Included: An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area 6 or 7-day Bow-Yoho Traverse ( 6 days of skiing) A pre-trip meeting and gourmet dinner at the Truffle Pigs Bistro (for the 7-Day Tour) Hotel stay and restaurant meals in Field at the start of the trip Food during the tour Huts as listed in the itinerary Parks Canada backcountry permits Shuttle drivers (to bring guest vehicles back to Field for the end of the trip) Porter service (food will be waiting at the first hut) Group equipment Not included: Technical backcountry ski touring equipment Transportation to the starting point ACC membership (the price of the 7-day trip is member price only, you can get membership for $51/year) Pre and post-trip accommodations Guide gratuities — optional Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout

How fit do I need to be?

To enjoy the Bow-Yoho traverse, you need to be in excellent physical shape . You will be on your feet for 5-7 hours a day , covering 6-10 miles (10-15km) of terrain every day. Hut elevations are approximately 7,200ft (2,200m), with 2,300ft (700m) vertical . You will be carrying equipment throughout your hut-to-hut traverse. Expect to carry 2-4 lbs (1-2 kg) of group gear and 4 lbs (2 kg) of food, with the rest depending on your personal gear. The total weight of your pack should be up to 45 lbs (20 kg) . 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 ski toured before?

To participate in this tour, you need to have previous powder skiing and ski mountaineering experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for 5-7 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.

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, preferably with tech-style AT bindings, 150-185cm in length, wide (can be rented) Ski crampons (mandatory, can be provided by guide) Touring boots and poles with powder baskets (can be rented) Climbing skins Climbing harness Prusik cord and 120 cm sewn sling Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver – a modern digital unit Lightweight snow shovel Collapsible avalanche probe For personal items, we recommend bringing: Backpack (at least 65 L) — can be rented Helmet Sunglasses and ski goggles Long wool or synthetic underwear Extra warm shirt (not cotton) Medium weight fleece sweater Softshell or fleece jacket Softshell pants Insulated jacket (down preferred) Insulated pants (fleece or other synthetic) — optional Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or equivalent) Waterproof pants with side zippers (Gore-Tex or equivalent) Socks (wool or synthetic) Wool or fleece hat Waterproof ski mountaineering gloves or mitts Lightweight ski gloves Neck tube or balaclava Sun hat 3 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking carabiners 2 4-5 m long 6 mm cord, 1 sewn sling 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 First aid kit and small blister kit Personal toiletry kit and toilet paper Large stuff sack for carrying food Sunscreen and lip balm Pocket knife Sleepin g bag — three-season bag rated between -7 and -9°C Stuff sack — optional, but recommended Insulated booties or sandals Camera — optional

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. In Lake Louise, Canmore, or Banff, you can rent: Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles Splitboards If you plan on using alternate touring systems such as telemark skis, frame-style AT bindings, or splitboards, please contact your guide in advance. Ski rental locations are in Lake Louise, Canmore, and Banff, 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 age requirements

Group sizes: For these Bow-Yoho traverses, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 6:1. Ski touring in the Bow-Yoho Traverse 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 you plan to ski tour with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements. If your group has ski tourers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to the Bow-Yoho Traverse, most people fly into Calgary International Airport 2,5 hours away. The starting point is Field on Day 1 of the tour. You’ll meet your guide sometime in the afternoon at the Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge in Field, BC, have dinner, a briefing, and you’ll start the traverse on Day 2. You can rent a car or take a bus straight to Field from Calgary Airport.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.

Bow-Yoho Traverse | British Columbia

Backcountry Skiing in the Bow-Yoho Traverse

Top Choice

6-7 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $1,886 ()

In local currency: CA$2,595

Book a call

The stunning Bow-Yoho traverse, running from Bow Lake to the Yoho Valley, has lived in the shadow of its neighbor—the famous Wapta Traverse—for years. However, it has recently started catching up to the competition, thanks in great part to the addition of the Richard and Louise Guy Hut, by far the most deluxe hut in the area. Some of British Columbia’s most scenic peaks—which were previously reachable only through days of walking or high camping—are now more accessible than ever before with this 6 or 7-day tour! The Yoho and des Poilus glaciers abound with ski traversal and powder hunting opportunities, and the cozy huts add a level of sophistication and comfiness to the rough Canadian backcountry. You even get the opportunity to ski in a storm—what’s not to love!

Adventure Highlights

The perfect window: The best time of the year is late March to late April when the snowpack is settled and you can still count on dry powder runs
Nights at three ACC's huts: Stay at state-of-the-art Guy Hut, the log-built Stanley Mitchell hut, and the fabulously scenic Bow Hut
Relaxed itinerary with enough time: This itinerary is longer than some other Bow-Yoho trips offered, giving you more time to explore the incredible ski mountaineering available

Duration

6-7 days

Season

February through April

Group size

Up to 16 people

Accommodation

Hotel & huts

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This 6-day version skips one night at Stanley Mitchell Hut (instead of spending 2), making it a slightly shorter option for those on a tighter schedule.

Head to Canada’s spectacular Bow-Yoho Traverse together with a guide for 6 days of conquering peaks, running awesome slopes, and enjoying fantastic nature. Spend your nights in rustic and cozy flagship huts, and your days traversing and shredding British Columbia’s stunning powder. An experienced backcountry guide will be there to show you the best that the Bow-Yoho has to offer!

Day 1: Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge

Meet your guide and team over dinner in Field, BC, at the Truffle Pigs Bistro. After dinner, retreat to your room. Your guide will take you through an equipment check and distribution of group gear and food.

Day 2: Bow Hut

After a leisurely breakfast, pick up your lunches provided by the Kicking Horse Lodge. Make sure your backpacks and ski gear are packed and ready to go. At 9:00 AM, depart for the trailhead at Bow Lake from the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge parking lot. The ski tour from Bow Lake to Bow Hut takes anywhere from 3 to 5 hours depending on conditions and group speed. If there’s enough time, run a quick lap on the awesome slopes above Bow Hut at the end of the day.

Day 3: Guy Hut

Traverse day! Set course west for the Guy Hut, traversing over the Gordon-Rhondda pass and the Yoho Glacier’s gnarly icefall, below the spectacular Mt. Collie, and a short distance down to your hut below Yoho Peak.

Day 4: Yoho Peak and Des Poilus

Peak bagging day! The Guy Hut is not only the premiere hut on the Wapta, it’s also an excellent staging point for many of the great ski runs in the area, including Yoho Peak N and SE faces, Des Poilus SE face, the subpeak to the north of Des Poilus, Mt. Collie! While most of the objectives are ideal in fair weather, there’s a tree run that provides amazing storm skiing.

Day 5: Stanley Mitchell Hut

A ski tourer resting on the Bow-Yoho Traverse

Pick one of two ways to get to Stanley Mitchell Hut, both equally exciting. The first takes you over Isolated Col. It is steep and relentlessly exposed to avalanche hazards on both the north and south sides. The second is over the Whaleback, which is less exposed to avalanches and which, in the right conditions, offers a good ski descent through a lightly treed avalanche path to the valley bottom and then a trudge up-valley to the famous and ancient Stanley Mitchell Hut. If avalanche hazard is low, drop your load at the top of Isolated Col for a hot lap on the amazing 300 m (950 ft) north-facing side for an outstanding powder run, and complete the day in style with a long descent down the south side!

Day 6: Return

The ski out from Stanley Mitchell Hut is best if you can head up over the Iceline trail and out via Yoho Pass and Emerald Lake Lodge. This requires good stability and cool conditions, so you might have to slog out via Takakkaw Falls road. Your guide will aim to have you back in Field by early afternoon. Kick back by the shores of the Kicking Horse for another night, or just jet back home.

Head to Canada’s spectacular Bow-Yoho Traverse for a week of conquering peaks, running awesome slopes, and enjoying fantastic nature. Spend your nights in rustic and cozy flagship huts, and your days traversing and shredding British Columbia’s stunning powder. An experienced backcountry guide will be there to show you the best that the Bow-Yoho has to offer!

Day 1: Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge

Day 2: Bow Hut

Day 3: Guy Hut

Day 4: Yoho Peak and Des Poilus

Day 5: Stanley Mitchell Hut

Day 6: Bagging the Presidents

If you’re in the Little Yoho Valley with the wood stove crackling then you will definitely want to stay for at least one more night. Take the chance to bag the Presidents, Mount MacArthur, Isolated Peak, Mt. Kerr, or use the opportunity for some loop trips or storm skiing on the Vice President trees or glacier.

Day 7: Return

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Adventure, packed to go

Backcountry Skiing in the Bow-Yoho Traverse

Adventure Brochure

Brochure and video trailer

Download the trip brochure and cinematic trailer—everything you need to plan, share, or start dreaming.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Tom

IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide

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.

5.00

Jeff

ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

When he first stepped foot in the mountains, Jeff knew this was home. He’s been wondering what adventures the snow capped peaks have in store since he was 12. Jeff started training for his ACMG/IFMGA mountain guide certificate in 2002 and started his own business. To this day, he has yet to find a better feeling than sharing his passion for adventure you can only find high up in the alpine kingdom of the Canadian Rockies.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (9 reviews)

Matthew H.

|March 2025

A truly epic trip. We got so much done in 6 days but it didn’t feel rushed. We had a great group that got on well with the guides. So much varying terrain.

Anne-Marie C.

|April 2024

The Golden Mountain Traverse was a 10/10 with an incredible adventure in some of the most beautiful mountains of BC . The traverse allowed us to come home to ourselves while activating the sense of adventure we were looking for. The guides Brad and Aaron were incredible, providing safety yet challenging our skill level.

Marilyn F.

An awesome trip with a great, conscientious, and professional guide. Definitely felt that Tom listened to the whole crew and took our collective objectives, safety, weather, snow conditions, and skillsets to get the maximum we could have out of our Bow-Yoho traverse over New Year 2018. Super fun trip and lots of hilarious and educational stories and experiences Tom shared with us. And Eric was great in lending a hand where needed and carrying a ton of weight too. Would definitely recommend both Tom and Eric for any high adventure trips and any furthering of backcountry education. Not only do they really know their craft, but they also present their knowledge in a smooth and easy way for all to understand and learn from. Great guides, great guys. All five stars for sure!

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 6 or 7-day Bow-Yoho Traverse (6 days of skiing)
  - A pre-trip meeting and gourmet dinner at the Truffle Pigs Bistro (for the 7-Day Tour)
  - Hotel stay and restaurant meals in Field at the start of the trip
  - Food during the tour
  - Huts as listed in the itinerary
  - Parks Canada backcountry permits
  - Shuttle drivers (to bring guest vehicles back to Field for the end of the trip)
  - Porter service (food will be waiting at the first hut)
  - Group equipment
Not included:
- - Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
  - Transportation to the starting point
  - ACC membership (the price of the 7-day trip is member price only, you can get membership for $51/year)
  - Pre and post-trip accommodations
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
To enjoy the Bow-Yoho traverse, you need to be in excellent physical shape. You will be on your feet for 5-7 hours a day, covering 6-10 miles (10-15km) of terrain every day. Hut elevations are approximately 7,200ft (2,200m), with 2,300ft (700m) vertical.

You will be carrying equipment throughout your hut-to-hut traverse. Expect to carry 2-4 lbs (1-2 kg) of group gear and 4 lbs (2 kg) of food, with the rest depending on your personal gear. The total weight of your pack should be up to 45 lbs (20 kg).

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 and ski mountaineering experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for 5-7 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:
- - Alpine touring skis, preferably with tech-style AT bindings, 150-185cm in length, wide (can be rented)
  - Ski crampons (mandatory, can be provided by guide)
  - Touring boots and poles with powder baskets (can be rented)
  - Climbing skins
  - Climbing harness
  - Prusik cord and 120 cm sewn sling
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver – a modern digital unit
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Collapsible avalanche probe
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
- - Backpack (at least 65 L) — can be rented
  - Helmet
  - Sunglasses and ski goggles
  - Long wool or synthetic underwear
  - Extra warm shirt (not cotton)
  - Medium weight fleece sweater
  - Softshell or fleece jacket
  - Softshell pants
  - Insulated jacket (down preferred)
  - Insulated pants (fleece or other synthetic) — optional
  - Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
  - Waterproof pants with side zippers (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
  - Socks (wool or synthetic)
  - Wool or fleece hat
  - Waterproof ski mountaineering gloves or mitts
  - Lightweight ski gloves
  - Neck tube or balaclava
  - Sun hat
  - 3 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking carabiners
  - 2 4-5 m long 6 mm cord, 1 sewn sling
  - 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
  - First aid kit and small blister kit
  - Personal toiletry kit and toilet paper
  - Large stuff sack for carrying food
  - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Pocket knife
  - Sleeping bag — three-season bag rated between -7 and -9°C
  - Stuff sack — optional, but recommended
  - Insulated booties or sandals
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. In Lake Louise, Canmore, or Banff, you can rent:
- - Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe
  - Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles
  - Splitboards
If you plan on using alternate touring systems such as telemark skis, frame-style AT bindings, or splitboards, please contact your guide in advance.
Ski rental locations are in Lake Louise, Canmore, and Banff, 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:
- - For these Bow-Yoho traverses, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
Ski touring in the Bow-Yoho Traverse 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 you plan to ski tour with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
If your group has ski tourers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Bow-Yoho Traverse, most people fly into Calgary International Airport 2,5 hours away. The starting point is Field on Day 1 of the tour. You’ll meet your guide sometime in the afternoon at the Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge in Field, BC, have dinner, a briefing, and you’ll start the traverse on Day 2.

You can rent a car or take a bus straight to Field from Calgary Airport.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.
For set dates, a deposit of 50% of the total price is due upon booking. Once your guide confirms your booking, your trip departure is guaranteed and second payment is due 120 days before the trip.

If you need to cancel a reservation, please do so in writing (best by e-mail). Once your booking is confirmed, you and your Guides enter into financial obligations and they cannot refund payments or release you from your contractual obligations. Therefore, it is highly recommended buying cancellation insurance to cover your losses for the case that you can’t participate or have to interrupt your trip “for any reason”.

Your Guides do reserve the right to change guides, particular lodging or the itinerary or venue should unforeseen circumstances (guide sickness, hut or route closing etc.) force them to do so or should the physical condition of the participants, weather or mountain conditions make a continuation as planned too risky. Your Guides will not be deemed to be in default for any delay or failure to perform their obligations under this agreement resulting from acts of God, the elements, war, acts of government, civil or military authorities, natural calamities, catastrophe, fire, flood, accidents, epidemics, shortage of transportation, or any other like events beyond our reasonable control.