In recent years, and especially following the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the name Whistler has become synonymous with world-class skiing. On top of the 8,300 acres of groomed slopes, the Whistler-Blackcomb mountain complex boasts tens of thousands of acres of majestic unmarked backcountry. Extending all the way to the Coast Mountains, Whistler’s slopes boast phenomenal terrain variety, as well as top-tier light and dry powder. However, the backcountry comes with its fair share of risk. Traversing glaciers and avoiding the backcountry’s numerous crevasses is an art form, and coming unprepared could put you or your fellow adventurers at serious risk. This is why you should use this winter wisely and learn how to safely traverse the backcountry. Head to Whistler to see what the hype is about, and become a safer backcountry skier in the process!
Master essential backcountry skills in Whistler’s stunning wilderness
The ski lifts allow for quick and easy access to the backcountry
Learn the fundamentals of both crevasse rescue and glacier travel in one time-efficient package
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Whistler, British Columbia, please refer to Canada’s COVID-19 travel requirements and British Columbia’s Travel and COVID-19 info website.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to get the most of this course, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will be on your feet for 2 full days. 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.
Prerequisites:
This course is meant for strong intermediate skiers and boarders. Students must be able to travel in the snow, and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow to class. Skiers must be able to hike for several hours at a time while carrying a small pack. All participants should be comfortable traveling in snow while carrying touring gear. There are no other prerequisites.
For technical backcountry ski touring and crevasse rescue gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
Your guide has partnered with Escape Route to provide you with rentals at a discounted price.
Ski rental locations are in Whistler 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 pricing:
Courses in Whistler can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has skiers under the age of 19, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Whistler, BC, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport 1.5 hours away. From there, you can take a local flight, rent a car or take a bus to Whistler.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre in Whistler. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
Cancellations made within 10 days prior to the course departure will forfeit 100% of tuition price. If you cancel the booking more than 10 days in advance, the guide will keep a $75 rescheduling and refunding fee.
