Included: An experienced, local ACMG certified ski touring guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day of private backcountry ski touring around Whistler Group equipment Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Avalanche safety equipment rental (avy kit) Whistler – Blackcomb backcountry lift ticket Backcountry ski passes & ski gear rental — leave a note at checkout if interested Not included: Transportation to Canada Accommodations Meals Ski gear Safety equipment Lift tickets Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above Insurance — recommended, available at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

Where will we be skiing?

It all depends on where the best snow is that day. Your guides usually choose between three main zones: Whistler Mountain — plenty of ski touring right off the lifts, with open tree skiing in sub-alpine glades, which makes it a great zone for storm days Blackcomb’s Spearhead Range — higher terrain with lots of high alpine, glaciated skiing, from big faces to steep couloirs Rainbow Mountain area — across the valley, a fully human-powered option where the snow is usually a little deeper, with everything from open glades to big alpine slopes Some of your guides’ favorite tours in the area: Best pow: Disease Ridge into Chutting Gallery Steeps & couloirs: Cham Chutes, Vista Chute, Husume Glacier tour: Spearhead to Decker Backcountry warm-up: East Col, Circle Lake, Body Bag Bowl

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this Whistler backcountry ski touring day, reasonable fitness is required, but no backcountry or avalanche experience is needed . The trip works for anyone from beginner to advanced, on skis or a splitboard. Your guide picks the terrain to match your ability, the day’s conditions, and the kind of adventure you’re after, so the pace and the climbing are tailored to your group. You should be comfortable skiing or riding off-piste and happy spending a full winter day moving uphill under your own power. Exact distance and elevation gain depend on where the best snow is that morning. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover our collection of backcountry skiing adventures in British Columbia .

Do I need any backcountry skiing experience?

No backcountry or avalanche experience is necessary to join this Whistler backcountry ski touring trip. The trip suits skiers and splitboarders of all levels, from beginner to advanced , and your guide will match the terrain to your group’s ability, the conditions, and the kind of day you’re after. A good level of fitness is all you need. Your guide will take care of the rest, from route choice to a companion rescue briefing before heading out.

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 do I need to bring?

Safety equipment (available to rent) Avalanche transceiver (3-antenna digital) Avalanche probe (320 cm / 10.5 ft) Avalanche shovel Headlamp and extra batteries Personal repair kit 2 ski straps Snow gear Skis (minimum 100 mm underfoot) with touring bindings, or a splitboard with splitboard bindings Ski touring or splitboard boots Climbing skins Adjustable poles Helmet Clothing Waterproof, breathable jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar) Top and bottom base layers (merino or poly blend) Softshell Puffy jacket or mid-layer Goggles Sunglasses Toque/beanie Face warmer Brimmed hat Insulated gloves Light gloves Socks (merino or merino/poly blend) Personal items & essentials Backpack (around 24–40L) Sunscreen and lip balm Waterproof notebook Lunch Water bottle or thermos Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Can I rent ski and safety equipment?

Yes. A full avalanche safety kit (transceiver, probe, and shovel) is available for rent, you can add it to your booking at checkout. Ski or splitboard touring gear can also be arranged at an additional cost, leave us a note at checkout if interested.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: This is a private day out: your group gets its own guide, and you call the shots on terrain and objectives. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants. Whistler backcountry ski touring days 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Whistler backcountry ski touring day on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Whistler backcountry ski touring day is Whistler, British Columbia . To get there, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) . From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Whistler. You will meet your guide at 8:30 am at the HandleBar, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.

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.

Skier in a yellow jacket carving down a steep, snowy slope, kicking up powder, with forested mountains behind in Whistler

Whistler | British Columbia

Whistler Backcountry Ski Touring: Private Guided Day Trip

Name: Whistler Backcountry Ski Touring: Private Day Trip
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (7 reviews)

1 day | Easy to Challenging | 5.00

From $535 ()

Reserve now

Whistler gets plenty of attention for its resort, but for me the best skiing here has always been just past the ropes. With a lift ticket and a pair of skins, you can be in Garibaldi Provincial Park by mid-morning, skiing terrain most people only ever see from the chairlift. On storm days we stay in the sub-alpine trees, where the snow piles up deep and the visibility holds. When it clears, the Spearhead Range opens up big glacier lines, and some days Rainbow, across the valley, is holding the deepest snow. I’ve spent years learning where the good snow hides around here, and I’d love to show you.

Monte

ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

Adventure Highlights

Powder the locals keep quiet about: Open tree glades, big alpine slopes, steep couloirs, your guide reads the day and picks the best of it
Lift-assisted or fully human-powered: Ride the Whistler-Blackcomb lifts into Garibaldi Park, or skin up the quieter Rainbow side
Your group, your call: Get your own guide and shape the day around your ability, the conditions, and the adventure you want

Duration

1 day

Season

January through March

Group size

Up to 6 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This private, full-day ski tour is all about finding the best backcountry snow around Whistler, BC. You put your group together, and your ACMG-certified guide plans the day around your ability, the conditions, and the kind of adventure you’re after. That could be storm-day tree skiing on Whistler, glaciated alpine terrain in Blackcomb’s Spearhead Range, or a fully human-powered tour in the Rainbow Mountain area. The trip works for skiers and splitboarders from beginner to advanced, and no backcountry or avalanche experience is needed. It runs every Saturday from January 15 to March 30, and other days can often be arranged on request.

What our day looks like

Skier with skis on backpack boot-packs up a steep snow couloir toward rocky ridge under blue sky in Whistler

We meet at 8:30 am at the HandleBar at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. There we go over the plan for the day and run through a companion rescue briefing. Around 9 am, we hop on the lift and head up. Depending on where the best snow is, we either tour off the ski hill into Garibaldi Provincial Park or head across the valley to Rainbow Mountain. On mornings with avalanche control, the backcountry may open a little later. We spend the day skiing and are back at the HandleBar around 4 pm.

Duration: Full day (8:30 am–4 pm)
Meeting point: The HandleBar, base of Blackcomb Mountain
What’s included: ACMG-certified guide, group equipment
Not included: Lift tickets, ski and safety gear, food

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Photo gallery

Three backcountry skiers with poles and backpacks climb a snowy slope toward rocky mountains and cloud in Whistler

Skier in a blue jacket descends a powder slope, leaving winding tracks below snowy rocky peaks in Whistler

Skier in teal jacket carving through deep powder on a steep slope beside snow-covered conifers in Whistler

Skier with red backpack carves a turn down a steep snow slope, spraying powder above rocky snowy mountains in Whistler

Adventure, packed to go

Whistler Backcountry Ski Touring: Private Guided Day Trip

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

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

5.00

Monte

ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

Monte is an ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide based in Squamish, BC, leading clients through skiing, mountaineering, and climbing year-round. With an engineering degree in his back pocket, he traded the desk life for the mountains full-time — and never looked back. Beyond guiding, he works in avalanche forecasting and film safety, bringing deep technical expertise to everything he does. Monte has explored peaks and slopes across six continents, from Patagonia and Japan to Kenya, Oman, and the Canadian Rockies, with India, Russia, and China already on the horizon. A self-confessed gear junkie, he genuinely loves pushing equipment to its limits and sharing honest, hard-won opinions on what works in the real world.

5.00

Bram

ACMG Ski Guide, CAA Practitioner CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor

Bram is a California native whose love for the mountains has taken him around the globe. He’s spent seasons skiing across the U.S., Canada, France, and New Zealand, always chasing deep snow, rugged peaks, and great food and beer. Passionate about helping others reach their goals, he splits his winters between guiding in the Sea to Sky and at Last Frontier Heliskiing. In summer, he’s back in Squamish, BC—working in tech, climbing, skiing, and enjoying life with his son.

5.00

Brian

ACMG Apprentice Alpine Guide, ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide, CAA Avalanche Practitioner

Based in Squamish, BC, Brian is a passionate, energetic guide with deep roots in the mountains of Western Canada. With years of experience as a climbing coach, guide, and instructor, he brings both technical skill and a warm, welcoming presence to every trip. Brian loves long ski traverses, alpine ridges, and splitter cracks—but what he enjoys most is connecting with people and sharing those magical moments that make mountain adventures unforgettable. Off-duty, you’ll find him reading, roaming, or hanging with his dogs.

5.00

Chris

ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide, CAA Avalanche Professional

Chris brings over three decades of mountain experience and a deep well of knowledge to every adventure. His career has spanned outdoor education, ski patrol, cat and heli guiding, touring, ice and rock climbing, mountaineering, and film safety rigging. From ski descents in Japan and the Alps to multiple ascents of Mt. Waddington, his journey began in BC’s Coast Range and was shaped in the Strathcona Alps. Now based in Squamish, Chris specializes in mountain rescue training and plays a key role in developing helicopter rescue with TEAAM.

5.00

Drew

ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide, ACMG Alpine Guide, CAA Avalanche Practitioner

Drew has been a passionate climber, skier, splitboarder, and all-around mountain enthusiast for decades. His first visit to Squamish, BC in 2008 left him captivated by the dramatic landscapes, deep powder, and endless granite walls—he was hooked for life. Soon after, he made the West Coast his permanent home. Years of climbing and sharing his passion with others naturally led him to guiding. From long multi-pitch routes and alpine summits to heli-skiing, touring, and instructional courses, Drew is excited to craft each mountain adventure around his guests’ goals and dreams.

5.00

Eric

ACMG Ski Guide, ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide, CAA Avalanche Professional

Eric is an ACMG Ski Guide, Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association, and Apprentice Rock Guide based in Revelstoke, where he’s spent the past 17 winters exploring the legendary Rogers Pass and surrounding terrain. His guiding and climbing experience extends to the Saint Elias Range, Coast Mountains, Canadian Rockies, and Sierra Nevada. Known for his enthusiasm, deep knowledge, and commitment to going the extra mile, Eric is passionate about creating exceptional experiences for his guests—and can’t wait to share his love of the mountains with you.

5.00

Hayden

ACMG Ski Guide, CAA Avalanche Practitioner

After earning a degree in Criminal Justice, Hayden realized policing wasn’t the path for him. Instead, he moved to Japan to teach English—and in the process, discovered ski guiding. For the past nine years, he’s turned that passion into a career, starting in Hokkaido and expanding his guiding to Pakistan, the Alps, and closer to his current home in Squamish. A lifelong traveler, Hayden now spends half the year living out of a duffel bag, chasing snow and adventure around the world.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (7 reviews)

John H.

Our group of 8 had a fantastic day in the backcountry with Tucker and Brian. The guides were both very helpful and picked fantastic lines for the downhill. Uphill climbs were challenging but not technical or too steep (no kick turns required). They met us around 8:15 am and we were out until about 4:30 pm.

Adam Thompson

I’ve use Monte (head guide) for 2 seasons now for backcountry ski-touring. He’s very experienced, inspires confidence, and ensures you develop your skills as you go while feeling safe. He’s also highly capable of finding fine powder lines, great views, and good company to ski with. Can’t recommend him enough.

Colin N

I have been on a number of backcountry ski/ski mountaineering trips with Monte & the team 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.

Show all reviews

John H.

Adam Thompson

Colin N

On all the trips Monte and his guides have displayed excellent professionalism, tuition, and decision making in the mountains.

I would not hesitate to go on more trips in Monte in future.

Nick Huber

Cam was a fantastic guide! He had a wealth of knowledge about avalanches, hazards as well as snowpack and was always ready with a detailed answer to any questions we had. He was professional and taught us techniques during our day.

Monte, as well as the rest of the the team we dealt with were professional and helpful, and made a great recommendation on where to rent split boards. We will definitely look to book with them our next time out.

RIchard Somerset

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.

Nicolas Cuillery

My trip had a bad start due to lost baggage and flight cancelation, but Monte had done a great job to find me some skis and arrange the situation. His cheerful welcome quickly makes me forget about those flight travel issues.

I was guided by Chris who has made the ski experience memorable. Beyond the professional aspect of mountain guiding, getting to know Chris, listening his stories and benefiting from his incredible experience was truly inspirational.

Nate

Great friendly staff and instructors. They were friendly, very helpful and had great experienced instructors. James was great!

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local ACMG certified ski touring guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A full day of private backcountry ski touring around Whistler
  - Group equipment
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Avalanche safety equipment rental (avy kit)
  - Whistler – Blackcomb backcountry lift ticket
  - Backcountry ski passes & ski gear rental — leave a note at checkout if interested
Not included:
- - Transportation to Canada
  - Accommodations
  - Meals
  - Ski gear
  - Safety equipment
  - Lift tickets
  - Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
It all depends on where the best snow is that day. Your guides usually choose between three main zones:
- - Whistler Mountain — plenty of ski touring right off the lifts, with open tree skiing in sub-alpine glades, which makes it a great zone for storm days
  - Blackcomb’s Spearhead Range — higher terrain with lots of high alpine, glaciated skiing, from big faces to steep couloirs
  - Rainbow Mountain area — across the valley, a fully human-powered option where the snow is usually a little deeper, with everything from open glades to big alpine slopes
Some of your guides’ favorite tours in the area:
- - Best pow: Disease Ridge into Chutting Gallery
  - Steeps & couloirs: Cham Chutes, Vista Chute, Husume
  - Glacier tour: Spearhead to Decker
  - Backcountry warm-up: East Col, Circle Lake, Body Bag Bowl
In order to join this Whistler backcountry ski touring day, reasonable fitness is required, but no backcountry or avalanche experience is needed. The trip works for anyone from beginner to advanced, on skis or a splitboard.

Your guide picks the terrain to match your ability, the day’s conditions, and the kind of adventure you’re after, so the pace and the climbing are tailored to your group. You should be comfortable skiing or riding off-piste and happy spending a full winter day moving uphill under your own power. Exact distance and elevation gain depend on where the best snow is that morning.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover our collection of backcountry skiing adventures in British Columbia.
No backcountry or avalanche experience is necessary to join this Whistler backcountry ski touring trip. The trip suits skiers and splitboarders of all levels, from beginner to advanced, and your guide will match the terrain to your group’s ability, the conditions, and the kind of day you’re after. A good level of fitness is all you need. Your guide will take care of the rest, from route choice to a companion rescue briefing before heading out.
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.
Safety equipment (available to rent)
- - Avalanche transceiver (3-antenna digital)
  - Avalanche probe (320 cm / 10.5 ft)
  - Avalanche shovel
  - Headlamp and extra batteries
  - Personal repair kit
  - 2 ski straps
Snow gear
- - Skis (minimum 100 mm underfoot) with touring bindings, or a splitboard with splitboard bindings
  - Ski touring or splitboard boots
  - Climbing skins
  - Adjustable poles
  - Helmet
Clothing
- - Waterproof, breathable jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
  - Top and bottom base layers (merino or poly blend)
  - Softshell
  - Puffy jacket or mid-layer
  - Goggles
  - Sunglasses
  - Toque/beanie
  - Face warmer
  - Brimmed hat
  - Insulated gloves
  - Light gloves
  - Socks (merino or merino/poly blend)
Personal items & essentials
- - Backpack (around 24–40L)
  - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Waterproof notebook
  - Lunch
  - Water bottle or thermos
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Yes. A full avalanche safety kit (transceiver, probe, and shovel) is available for rent, you can add it to your booking at checkout. Ski or splitboard touring gear can also be arranged at an additional cost, leave us a note at checkout if interested.
Group sizes and pricing:
- - This is a private day out: your group gets its own guide, and you call the shots on terrain and objectives. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants.
  - Whistler backcountry ski touring days 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Whistler backcountry ski touring day on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Whistler backcountry ski touring day is Whistler, British Columbia. To get there, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Whistler.

You will meet your guide at 8:30 am at the HandleBar, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
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.
- Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
- Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
- Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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