Northern British Columbia Backcountry Skiing
Backcountry skiing, Tourism BC/Dave Heath photo
Few backcountry skiing areas offer the remoteness of those in Northern British Columbia. It's possible to carve fresh tracks for days without seeing another person.
Along with its vast wilderness, Northern BC offers epic snowfalls and diverse terrain. Traverse alpine ridges, conquer glaciers rising to 2,000m/6,500ft, descend through open bowls, or make tight turns through perfectly spaced glades.
Want to learn about backcountry skiing and avalanche safety from a pro? Courses are available in Smithers, Terrace and Prince George.
Tap into local knowledge and have a backcountry ski guide lead the way to the best runs and traverses. Guided trips range from one to ten days and leave from Prince George, Smithers and Terrace. Want to get really remote? Some tours are only accessible by helicopter.
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Self-guided Tours
Numerous basic alpine cabins are available for skiers looking to cut their own trails; some can only be accessed by helicopter or snowcat. Lodge owners and outdoor clubs are excellent sources of local backcountry information. Even experienced skiers should consider hiring a local guide when heading into unfamiliar backcountry.
Backcountry Skiing near Prince George
East of Prince George, Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park offers multiple backcountry routes from November until mid-May. One of the most popular is the Sugarbowl Mountain Trail, which ascends 1,050m/3,444ft through old-growth cedar and hemlock to an alpine ridge (keep an eye out for herds of woodland caribou). Three rustic cabins are available for overnight use.
For more waist-deep powder, visit Red Mountain (just east of Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den), an area popular for its wide-open bowls.
Backcountry Skiing near Smithers and Terrace
The Babine Mountains have snow-covered peaks from November until early summer. Explore powder stashes around Silver King Basin and Cronin Creek (in Babine Mountains Provincial Park), Mount Seaton (north of Smithers near Moricetown) and Blunt Mountain (east of New Hazelton). Northwest of Smithers, the Hankin-Evelyn Recreation Area has nine well-marked, easy to access gladed backcountry ski runs.
Powder Magazine, a popular US-based skiing publication, describes the backcountry around Shames Mountain Ski Area in Terrace as "unrivalled". From the top of the lift or the base, explore more than 25 routes that range from an hour to full-day excursions. An average of 15m/49ft of snow falls on this area's granite slabs, glades and open bowls.
Backcountry Skiing near Tumbler Ridge
Spring is the perfect time to head to Tumbler Ridge's backcountry, when the snowpack contains up to 2.5m/8ft of settled corn snow. Head to Mount Spieker, an ideal place for an introduction to the backcountry, for day trips that feature traverses above the tree line and long, gentle descents.
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.
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