Backcountry Skiing in Alberta

Get ready for the ultimate backcountry skiing adventure in Alberta! Led by experienced local guides, our all-inclusive trips cater to all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned skiers. With hassle-free planning, you can focus on carving lines through untouched powder and soaking in breathtaking alpine views. Let’s make your dream ski trip a reality!

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Chasing fresh tracks in Alberta’s beautiful backcountry

Alberta is a mecca for backcountry skiers, with a world-class mix of untouched powder, rugged peaks, and endless terrain to explore. From the towering Rockies of Banff and Jasper to the iconic slopes of Kananaskis and the hidden gems of the Purcell Range, this province boasts some of the finest backcountry lines in North America.

Whether you’re dropping into a couloir on Bow Summit, skinning up to remote alpine bowls in the Icefields Parkway, or savoring perfect tree runs in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta delivers every type of terrain a skier dreams of. With consistent snowfall, jaw-dropping vistas, and a strong culture of mountain adventure, it’s no wonder Alberta is a bucket-list destination for anyone seeking turns beyond the resort boundaries.

From first tracks to epic summits: Alberta’s backcountry delivers

Alberta’s backcountry draws everyone in, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been chasing lines for years. For beginners, it’s all about the thrill of your first powder turns, and we’ve got mellow day trips with plenty of stoke and guidance to ease you in.

Seasoned skiers? You’ll find challenges worthy of your skills—from multi-day hut-to-hut adventures deep in the Rockies to ski mountaineering missions that get your heart pounding. Whether you’re lapping a pristine alpine bowl, traversing ridgelines, or bagging peaks, every trip is crafted to bring the magic of the mountains to life. Wherever you are in your backcountry journey, Alberta has a perfect line waiting for you to drop in.

From locals, with love: Your guide to Alberta’s backcountry

There’s nothing like exploring Alberta’s backcountry with someone who knows these mountains like the back of their hand. That’s why we team up with local guides who bring more than just technical expertise—they bring a deep love and respect for the terrain.

They’ll lead you to the best stashes, share stories of the area’s history, and teach you the nuances of traveling safely in these wild, powder-filled landscapes. Their passion for the backcountry is contagious, turning every ski day into an unforgettable adventure. With their insider knowledge, you’ll see Alberta in a way that only a true local can show you—authentic, raw, and absolutely awe-inspiring.

Effortless exploration: All-inclusive backcountry adventures

Imagine rolling up to the slopes with nothing to worry about but the epic day ahead—that’s exactly what we’re here to deliver. Our all-inclusive trips are designed for maximum stoke and zero stress.

We’ve got the logistics dialed—permits, accommodations, meals, and even gear advice—so you can focus on skinning up, slashing powder turns, and soaking in Alberta’s unreal alpine vibes. Whether it’s a single day of epic lines or a week-long backcountry odyssey, we’ve got everything covered. No scrambling, no guesswork—just pure, hassle-free backcountry bliss. All you need to bring is your stoke, and we’ll handle the rest.

What do people think of Backcountry Skiing in Alberta?

George M.J.

about Backcountry Skiing on the Wapta Traverse

I was out on trips with Tom Wolfe of Sawback Alpine Adventures twice during the ski season of winter 2018. Both trips were great. The Bow / Yoho Wapta Traverse was particularly spectacular traveling between Alpine Club of Canada huts. Tom really knows this area well.

Climber64254398745

about Ski Mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies

Guided ski touring with AAA is unreal. I keep coming back for more and only get more addicted! The knowledge of conditions and routes is deep enough that you can have excellent days even when most people choose to stay in. I’ll be back!

Kent Ulrich

about Backcountry Skiing in Lake Louise

I had 2 guides; Tamara and Jeff, both we exceptional, not only were they very experienced and accomplished guides, they were fun, and helped make my adventure even better. I wanted to learn as well as have an experience and I did. I would completely recommend them.

I had booked 2 days and both were exceptional. My guides Tamara and Jeff gave me two amazing backcountry experiences, one was the Surprise Pass route which was on my “must ski list” and it completely met all my expectations.

Stuart Conolly

about Backcountry Skiing in the Canadian Rockies

Jeff Bullock is a remarkable mountain guide, with more than 25 years experience.. His professionalism is apparent from day one and it gave us confidence to tackle some big mountains is remote territory. In addition Jeff is a very friendly and a generous person who is easy-going and fun to talk with about lots of things. I have the highest regard for him.

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Frequently asked questions about backcountry skiing in Alberta

Does Alberta have good skiing? Oh, you bet it does—and then some. This place is a backcountry skier’s dream come true. Think endless powder, jaw-dropping alpine bowls, epic couloirs, and tree runs that’ll have you grinning ear to ear.

The Rockies here provide consistent snow, stunning terrain, and that perfect mix of accessible zones and remote wilderness for those willing to work a little harder for their turns. Bow Summit, Kananaskis, the Icefields Parkway—it’s all here, waiting for you to skin up and drop in. Trust us, one day out here, and you’ll be hooked.
The best backcountry skiing in Alberta? It’s hard to pick favorites, but let us give you the highlights.

Start with Bow Summit in Banff National Park—an iconic spot with easily accessible lines and jaw-dropping views.

For more of a challenge, head to the Icefields Parkway, where you’ll find steep couloirs, massive glaciers, and endless alpine bowls.

Over in Kananaskis Country, there’s a mix of everything—wide-open glades, tight trees, and even summit-worthy objectives for ski mountaineers.

And if you’re up for the full wilderness experience, the Purcell Mountains just on the edge of Alberta deliver remote, untouched terrain that’ll blow your mind.

Every zone has its own flavor, but they all share one thing: pure stoke, untracked lines, and the kind of beauty you’ll be dreaming about long after the last turn.
The best season for backcountry skiing in Alberta? It’s a long one, and every part of it has its own charm.

For most skiers, the sweet spot is from December to April, when the snowpack is reliable, and the powder is deep.

Early season (December and January) delivers cold temps and light, dry snow—perfect for those dreamy face shots.

By February and March, the days get longer, and the snowpack stabilizes, opening up bigger alpine terrain for those who want to chase couloirs and summit lines.

Spring (April and even into May) is prime for ski mountaineering, with firmer mornings for climbing and soft corn turns in the afternoon.