Best of Backcountry Skiing on British Columbia’s West Coast

Chile and Argentina’s Lake District is threaded with volcanoes, and when the snow comes in, the line cuts so sharp across the slope you can watch it from the chairlift. On the new episode of After Hours, host Viktor Marohnić talks with Monte Johnston, an IFMGA mountain guide based in Squamish, BC, who has made repeat trips through the region and knows it well enough to have a local guide friend in Bariloche tipping him off to the good stuff. He goes region by region, and the range is what stands out. Antillanca on the Chilean side, where a switchbacking road climbs 1,500 meters to a few old fixed-grip lifts that open straight into the backcountry. Puyehue, where you ride mules an hour and a half above the treeline to ski a glacier inside the volcano. Cerro Bayo on the Argentinian side, a small old resort with enormous slack country that ended up being Monte’s favorite of the trip. Catedral above Bariloche, where a short skin off the lifts puts you onto spines and chutes. There’s gentle terrain for anyone easing into it and 45-to-50-degree couloirs for anyone who came looking, and on a good day you’re lapping 2,000 meters of descent with almost nobody else on the hill. Add it up — big terrain, empty slopes, no altitude to manage, and a full winter running while the northern hemisphere sits in summer — and Patagonia stops looking like a novelty and starts looking like a second season. If you’ve been putting Patagonia off because it sounds like an expedition, this is the episode that shows it isn’t one.

Backcountry skiing in Iceland isn’t new — the first ski race in the country was held in 1905 on the Troll Peninsula, now called the cradle of Icelandic skiing. What’s new is the guiding: Iceland has produced only five certified ski guides through its own mountain-guide program, and four of them work out of one lodge in Tröllaskagi. Viktor sits down with Ólöf, who left a decade running Icelandic Tourism to convert an old schoolhouse into a ski lodge on her family’s land, and Smári, one of the country’s first IFMGA-track ski guides. They cover why April beats January for Icelandic powder, what it’s like skiing sea-to-summit from a converted 1975 fishing boat in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve — Iceland’s last stretch with no roads at all — and why the geothermal pool waiting at the end of the day is a UNESCO-recognized tradition, not just a nice-to-have. If backcountry skiing conjures crowds and lift lines for you, this resets it — lodge or boat, you end up skiing straight into the Arctic Ocean either way.

Kicking Horse might be the most insane ski resort in North America. Five alpine bowls. Peaks you bootpack to inside the resort boundary. The most chute skiing of any ski area on the continent — and snow so consistent you can still find powder two weeks after the last storm. We sat down with Powder Matt Mosteller, SVP of Resorts at Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, and Toby Barrett, who runs sales, marketing, and operations at Kicking Horse, to get into all of it: the terrain, the snow science, backcountry access, and why Golden, BC might be the most underrated ski town on the continent. Toby’s read on why Golden still flies under the radar, and Matt’s case for chute skiing over everything else the Rockies offer — that’s the part worth staying for.

We’ve all seen the clips: faceshots so deep you disappear, bamboo forests waist-deep in fluff, and riders floating through endless powder that looks straight out of a dream. But is it really that good? That’s exactly what ACMG guide Will Mackaness is here to unpack. Having spent years guiding in Japan’s backcountry, Will knows both the myth and the reality of the world’s most famous snow.  In this LIVE WEBINAR, he’ll pull back the curtain on what skiing Japan is actually like, from the science behind the snow to the cultural rhythm that defines a true Japan ski experience.  This isn’t a travel ad. It’s an open, insider chat with a veteran guide who knows every facet of Japan’s backcountry: the highs, the myths, and the magic.  Because if you’ve ever wondered whether Japan’s legendary snow really lives up to the hype, it’s time to find out. Straight from someone who’s been neck-deep in it.

You clip into your bindings on a snowy ridge, the Arctic sun hanging low over the horizon. The landscape is endless: glaciers, peaks, and the dark blue of the ocean stretching into ice and sky. Below, your line carves straight down to the fjord, where a small ship waits like a speck in the vastness. This is backcountry skiing in Svalbard, and if you haven’t heard of it, you’ll be adding it to your bucket list soon. Here, the mountains rise straight from the sea, creating some of the most dramatic ski terrain on the planet. The days are long, the snow untouched, and the sense of remoteness hard to put into words. One moment you’re skinning in silence, the next you’re sailing through Arctic waters past cliffs alive with seabirds. In this webinar, French ski guide Clement Carasco takes you inside life on an Arctic expedition.  From the practical—gear, safety, and pacing—to the unforgettable—summit-to-sea runs, ship life, and stories of the wild—you’ll get an insider’s look at what it means to ski at the top of the world. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to chase turns in the High Arctic, this is your chance to find out.

Picture yourself carving through a blend of fresh Arctic powder and perfect spring corn on a thrilling summit-to-sea run you’ve just discovered. Meanwhile, a gourmet multi-course meal is being served on a luxurious 150-foot yacht under the glow of the midnight sun. Tom Wolfe’s backcountry ski trip in Svalbard is a sight to behold. Starting from Longyearbyen, the northernmost permanent settlement on Earth, Tom leads his clients island-hopping in search of the ultimate skiing. Whether it’s gentle slopes, expansive open bowls, steep ridgelines, or challenging 50-degree chutes, the skiing options are as endless as the Arctic Sea. And the adventure doesn’t stop once the skis are off—between runs, you’ll cruise on a lavish schooner, savor dishes crafted by a private chef, and maybe even encounter a polar bear. Curious why Svalbard has been one of Europe’s hottest backcountry destinations in recent years? Don’t miss this webinar, where Tom covered everything from planning & logistics to how to get there, what to bring, and what to expect.

If you’re a seasoned skier who’s mastered the groomers and navigated the chaos of lift lines, it’s time to level up. Imagine endless powder, untouched terrain, and breathtaking alpine vistas—all without the resort crowds. Backcountry skiing is the ultimate upgrade for skiers craving freedom and adventure. It’s where the mountains are your playground, and every descent is your own. But stepping into the backcountry isn’t just about swapping lift tickets for skins. It’s about embracing a whole new way to experience the snow, the mountains, and your love of skiing. Ready to take your skills off-piste? Watch our webinar on how to start backcountry skiing with seasoned guide Erik Fullmer, who’s helped tons of skiers transition from resorts to the backcountry. In this hour-long session, you’ll learn the essential gear you’ll need (and what to leave behind), some beginner-friendly tips to keep you and your group secure, advice on navigating untracked terrain confidently – and so much more! Whether you’re curious about backcountry skiing or already eyeing your first guided tour, Erik’s insights will give you the knowledge and stoke to get started. Quick heads up: This webinar is packed with info, but it’s not a substitute for avalanche safety training or hitting the slopes with a pro. Always get proper training before heading out there!

Winter is fast approaching, and with it, the promise of epic powder days and cultural immersion in the Alps. But with so many options and so little time, how do you know where to go for the best food, wine, views, and most importantly, runs? Don’t waste your season chasing the wrong snow – tune in to our free hosted by seasoned local mountain expert Yann Delevaux! Yann isn’t just any guide—he’s spent years guiding all-inclusive ski trips in the Alps. He knows every hidden slope, rustic restaurant, and scenic village by heart. Are you an experienced skier looking for new challenges? Do you just want to learn how to experience Italy, France & Switzerland like a local? Yann will provide all you need to make the most of your time in the mountains. Ski season is short; the best conditions can be gone in a flash. Now’s the time to plan—and this webinar is the ultimate resource to uncover new areas, immerse yourself in the culture, and maximize your ski experience in the Alps, both on and off-piste. If you’re tired of the same old slopes and want to explore beyond the beaten path, tune in, get ahead of the crowd, and secure your best winter yet.

Ever wanted to get as far from the resorts as possible? Shred untouched snow with no one else in sight? With deep pow, bone-chilling steeps, and spectacular Arctic backdrops, Greenland is a ski mecca in the making. Whether you want to heli-ski among the glaciers, sail & shred from fjord to fjord, or fully immerse yourself in Inuit culture, Greenland offers an experience few can match. Of course, planning a Greenland ski trip can be daunting. From navigating complex logistics to understanding the unique challenges of skiing in remote and extreme environments, there’s a lot to consider. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Tune in to our FREE WEBINAR hosted by seasoned ski guide Matt Edwards. Learn everything you need to know before planning a trip to Greenland – and pick up plenty of inspiration for your big Arctic adventure!