Year after year, Western Canada draws tens of thousands of alpine adventurers to their snow-capped slopes in Alberta and British Columbia. To aviod the crowds, the craftier skiers have taken to the backcountry to explore the finest terrain, ride the freshest powder, and enjoy the greatest views. Canada’s National Parks – such as Baniff’s famous Highway 93N or Yoho’s Emerald Lake – give easy access to alpine and treeline tours in the Canadian Rockies. The Kootenays offers top-notch treeline skiing on dry powder. Revelstoke boasts North America’s longest vertical slope. Whistler Blackcomb houses some of the most complex and challenging glacier descents and couloirs in Canada. Wherever you turn, you see a deep chute, an alpine bowl, or a scenic glading route just begging to be skied. Beginner or veteran, adrenaline junkie or calm crusier – the Canadian Rockies can accommodate just about anyone. Find out more about the best backcountry skiing locations in Canada from Greg Hill, ACMG ski guide extraordinaire.
My family and I had the adventure of a lifetime. It was an incredible experience and Sawback did an excellent job. We would highly recommend the trip and Tom to everyone.
The backcountry awaits! Could be just over that ridge. You’ll never know unless you get a guide to show you! I took a one-day peak beyond the well-known slopes of Lake Louise with my awesome guide. Someone once told me riding those lines is like flying—and it is totally true! I’ll be back for more.
Included:
Not included:
To enjoy these backcountry adventures, you need to be in excellent physical shape. You will be on your feet for 4-8 hours a day, covering miles upon miles of terrain. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.
To participate in this tour, you need to have previous powder skiing experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for 4-8 hours every day. Your guide will take care of the planning, oversee your technique, and teach you how to better manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training necessary to keep you safe.
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
Some more advanced outings may require the use of ski crampons, carabiners, and glacier travel gear. Your guide will provide a more detailed gear list before the trip.
Ski rental locations are in Canmore, AB, and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes and pricing:
Backcountry skiing in the Canadian Rockies can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Canadian Rockies, most people fly into Calgary International Airport 1 hour away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus or shuttle service.Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.
Tom is a top-notch guide! In addition to delivering a great ski touring trip, he is a fun person to hang out with back at the lodge. I feel safe touring with Tom.