Vancouver Island Backcountry Skiing
Skiing fresh powder, Mount Washington Alpine Resort/Tony Radomi photo
Pacific Ocean air combines with lofty, rugged peaks to create huge snowfalls and amazing backcountry skiing conditions.
Tackle a multi-day tour with a backcountry ski guide and take in ocean-to-alpine views, or ski through forested parkland on a day trip. Courtenay and Campbell River are close to popular backcountry skiing routes in Strathcona Provincial Park and near Mount Cain and Mount Washington (home to one of North America’s deepest snowpacks).
Backcountry Guides and Tours
Island Alpine Guides offers day and weekend ski tours, as well as multi-day traverses. Explore the backcountry of Mount Washington or Mount Cain, or try ski touring to the Comox Glacier. Some trips have catering options and may require additional equipment – rentals are available at Mount Washington or in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
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Self-Guided Tours
Private clubs, such as the Vancouver Island Section of the Alpine Club of Canada, are great resources for local knowledge. Even experienced skiers should consider hiring a local guide when heading into unfamiliar backcountry.
Backcountry Skiing in Strathcona Provincial Park
Mount Washington, located between Courtenay and Campbell River, provides easy access to Strathcona Provincial Park, which is the site of some of Vancouver Island’s best backcountry skiing.
Strathcona Provincial Park is more than 250,000ha/617,763ac and home to six of the seven highest mountains in the Vancouver Island ranges. Heavy snowfalls occur from November through March (nearby Mount Washington boasts 10.5m/35ft of annual snowfall and a season that can stretch into the first week of summer).
Embark on a multi-day ski tour – backcountry camping is free during the winter. Looking for beginner runs in Strathcona? Mount Becher, located on the site of an old ski hill, has wide, rolling slopes. Tackle excellent tree-skiing on Mount Myra or skin to the popular Forbidden Plateau.
Backcountry Skiing North of Campbell River
Mount Cain Alpine Park, two hours north of Campbell River, has an old-school vibe and lots of backcountry routes. Rustic amenities and small crowds mean plenty of powder and fresh runs. Make turns on local backcountry favourite West Bowl or find the best line on the aptly-named Dream Chute.
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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