Covid measures in the Coast Mountains, British Columbia

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 the Coast Mountains, British Columbia, please refer to <a href="https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid?utm_campaign=gac-amc-travelborder-part2-21-22&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=ggl&utm_content=ad-text-en&utm_term=travel%20covid&adv=2122-147654&id_campaign=14643232225&id_source=125810504863&id_content=545679435736&gclid=CjwKCAiA1aiMBhAUEiwACw25Mc6hZaX3uXzXnjTQDBaa6VnJo0upG9B83dl4EtO1AOVTugng7tYA2xoCoDgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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: An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area Two full days of backcountry ski mountaineering lessons and fieldwork What’s not included: Technical backcountry ski touring and crevasse rescue equipment Transportation Accommodation Food and snacks Lift tickets (available for purchase at Whistler Blackcomb resort’s official website )

How fit do I need to be?

In order to enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to have an advanced level of fitness and backcountry skiing experience. The terrain in Wasatch will be quite steep, ungroomed, and treed. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while hiking uphill for 4000-6000 vertical feet every day.

What if I’ve never ski mountaineered before?

This adventure is best suited for advanced skiers with previous backcountry skiing and riding experience who have already completed their AST Level 1 avalanche course. In order to keep up with your guide’s pace, you should be comfortable hiking uphill for 4000-6000 vertical feet every day and navigating steep, ungroomed, and treed terrain. If you are not experienced in the backcountry, we recommend checking out these beginner-friendly backcountry ski tours in the Canadian Rockies.

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) Ski crampons — optional and condition-dependent (can be rented) Mountaineering ax (can be rented) Personal prussik — optional Ice screw (22cm) — optional Ski touring rope (50m) — optional Minimal alpine rock rack — optional Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe Harness Crevasse rescue kit (can be rented): Three locking carabiners and four non-locking carabiners Double length sling Two 5m (7mm) prussiks Auto-block device For personal items, we recommend bringing: Helmet Sunglasses or ski goggles Two pairs of gloves Warm hat Balaclava or neck tube — optional 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 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 with blister kit Glop stopper — optional Ski scraper Sunscreen Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack) Camera — optional

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe can be rented from Escape Route Crevasse rescue kit and harness can be rented from your guide. Mountaineering ax can be rented from Escape Route Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles can be rented from Escape Route Splitboards can be rented from Escape Route 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 age requirements

Group sizes: For the group course, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 6:1. Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows. For the private course, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1. Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. These courses are subject to a minimum number of participants. Your guide will give you a 48-hour notice if the minimum number has not been reached. Ski mountaineering group courses in the Coast Mountains can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 19, you’re good to go. Eighteen-year-olds and minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis. If your group has skiers under the age of 19, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to the tour in the Coast Mountains, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport 3 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Pemberton, BC, the starting point of the tour. 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 near the Pemberton Visitor Centre in Pemberton. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Coast Mountains | British Columbia

Ski Mountaineering Course in the Coast Mountains

5.00

A view of the slopes in the Coast Mountains

Mountaineers descending a slope in the Coast Mountains

Ski mountaineers exploring a cave in British Columbia

A mountaineer following a rope in the Coast Mountains

A mountaineer learning to rappel in the Coast Mountains

A cabin near Whistler in British Columbia

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

Duration

2 days

Season

December through April

Group size

Up to 6 people

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!

Adventure highlights

Develop a wide ski mountaineering skillset in BC’s diverse terrain
Some of the finest objectives in the range are easily approachable by road
Learn the fundamentals of ski mountaineering in Canada’s breathtaking Coast Mountains

Highlighted reviews from other travellers

Lenka R.

Amazing adventure, great value for the price!

I participated in the two-days Intro to Mountaineering course and I loved it. We were a small group of three people and being lucky with the weather, we enjoyed the full attention of our guide, who shared his knowledge and skills that we could put into practice the very next day. It is the best and safest way to enter the mountaineering world. Totally recommend!

Simon B.

Winter training from a professional unit

Over December I spent 3 weekends with MSAA doing some training for ski mountaineering: AST1 followed by a multi weekend Super Ski Course (Crevasse Rescue/Ski Mountaineering). Itineraries were sent out well in advance, the guides were very knowledgeable and experienced and provided awesome tips and tricks. Conditions on the mountain were horrible (strong winds, blizzards) but the guides changed their plan based on conditions. Good service all around and well worth it. Much recommended and reputable company.

Guy M.

Amazing learning experience, amazing instructor!

Overall the class was great. I just wanted to give a shoutout to my instructor, Chloe. She was very focused on the class, constantly checking over her shoulder to make sure everyone was keeping pace. I even saw her carry one student’s skis when she couldn’t make it up a steeper part of the run and helped that student transition back-and-forth from skins to skis each time we made a transition.

Show all reviews

Itinerary

Download itinerary

This fast-paced two-day ski mountaineering course is just what you need to take your backcountry skills to the next level! Master ski mountaineering fundamentals, such as belaying and rappelling, objective selection, and alpine hazard evaluation, with the help of expert ACMG-certified instructors. And when the basics sink in, test your newfound knowledge in British Columbia’s intricate terrain and monumental peaks!

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.
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:
- - Ski mountaineering equipment
  - Belaying and rappelling, anchors
  - Ski mountaineering objectives
  - Glacier travel & alpine hazard evaluation
  - Survival skiing techniques

Ski Mountaineering Course in the Coast Mountains

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Mountain Skills Academy

ACMG/IFMGA Certified Guides

Go beyond the touring terrain with courses in avalanche safety, setting tracks, crevasse rescue, and more. These are the people to call for comprehensive backcountry safety training as well as epic tours.

5.00(3 reviews)

Lenka R.

Amazing adventure, great value for the price!

Simon B.

Winter training from a professional unit

Guy M.

Amazing learning experience, amazing instructor!

Show all reviews

Lenka R.

Amazing adventure, great value for the price!

Simon B.

Winter training from a professional unit

Guy M.

Amazing learning experience, amazing instructor!

Things to know

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 the Coast Mountains, 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:
- - An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Two full days of backcountry ski mountaineering lessons and fieldwork
What’s not included:
- - Technical backcountry ski touring and crevasse rescue equipment
  - Transportation
  - Accommodation
  - Food and snacks
  - Lift tickets (available for purchase at Whistler Blackcomb resort’s official website)
In order to enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to have an advanced level of fitness and backcountry skiing experience. The terrain in Wasatch will be quite steep, ungroomed, and treed. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while hiking uphill for 4000-6000 vertical feet every day.
This adventure is best suited for advanced skiers with previous backcountry skiing and riding experience who have already completed their AST Level 1 avalanche course. In order to keep up with your guide’s pace, you should be comfortable hiking uphill for 4000-6000 vertical feet every day and navigating steep, ungroomed, and treed terrain. If you are not experienced in the backcountry, we recommend checking out these beginner-friendly backcountry ski tours in the Canadian Rockies.
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)
  - Ski crampons — optional and condition-dependent (can be rented)
  - Mountaineering ax (can be rented)
  - Personal prussik — optional
  - Ice screw (22cm) — optional
  - Ski touring rope (50m) — optional
  - Minimal alpine rock rack — optional
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Avalanche probe
    
    Harness
  - Crevasse rescue kit (can be rented):
    
    Three locking carabiners and four non-locking carabiners
    
    Double length sling
    
    Two 5m (7mm) prussiks
    
    Auto-block device
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
- - Helmet
  - Sunglasses or ski goggles
  - Two pairs of gloves
  - Warm hat
  - Balaclava or neck tube — optional
  - 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
  - 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 with blister kit
  - Glop stopper — optional
  - Ski scraper
  - Sunscreen
  - Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
- - Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe can be rented from Escape Route
  - Crevasse rescue kit and harness can be rented from your guide.
  - Mountaineering ax can be rented from Escape Route
  - Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles can be rented from Escape Route
  - Splitboards can be rented from Escape Route
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:
- - For the group course, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 6:1. Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
  - For the private course, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1. Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
  - These courses are subject to a minimum number of participants. Your guide will give you a 48-hour notice if the minimum number has not been reached.
Ski mountaineering group courses in the Coast Mountains can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 19, you’re good to go.
  - Eighteen-year-olds and minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
If your group has skiers under the age of 19, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the tour in the Coast Mountains, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport 3 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Pemberton, BC, the starting point of the tour.

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 near the Pemberton Visitor Centre in Pemberton. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
Secure your spot for next year with a 10% deposit!

This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
- Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you.
- Once the dates for 2024 are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
- The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
- Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.
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.