The Whistler backcountry provides a lifetime of world-class ski touring possibilities. But how many people get to ride big powder stashes and mountain lines only the locals know about? That’s exactly what you get on this 3-day ski trip at the Kees and Claire Hut in the Fitzsimmons Range led by local guides. Sitting at 1,950 meters on the edge of Russet Lake, you’ll have direct access to both tree skiing on stormy days and big alpine peaks, such as Mount Fissile, when it’s blue sky and dreamy. Recover at your state-of-the-art, energy-efficient backcountry hut so you can feel good about both your ski runs and environmental footprint too!
Let the only thing you hear be the gliding of your skis on fresh powder for three days straight. At the Kees and Claire Hut, that’s what you can expect—along with incredibly varied terrain and untracked snow. Located at 1,950 meters in the Fitzsimmons Range on the edge of Russet Lake, the hut provides unbeatable access to backcountry powder as soon as you step out the door. Let your guides show you the secret places and never worry about bad weather—explore high alpine lines when the sky breaks blue or find refuge among the trees if it’s stormy!
Meet your guide at 8 a.m. at the Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Base. Upload a gondola and ski to the Kees and Claire Hut, which will take around 4 hours. Leave your gear and go out ski touring for the day. The Kees and Claire Hut is located at 1,950m (6,398 ft) behind Whistler Ski Resort in the Fitzsimmons Range on the edge of Russet Lake. First of the three huts that will create a hut system along the popular Spearhead Traverse, it features 38 sleeping spaces divided into 6 sleeping areas. It’s a state-of-the-art energy-efficient backcountry hut with composting toilets, wood-burning stove, and water from the lake and snow. When you’re not out skiing, rest at your cozy hut and let your guides take care of the cooking.
Take advantage of the hut’s ideal position and ski a ton of pow for the next two days. With its incredibly varied terrain and 11 meters (36 ft) of snowfall a year, the area around the Kees and Claire Hut offers a ton of easily accessible ski touring. It’s a great zone for storm days as it features open tree skiing in the subalpine glades, but you can also reach big alpine peaks like Mount Fissile. Carve turns in fresh snow, shred the powder on the ridges and descend from high alpine peaks. Let your guides show you all the secret powder stashes that only the locals know! As the sun goes down, retreat to your hut.
Have a hearty breakfast before your final day of backcountry skiing. There’s a whole day ahead of you, so ski some more and enjoy the solitude, as the only thing you’ll be hearing is the gentle glide of your skis. At around 4 p.m., ski back to the Whistler Mountain Base and recharge before saying goodbye to Whistler!
I have been on a number of backcountry ski/ski mountaineering trips with Monte & Black Sheep Adventure Sports over the past several years. These trips have included avalanche safety training (level 2), and multiple multi-day hut trips in some expert level terrain (such as the Tantalus range near Squamish, BC).
On all the trips Monte and his guides have displayed excellent professionalism, tuition, and decision making in the mountains.
In mixed ability groups, Monte will tailor the trip to all ability/fitness levels, ensuring everyone has a great time. Monte has also pushed me to tackle steeper terrain than I was used to skiing in the backcountry (both on the up and down).
I would not hesitate to go on more trips in Monte in future.
I’ve used Monte (head guide at Black Sheep) for 2 seasons now for backcountry ski-touring. He’s very experienced, inspires confidence, and ensures you develop your skills as you go while feeling safe. He’s also highly capable of finding fine powder lines, great views, and good company to ski with. Can’t recommend him enough.
Included:
Not included:
To enjoy the backcountry skiing tour at the Kees and Claire Hut, you need to have at least a moderate fitness level. This backcountry skiing adventure offers intermediate to advanced difficulties, which means that some previous skiing experience is required but no backcountry or avalanche experience is necessary. Keep in mind that for this adventure, you have to be able to walk uphill for a few hours.
Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner-friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue or black level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training 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:
For the Kees and Claire Hut, you will need to bring:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent an avalanche safety pack (transceiver, probe, and shovel) with your guide for $30 a day or $100 a week.
Other mandatory gear, such as skis, poles, boots, or skins are available to rent from the following companies in Whistler: Whistler Blackcomb Rentals or Escape Route. Your guides can pick up the rental ski equipment if needed by clients, but please let us know at least a week in advance.
Group sizes and pricing:
Ski touring at the Kees and Claire Hut 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.
With state-of-the-art equipment, homey atmosphere and majestic vistas, this charming backcountry alpine oasis is bound to win you over. The hut is even more unique once you learn that it was built in homage to Cornelius “Kees” Brenninkmeyer and Claire Dixon, a couple that tragically passed away in 2007. Hundreds of volunteers donated and built this stunning backcountry shelter where their names and legacy will continue to live on forever.
The Kees and Claire Hut is an energy-efficient backcountry hut with 38 sleeping spaces divided into 6 sleeping areas. It is heated, so all you’ll need is a light sleeping bag (and mattress, for the time being – the hut hopes to provide mattresses in the not too distant future).
The hut is fully equipped with propane stoves, equipment, pots, plates, utensils, etc. Only food needs to be carried in. The hut has electricity and lights and USB ports for charging phones, etc. There is also cell phone service at the hut. The hut has indoor composting toilets for your comfort and to minimize environmental impact.
The nearest village to the mountain base you’re meeting at is Whistler. To get to Whistler, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to Whistler by car or with a shuttle service.
On day 1 of your Kees and Claire Hut backcountry skiing adventure, you’ll meet your guide at 8 a.m. at the Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Base.
If you are ready to experience more of Whistler’s backcountry, make sure to visit other amazing backcountry ski huts in the area.
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!
Deposits
You can secure one of the dates for this year with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Your guiding company will accept a substitute guest should you not be able to attend, provided they meet the skill level requirements for the trip. Your guiding company reserves the right to determine if the substitute guest meets these requirements. Any such substitutions are subject to a 10% administrative fee.
Your guides reserve the right to modify or cancel a trip at any time due to unfavorable weather conditions, injury/illness, or other reason without penalty. Clients will be notified as soon as possible and refunded less any sunk costs. If the weather doesn’t permit flying into the hut/ lodge, the client would not be refunded for the day. However, the guides would still take clients skiing somewhere. On the other hand, if the weather doesn’t permit leaving the lodge on schedule, the client would not be charged for the extra lodge day.
Early Bird booking
Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.
As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.
More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
Monte is a great guide! Very knowledgeable, fun and safe. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to get out in the back country or rock climbing. He can teach you skills or just show you a great stress free time in the mountains!