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Backcountry Skiing in British Columbia

There’s good snow, and then there’s BC snow.
Some places get a great powder day every now and then, but British Columbia gets a whole season of them.
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backcountry skiing in british columbia
Backcountry Skiing in British Columbia
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The ultimate adventure in Canadian backcountry

Coast or Interior? Two kinds of deep

The Coast Mountains sit right in the path of Pacific storms, so the snow comes in heavy and often. It settles fast, and it builds a deep base under steep glaciated faces, open alpine bowls and long tree runs, all within reach of Whistler.

The Interior ranges (the Selkirks, Purcells, Monashees and Valhallas) get those storms once they’ve crossed the coast, and colder, drier air makes the snow lighter. Rogers Pass and the terrain around Golden and Revelstoke pile up around 10 m of snow in a typical season.

Same province, two very different snowpacks. Plenty of skiers make a point of trying both.

A skier in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada

Day tour, lodge week, hut traverse, or heli?

How you get into the mountains shapes the whole trip. BC has all the main backcountry skiing formats:

    • Day tours: You meet your guide in Whistler, Golden, Revelstoke or Rogers Pass, skin up and ski, and you’re back in town for dinner. It’s the easiest way to test BC terrain.
    • Lodge weeks: A helicopter drops you at a remote backcountry lodge and you tour from the front door for days.
    • Hut-to-hut traverses: You carry a pack across glaciers and sleep somewhere new each night, with fresh terrain every day.
    • Heli-skiing and the Powder Highway: Rotors or lifts do the climbing. Choose a heli lodge in the Cariboos or out near Atlin, or the resort-to-resort road trip through Fernie, Whitewater, Red Mountain, Revelstoke and Kicking Horse.
Happy heli-skiers posing in British Columbia

The traverses with a reputation

A few BC ski traverses are on the bucket list of nearly every ski tourer:

    • Spearhead Traverse: A horseshoe of glaciers and cols that links the Blackcomb and Whistler backcountry, done in two or three days.
    • Wapta and Bow-Yoho: Icefields along the Continental Divide between Banff and Yoho, connected by a chain of huts. They’re among the best-known hut-to-hut ski routes in Canada.
    • Icefall Traverse: You fly in by helicopter near Golden and stay in five huts and lodges. One of them is the Lyell Hut, the highest ski touring hut in Canada at about 2,835 m. The longest descents run past 2,000 m.

Expect glacier travel on most of them, so pack ski crampons and a light harness.

Spearhead traverse sunny day

What happens after the last run

Backcountry accommodation in BC ranges from fully catered to fully self-sufficient. At one end, a chef cooks hot breakfasts, packed lunches, après snacks and a three-course dinner, and there’s a wood-fired sauna waiting when you click out of your bindings. At the other end, shared alpine huts give you heat, propane stoves and bunk space, and you carry in your own food and sleeping bag. Either way, evenings go to drying skins, comparing lines on the map and going to bed embarrassingly early.

cozy hut in bc

Who decides where you ski

In avalanche terrain, the guide’s judgment is the most important piece of gear on the trip.

    • Guides are ACMG-certified (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides), and many also hold IFMGA credentials.
    • Groups stay small, usually 4 to 8 skiers per guide on touring trips.
    • Every morning, terrain is chosen from the latest avalanche forecasts and what the guide sees on the ground.
    • A transceiver, shovel and probe are mandatory, and lodge trips start with an avalanche safety orientation.

You bring the legs. They bring the local knowledge.

Spearhead views BC
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What do people think of Backcountry Skiing in British Columbia?
debbie m
 • February 2024
about Ski Touring Near Golden, BC: Stay at Heli-Accessed Purcell Lodge

For an older person who has skied at many of the backcountry lodges in complex terrain in BC, Purcell Lodge is a fabulous step down. It offers rolling terrain for mellow days where you can ski alone (with a radio to keep you safe) and absorb the views across to the Selkirks, great tree skiing, and terrain that will satisfy your needs of steep and deep when you feel more energetic. There is an added bonus offered at no other lodge I know, of a heli-bump to a nearby peak to access the beautiful powder bowls. The Lodge itself is deluxe and rivals any new Lodge. Treat yourself and you won’t regret it.

Destination702588
 • February 2024
about Powder Highway Ski Road Trip: Whitewater, Revelstoke & More

If we could give more than 5 stars, we would! We booked the 12 day powder highway tour as part of our honeymoon this February. Fresh Adventures truly exceeded our expectations – 10 days of skiing at 5 amazing mountains, delicious meals, great accommodations, and seamless travel. Our guides Mac & Jafar were true experts when it comes to the BC mountains and showed us around each hill from first to last chair each day. In addition to being great guides, they were also genuinely awesome people and went above & beyond to make the trip special – baking cookies and writing Valentine’s for the whole group on Feb 14 & even bringing a bottle of bubbly to the top of Kicking Horse on the last day to celebrate the end of our honeymoon adventure. This tour is perfect for adventurous skiers who love to dip into trees and hike to jaw-dropping scenic runs. The days are long & full, but we woke up each morning ready & excited to take on the next adventure. The guides also provided tons of great recommendations in each town we visited. Nelson & Revelstoke were definitely our favorites. The pacing of the trip was perfect, with 3 nights spent in the towns with more to see/do, and quicker stops in the quieter places. We will definitely be back!

Ody Loomis
about Icefall Traverse: Hut-to-Hut Skiing in British Columbia

Thank you for all that you do to make these experiences happen!!! “We like it here” is an understatement… Love the details in the new cabins and the amazing terrain each hut/cabin/lodge access has- the views are beyond beautiful. Easily top favorite place’s on earth! A huge thank you and shout out to Corin Lohmann- he is a fantastic guide. Two full Traverse trips with him, and I hope to have another in my time. Always a grand adventure!!!

Brett Tippie
about Heli-Skiing at Silvertip Lodge: Unlimited Vertical

Incredible terrain! Friendly professional staff & the unlimited vertical blew my mind…and my quads ha! The lodge on the lake was gorgeous, & 5 star food, and the best dessert I’ve ever had. I’ve been to quite a few Heli outfits but Silver Tip is top of the list!

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Meet the guides in the area

5
Tom
Tom is an ACMG/IFMGA-certified mountain guide who’s been guiding since moving to Canmore in 1995, the place he calls home. His winters consist of a mix of ski guiding at lodges, heli-ski operations, and remote backcountry destinations throughout western Canada. During the warmer months, Tom spends his days on water. He is a certified Paddle Canada Moving Water Canoe Instructor and Wilderness Canoe Guide.
5
Monte
Monte is a ACMG Ski Guide, ACMG Apprentice Alpine and Rock guide based out of Squamish BC. He’s climbed and skied all over the world but he settled in BC because of the easy access to amazing climbing and skiing.
Guide Alex Ross
5
Alex
Alex grew up in Ontario, where he could often be found wearing rubber boots, a life jacket, and a Tilley hat, claiming he would one day become a guide. After earning a business degree and realizing that the commerce world was not for him, he ventured west to the far coast of British Columbia, where he found his home. After several seasons of guiding for other companies, Alex launched an outdoor travel company, determined to make a life out of skiing, hiking, and being outdoors. Ten years later, it has grown into a well-known adventure company in Canada, attracting top guides from across the country and delighting travelers with a focus on quality and fun.
Selkirk Mountains backcountry skiing
5
Jasmin
Jasmin is a certified ACMG Ski and Rock Guide who grew up in the B.C. Kootenays. Mixing business with pleasure, she runs her family-owned Valhalla Mountain Touring lodge in the Selkirks. On top of that, she's an instructor and examiner for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Find her on the slopes of BC or Japan, taking her clients on skiing adventures of a lifetime.
5
Nino
Nino is a trained and Internationally Certified IFMGA Mountain Guide.  His winters are split between guiding Backcountry Lodge trips, ski touring in the deep powder capital of Western Canada and CMH Heli. During the winter months he calls Golden BC home which provides some of the most scenic ski touring in the West. Summers are spent Alpine and Rock guiding in Canada and the Alps and sneaking in a few down days at the rock cliffs!
5
Andrew
Andrew is an IFMGA guide and a member of the AMGA's National Instructor Team. He works in all mountain disciplines: rock, ice, and alpine climbing, and backcountry skiing. If you can dream it, he can help you do it.
5
Adam
Adam is an ACMG Ski Guide and passionate splitboarder based in Revelstoke, BC. Whether he's navigating the safest route to the summit, digging a snow profile, setting a skin track through the forest, or eyeing up his next pillow line, Adam is at home in the mountains and will make you feel comfortable out there too. Not only does he know where to find the goods, but he'll make a point of getting you to them as efficiently as possible. He might convince you to walk a little farther than you thought you could go, but the skiing you're rewarded with will be well worth the calories burned!
5
Larry
Larry is the owner and head guide at Icefall Lodge. He is a fully certified mountain guide (IFMGA/ UIAGM and ACMG) and has skied and climbed in many of the great mountain ranges in the world. Having grown up in Calgary, he spent much of his youth climbing and skiing in the mountains around Banff. After completing a degree in Economics at Queens University, he returned to the mountains to pursue his passion. He regularly leads ski trips to the Alps, guiding classics such as the Haute Route, Berner Oberland, or Ortler Traverse. Other destinations include the Himalayas, New Zealand, and Peru. Larry has also guided trips at many backcountry lodges in BC, and the Icefall Lodge has offered him the opportunity to bring together the best aspects of many different places he has guided.
5
Jana
Originally from a small mountain town in the Czech Republic, Jana was once a member of the Czech Nordic skiing junior team, though she always found the deep snow more interesting than the groomed trails. Throughout her student years she spent as much time as possible skiing, climbing and biking in Czech and the French Alps. After graduating from a masters program of Sport and Leisure time Management at Palacky University in the Czech Republic, she came to BC. After tasting Canadian powder, she never went back. She spends the summer backcountry horse wrangling and hiking guiding. In the winter she splits her time between heliskiing and ski touring. Jana can speak with you in English, French, Czech, some German and Spanish as well.
5
Ryan
Ryan began his backcountry career with a ski mountaineering course at Icefall Lodge. The incredible terrain, amazing location, and excellent ski quality instantly inspired him to want to return every year! Today he is an ACMG ski guide who spends his winters ski guiding in the interior mountains of British Columbia. When the temperature rises and the snow starts to melt, he heads up to Wrangell St. Elias National Park in Alaska, where he continues to find good turns, great climbing, and an infinite sea of mountains to explore! Currently based in Albert Canyon at the foot of Roger's Pass, Ryan never feels far from the next great adventure.
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More about backcountry skiing in British Columbia

  • There are four reasons why downhill skiing is such a hit in British Columbia:

    Prime Snow Conditions: The Coastal Mountains act as a barrier, trapping moisture from the Pacific Ocean and creating ideal conditions for abundant snowfall. Notably, the Kootenay Rockies region receives some of the highest snowfalls in North America, with areas like Mount Fidelity holding the record for the most snowfall in Canada.  This translates to consistent powder snow, a dream for many skiers.

    Diverse Terrain: From gentle beginner slopes to heart-stopping double-black diamond runs, BC boasts a vast range of terrain to cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re cruising groomers, carving through glades, or tackling challenging chutes, there’s something for everyone.

    Epic Scenery: Skiing in BC isn’t just about the slopes; it’s about the breathtaking backdrops.  Imagine carving fresh tracks down a mountain while surrounded by majestic peaks, pristine forests, and glaciers. The scenic beauty of the province adds another dimension to the skiing experience.

    Après-Ski Culture: After a day on the slopes, many resorts offer a vibrant après-ski scene with lively bars, restaurants, and shops. This allows skiers to relax, socialize, and share stories about their adventures on the mountain.

  • British Columbia, Canada is a world-renowned skiing destination, and here is why:

      • Long ski seasons: The ski season in British Columbia typically runs from late November to early May, with some areas offering even longer seasons.
      • Reliable snowfall: British Columbia receives plenty of snowfall throughout the winter, thanks to the Coastal Mountains. This means that you can be sure to find good conditions on the slopes.
      • Diverse terrain: There is something for everyone in British Columbia, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert terrain. The province also has a number of heliskiing and cat skiing operations, which allow you easy access to prime untouched powder.
      • Beautiful scenery: British Columbia is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and the backcountry skiing is no exception. You can ski through towering mountains, pristine forests, glaciers, and more.

  • The “best” month for skiing in British Columbia depends on what you prioritize. Here’s a quick breakdown:

      • Snow conditions: Powderhounds looking for the most snowfall will favor January, which is typically the snowiest month.
      • Balance of snow and sunshine: For a good balance between fresh powder and bluebird days, February is a great choice, though it’s also the busiest and most expensive month.
      • Pleasant weather and good snow:  March offers longer days, warmer temperatures, and still boasts a good snowpack. This is a good option if you want to avoid peak crowds.
      • Spring skiing and affordability: Shoulder seasons like late November to mid-December and April can offer good deals on accommodation and lift tickets, with decent skiing conditions, especially at higher altitudes

  • British Columbia’s reputation as a skier’s paradise extends far beyond the resorts. Here are 3 top backcountry skiing destinations in BC:

      1. Rogers Pass: Located in Glacier National Park, Rogers Pass is legendary for its massive snowfall amounts, averaging over 12 meters (40 feet) annually. This translates to a long season with a phenomenal snowpack.
      2. Purcells: The Purcells offer a vast and diverse backcountry playground, with endless options for multi-day hut-based ski touring. From the majestic peaks around Valhalla Provincial Park to the bugaboo spires, the Purcells welcome seasoned skiers seeking adventure.
      3. Valhalla Provincial Park: This park offers a taste of backcountry adventure with a range of options for intermediate-to-advanced skiers, from legendary lodge-based trips to day tours. You can base yourself at the historic Valhalla Lodge, which provides access to world-class slopes, or explore the area on day trips from the park gates.

  • No, you can’t ski all year round in all of British Columbia, but there is a caveat. 

    While the province has a long ski season and some regions receive exceptional snowfall, there isn’t year-round glacier coverage or consistently cold temperatures for reliable skiing.

    However, if you choose to go heli-skiing on the West Coast or travel deep into BC’s remote backcountry lodges, you’ll find favorable ski conditions well outside the standard season!

  • The part of British Columbia that gets the most snow is concentrated in the Kootenay Rockies, specifically around the Selkirk Mountains and the Purcell Mountains. This region is nicknamed the “Powder Highway” for a reason!

    Mount Fidelity in Glacier National Park boasts the highest average annual snowfall in Canada, reaching a whopping 1399 centimeters (546 inches)!

  • It depends on the trip. Roughly:

      • Day tours and some hut trips: You should be a confident blue or black resort skier who can skin uphill for a few hours. The entry-level trips need no previous backcountry or avalanche experience.
      • Lodge weeks: You need very good fitness and strong resort skiing. Backcountry experience helps but isn’t always required.
      • Glacier traverses: You need expert downhill skills, previous touring experience and the ability to ski variable snow with a pack on. Big days involve around 1,500 m of climbing.

    Be honest with yourself about where you are. Every trip page lists its prerequisites, and if you’re between two levels, get in touch.

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