Backcountry skiing areas and untracked powder stashes are clustered in the northern part of the Thompson Okanagan region, near Clearwater and Valemount.
Beginners can get an introduction to backcountry skiing though courses provided by local outfitters. Backcountry guides and tours are available in a number of areas, including Wells Gray Provincial Parks and Mount Robson Provincial Park.
Backcountry Guides and Tours
Wells Gray Adventures (Clearwater) run guided tours in Wells Gray Provincial Park, including a six-day excursion that traverses between the park's three cabins. This route is a favourite of yo-yo skiers, and goes up and over Trophy Mountain, Valley of the Lakes, Table Mountain, Cariboo Meadows and Fight Meadows alpine plateau.
Snowy Mountain Alpine Tours and Chalets (Blue River, between Valemount and Clearwater) offers multi-day guided trips in Wells Gray Provincial Park and the Monashee Mountains. Bag peaks and descend powder by day, then return to the chalet or lodge for fully-catered meals and rest.
Headwaters Outfitting (Valemount) offers guided excursions in and around Mount Robson Provincial Park every February. Guides can be booked at other times depending on availability.
Self-guided Tours
A number of cabins or chalets are available to rent for skiers wanting to plan a personalized trip, and lodge owners are an excellent source of information on Thompson Okanagan backcountry skiing areas. Many huts can only be accessed by helicopter or snowcat. Even experienced skiers should consider hiring a local guide when heading into unfamiliar backcountry.
Backcountry Skiing Near Clearwater
Wells Gray Provincial Park (north of Clearwater) has 10m/33ft of annual snowfall, which ensures untracked stashes can be found from December until May. The snowpack is almost always 3m/10ft high, and is generally more stable than snowpacks in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Popular backcountry areas include Green Mountain and the Majerus homestead.
Plan a backcountry day trip or hire a helicopter or snowcat to reach one of the park's three huts. Carve turns in gentle bowls, challenge steep gladed descents or trek across alpine meadows and up onto sub-alpine ridges. Valleys of powder are protected by trees, ensuring turns can be earned during storms.
Backcountry Skiing near Valemount
Backcountry skiing areas near Valemount are often hard to reach - seek them out to be rewarded with endless acres of untouched snow.
Skin up to Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park for an incredible view of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Experienced backcountry skiers can navigate crevasses and glaciers to ascend Mount Resplendent.
Access other backcountry areas by snowmobile or long treks in from logging roads. One of these areas, the Molten Range of the Monashee Mountains, can receive up to 15m/49ft of champagne powder each year. Experienced skiers will love the steep glades and skinny chutes, while intermediate skiers will enjoy descending sparsely gladed bowls.
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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