Backcountry Skiing in Whistler

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced, certified Whistler backcountry guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • A full day of backcountry skiing

  Not included:

  • • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
    • Avalanche safety equipment
    • Transportation
    • Food and snacks
    • Accommodations
    • Lift ticket (available for purchase at Whistler Blackcomb resort’s official website)
• How fit do I need to be?

  To enjoy this Whistler ski trip, you need to be in great physical shape. You will be on your feet for 6-8 hours, learning basic uphill and downhill skiing and skinning techniques or skiing Whistler Blackcomb’s numerous bowls, glaciers, and gladed runs. 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.

• What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

  Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner-friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue-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.

• Waiver and release of liability

  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.

• What equipment do I need to bring?

  For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

  • • Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
    • Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
    • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
      • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
      • Lightweight snow shovel
      • Avalanche probe

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • • Helmet
    • Sunglasses or ski goggles
    • Gloves and hat
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Down jacket or vest
    • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear, and socks
    • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
    • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
    • Water bottle and 1L of water
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • First aid kit
    • Sunscreen
    • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
    • Camera — optional
• Can I rent equipment?

  All mandatory equipment can be rented if you don’t have your own. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing:

  • • For these Whistler tours, the max client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. 
    • For the group tours, the cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows. It takes a minimum of 3 people for these tours to run.
    • For the private tours, costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to tour with friends and family!

  Backcountry skiing can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

  If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Whistler, BC, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport 1,5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Whistler.

  Once you and your Whistler ski guide agree on the details of your itinerary, they will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre in Whistler, BC, or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

• Safety measures and insurance

  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!

• Cancellation policy

  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.