Whistler Ski Touring Adventures
Beginner and Introduction Courses
If you’re thinking about starting out ski touring in the Whistler area then you’re in the right place. We use only the best local, expert ski guides, who will coach you through everything from basic equipment set up, avalanche safety, uphill and downhill technique, route planning and much, much more. From one day introduction clinics, through to Avalanche Safety Training courses and multi-day guided backcountry trips, we are here to help you start your journey into the world of backcountry ski touring.
Introduction to Backcountry
Are you ready to explore the untracked wilderness of Whistler Blackcomb’s backcountry? Our Introduction to Backcountry course is designed for skiers and snowboarders with little or no experience in the backcountry. Our ACMG Guide will teach you the essential skills to safely navigate the backcountry, including route planning, terrain assessment, avalanche awareness, and equipment usage. You will also learn basic backcountry skiing and snowboarding techniques, including skinning and bootpacking. By the end of this course, you will be confident and equipped to venture into the backcountry on your own.
Pricing: from CA$200 +tax per person per day (based on a group of 4)
Inclusions: 1 day of instruction from a certified ACMG guide
Ski touring / splitboarding and avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) can be rented for an additional cost.
Introduction to Backcountry with AST-1
This is a fun and educational course that will introduce you to basic avalanche rescue, terrain analysis, track setting, uphill and downhill skiing technique, route finding, tree skiing and trip planning. An AST Level 1 certificate will be provided to successful candidates.
The course begins with one day in the classroom (online evening sessions are also available for private courses), where your guide will take you through the curriculum with an engaging interactive multimedia presentation. The classroom sessions allow live discussion between the students and the instructor, which is critical to avalanche learning progression.
The group will then head to the backcountry and spend full two days skiing and riding while covering uphill and downhill skills in powder, equipment use and safety awareness. Whistler Blackcomb’s backcountry provides the perfect environment for learning how to ski tour or splitboard and your guide will ensure you’re not only learning but having fun too!
This series is organised in partnership with Mountain Skills Academy. Coached and led by a professional ski guide, the classroom and field days will start at 8:30am from Whistler and end before the sun sets.
If you require equipment rentals or don’t have access to a lift pass, let us know and we can share relevant discount codes with you.
Pricing: from CA$745 +tax per person (based on a group of 4)
Inclusions: 3 days of instruction from a certified ACMG guide
Ski touring / splitboarding and avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) can be rented for an additional cost.
Check out our Ultimate Ski Touring Guide
If you have any specific objectives you’re looking to achieve, drop us an email and we can organise a bespoke guided day/trip for you.
Our Whistler-based Backcountry Courses are held in partnership with Mountain Skills Academy.
Avalanche Safety Courses
Avalanche safety courses are critical for anyone who ventures into the backcountry during the winter season. In recent years, the popularity of skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in the backcountry has grown significantly. However, with this increased popularity comes increased risk, as avalanches are a real danger in many mountainous areas. Avalanche safety courses are designed to help individuals understand and recognize the risks associated with backcountry travel and equip them with the necessary skills to make informed decisions in the backcountry.
Avalanche safety courses are for anyone who plans to spend time in the backcountry during the winter months. This includes skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. No prior experience is required, but participants should have some basic knowledge of winter sports and be in good physical condition. Essential equipment includes a transceiver, a shovel, and a probe.
During an avalanche safety course, participants will learn how to assess avalanche terrain, read the snowpack, and use essential safety equipment. They will also learn about avalanche risk factors and how to make informed decisions when planning a backcountry trip. Participants will gain hands-on experience in rescue techniques, such as using a transceiver, probe, and shovel to locate and extract buried victims. By the end of the course, participants will feel more confident and prepared to venture into the backcountry, with a better understanding of the risks involved and how to mitigate them.
Avalanche Skills Training Course Level 1
Avalanches can be a deadly threat in the backcountry, but with our Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) in partnership with Mountain Skills Academy, you’ll learn the essential skills to stay safe and avoid avalanches. Your ACMG Guide will teach you how to assess avalanche risk, as well as how to use avalanche safety equipment, including beacons, probes, and shovels. You’ll also learn how to recognize avalanche terrain and how to travel safely in the backcountry. This course is designed for skiers and snowboarders with little or no previous avalanche training, who want to learn the essential skills to stay safe in the backcountry.
Pricing: from CA$450 +tax per person / private: CA$2,700 (up to 8 people)
Inclusions: 2 days of instruction from a certified ACMG guide
Ski touring / splitboarding and avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) can be rented for an additional cost.
Avalanche Skills Training Course Level 2
If you’re an experienced backcountry enthusiast looking to take your avalanche skills to the next level, our Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (AST 2) in partnership with Mountain Skills Academy is for you. Led by an experienced ACMG Guide, this course will teach you advanced skills for assessing avalanche risk and managing avalanche terrain. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice your avalanche rescue skills in realistic scenarios. This course is designed for advanced skiers and snowboarders with previous avalanche training, who want to take their skills to the next level and become more confident and competent in the backcountry.
Pricing: from CA$750 +tax per person / private: CA$3,325 (up to 8 people)
Inclusions: 4 days of instruction from a certified ACMG guide
Ski touring / splitboarding and avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) can be rented for an additional cost.
Read more about why you should take an avalanche safety course
If you have any specific objectives you’re looking to achieve, drop us an email and we can organise a bespoke guided day/trip for you.
Advanced ski touring clinics and courses
Designed for those of you who have either ski toured for at least 20 days in the backcountry and can ski black runs confidently in variable conditions, with a good level of fitness.
2021/22 Courses in Whistler
3 session clinics
Book a 3 session package, where you ski and learn with the same group of up to 6 skiers/splitboarders of the same ability for 1 session per week over 3 weeks, coached and led by a professional ski guide in the Whistler Blackcomb backcountry. Have a group of friends? Just let us know and we can organize a private package. For a small additional fee, we can also ski areas outside of the Whistler Blackcomb backcountry and head further afield to the Duffey Lake Provincial Park, Garibaldi Park and many more advanced backcountry ski zones.
If you require equipment rentals or don’t have access to a lift pass, let us know and we can share relevant discount codes with you and arrange a backcountry pass for $62+tax per day.
Dates:
5th, 12th and 19th February — sold out
12th, 19th and 26th March 2022 – 4 spaces left
Price (pp): $725+GST
Overnight Kees and Claire Hut Guided Trip
For groups of up to 6 people per guide, we can organise an overnight or multi-night trip to the Kees and Claire Hut in Whistler’s backcountry. A strong level of fitness is required for this trip, as the journey can take around 2-5 hours each way. Ski some of the iconic lines surrounding the hut, under the watchful eye of your ACMG ski guide.
Dates: by request
Price (pp): by request
Our backcountry adventures are organised in partnership with Mountain Skills Academy and in agreement and compliance with all relevant crown land tenure holders.
