British Columbia’s West Coast really is that special for skiers, and it’s no wonder—it has the best snow in the world. Not only that, but it’s also a region with the highest chance of good ski conditions, which is good to know if you’re traveling from afar. So go ahead and pick out one of these tours we have planned—whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong. Garibaldi, Tantalus, Whistler, all of these icy hotspots have incredible terrain, some of which is only accessible by a heli, and you’ll get to carve fresh lines in that glorious snow for 3 or 4 days in a row. After adrenaline-fueled skiing explorations with your ACMG guide and with daylight waning, retreat to your cozy chalet in Squamish for a good night’s rest.
Monte was a fantastic guide for our 4-day ski touring trip. He has an unbelievable amount of knowledge of the backcountry, weather and snow but struck an outstanding balance between the level of information he provided and the practicality of applying it in a backcountry scenario. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide! His dry sense of humour also kept thing fun on the skin track!
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.
Included:
Not included:
To enjoy this backcountry skiing adventure on BC’s West Coast, you need to have at least some backcountry skiing experience. Participants should feel comfortable skiing on various types of terrain and have a good understanding of the basics of backcountry skiing. Other than that, your ACMG-certified guides can accommodate almost any ability level, help you with your skills, and coach when things get a bit more difficult.
To participate in this tour, you need to have at least some previous backcountry skiing experience.
If you’re looking for a day-long adventure suitable for beginners in BC, check out backcountry skiing in Duffey Lake.
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:
This is a list of clothing we recommend you bring:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent avalanche safety pack, including a backpack, beacon, shovel and probe with your guides in the booking process.
You can rent alpine touring or telemark skis (or splitboard) touring boots, and poles in Squamish from Urban Alpine, Spicy Sports, and Evo. As Squamish is an outdoor hub, there’s a multitude of more rental shops to choose from.
Ski rental locations are in Squamish 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 prices:
Backcountry skiing in BC’s West Coast 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 Squamish, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), 1 hour from Whistler. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.
Accommodation is included for the day prior to skiing, so make sure to check into the Cloudraker Chalet in Squamish and have a good night’s rest. Your guide will meet you there and review the plan for Day 1.
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!
For regular dates, a $750 deposit is due upon booking. Final payments are due sixty (60) calendar days prior to the departure date. Failure to make this final payment by the deadline will result in forfeiture of the trip and deposit. If booking a trip within 60 days of the departure date, full payment is due upon booking.
Monte is a very professional guide and teacher. The biggest compliment I can give anyone is to let them take my son out without me in the mountains. With Monte I would not hesitate to let him take my 15 year old son out climbing. That alone speaks to the trust I have in his skill, safety and preparation. Monte also has an immense amount of knowledge.