BC Backcountry Blowout
Endless terrain. Stunning views. Remote après. Get ready for the backcountry event of the year.
Overview
Your cosy lodge awaits with a private chef, wood-burning fireplace, and sauna. Expect daily guided touring straight from the lodge, helicopter transfers, gourmet meals and evening BBQs, al-fresco après, local BC wine tasting, dress-up days, and more.
Location
Hidden in the depths of the South Chilcotin Mountains, just north of Whistler, the McGillivray Pass Lodge is located deep in the backcountry and is accessible only by helicopter (heli transfers included).
The Lodge
Built in 1972, the McGillivray Pass Lodge includes everything you would expect from a modern, yet rustic, cabin in the mountains. With five comfortable outbuildings, the lodge can accommodate groups of up to 15 people. Amenities include hot showers, a sauna, wood-burning fireplace, heated out-houses, fully equipped kitchen with private chef, WiFi (unless you want to unplug) and ample electric outlets for all your gadgets.
Itinerary
April 12:
Drive up to Pemberton Airport to meet your helicopter pilot and the rest of the group. You will go through a quick heli-safety briefing before taking a stunning flight up to the lodge (3 groups will drive up to Darcy to meet the next helicopter flights). Upon landing, you will be shown around your new home-from-home, introduced to the lodge staff and handed a packed lunch. Assuming no delays, you’ll head out touring for the afternoon, before skiing back to the lodge where you’ll be greeted by bubbles and après snacks. Head to the sauna or hang out with your new buddies whilst the lodge chef whips up a gourmet backcountry fare to prepare you for the days ahead.
April 13/14/15:
Explore the enormous tenure of the lodge with your ACMG guide over the next three days. Experience some of the most breath-taking terrain with Spring snow conditions that allow a slightly later start, longer days and sunset ski outs. Back at the lodge, we will be running dress-up evenings, local wine tasting, al-fresco BBQs, remote sauna sessions and much more — there will be no shortage of good times on this epic trip!
April 16:
It’s time to devour your final gourmet breakfast before packing up and saying your goodbyes to this piece of paradise. Your helicopter will whisk you away, back to your vehicles, before you make your way home with sore legs, big smiles and memories to last a lifetime.
Price and Inclusions
Price: $3,200 (+GST) per person
- 4 nights of accommodation (8 sleeping spaces: 3 yurts, and 5 private rooms within a wooden out-house. Each sleeping space can host 2-4 people with varying bed configurations.)
- 3.5 days of ACMG guided ski touring/splitboarding
- Mouth-watering, locally sourced meals prepared daily by the chef; breakfast, lunch, après appetizers, snacks and dinner
- Lodge sauna and backcountry sauna (accessed by touring)
- Local BC wine tasting evening
- Themed evenings and BBQ night
- WiFi access
This trip is recommended for guests with more than 10 days’ backcountry experience and at least a moderate physical fitness level. Every day is different – an ‘easy day’ would include 2-3 nearby runs (450-700m/1500-2000 ft) followed by lunch at the lodge, or a cross-country ski in the valley. A ‘large day’ would include various high alpine circuits up to 1500-3000m/6000-10,000 ft of skiing and snowboarding, with lunch on the go.
