountry Skiing Northeast of Williams Lake
From late October to mid-June, locals flock to the backcountry near Horsefly, Likely and Quesnel Lake (about two hours northeast of Williams Lake). Ski the popular Teapot area around Mount Elsey – there’s a simple cabin here. Eureka Peak’s west and east sides and Cameron Ridge’s easy-going slopes beckon intermediate skiers. Access to these routes may require a snowmobile.
Backcountry Skiing Northwest of Lillooet (South Chilcotins)
The South Chilcotins, about four hours northwest of Lillooet, boast fantastic backcountry skiing from March to June. Glaciers, alpine forests, ridges and peaks dominate a landscape brimming with wildlife. Utilize the rustic Taylor Creek Cabin to access untracked skiing opportunities around Taylor Basin. Ski pristine powder in the Eldorado Basin – a comfortable log cabin (available for rent through Spruce Lake Wilderness Adventures) allows for multiple days of skiing bliss.
Practical Points
- 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.
Read Less