Ski Mountaineering Course in the Coast Mountains
Top reasons to ski mountaineer in the Coast Mountains
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Develop a wide ski mountaineering skillset in BC’s diverse terrain
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Some of the finest objectives in the range are easily approachable by road
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Learn the fundamentals of ski mountaineering in Canada’s breathtaking Coast Mountains
Endless glacier runs, bone-chilling couloirs, and deep and inviting powder are just a few reasons to take your ski mountaineering baby steps in the Coast Mountains. This massive mountain range, extending from southwestern Yukon along British Columbia’s coastline, houses some of Canada’s most iconic backcountry objectives. The abundance of challenging and varied terrain, excellent slope accessibility, and otherworldly vistas make this mountain range the ideal setting for your first foray into the world of ski mountaineering. And once you get a good grasp of the basics, let loose on British Columbia’s challenging descents and engaging traverses across massive icefields. There’s plenty of fun possibilities in the Coast Mountains’ backcountry—grab your skis and come see for yourself!
SeasonDecember through April |
Nearest cityVancouver, BC, is 3 hours away |
Duration2 days |
Skill levelIntermediate to advanced |
Choose how you spend your days:
Itinerary and learning outcomes
Day 1: Intro to ski mountaineering
Meet your guide at 7:15 am next to the Pemberton Visitor Centre. After a discussion about the weather, avalanche conditions, and the day’s objectives, you’ll undergo an equipment check before heading to the mountain. After a full day of learning ski mountaineering tricks and techniques, end the day with a debrief at approximately 4:30 pm. Learn about creating a ski mountaineering route plan and take part in a discussion on tomorrow’s weather, avalanche forecasts, and mountain conditions.
Day 2: Another field day
You will once again meet your guide at the Pemberton Visitor Centre at 7:15 am. After another discussion and equipment check, it’s time for a second day in the mountain. Take the chance to practice the skills you’ve learned yesterday before wrapping the tour up at 4:30 pm with a debrief of the day, a course debrief, and a Q&A session. Your guide will leave you with some advice on how to continue your ski mountaineering education.
As part of this course, you will cover several crucial topics pertaining to safe and efficient ski mountaineering, such as:
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- Ski mountaineering equipment
- Belaying and rappelling, anchors
- Ski mountaineering objectives
- Glacier travel & alpine hazard evaluation
- Survival skiing techniques